Attractions around Paignton
There are a wealth of attractions here on the Riviera and as a year round resort many are open 364 days a year so even when the sun doesn’t shine there is always something the keep everyone entertained. Here are just a few.
The new Crocodile Swamp exhibit at Paignton Zoo, NOW OPEN, should be entered with care. After all, the residents include the world’s most aggressive crocodile, the world’s largest crocodile and the world’s longest snake.
Crocodile Swamp
Paignton Zoo is home to thousands of amazing animals and plants. Visit the desert, cross the savannah, explore the forest and trek through the tropics. Use your senses to discover the wild world: look around, listen out - you’ll even need your sense of smell! It’s a great day out for everyone.
Paignton Zoo
Living Coasts, Torquay's Coastal Zoo, is a unique, world class aquatic visitor attraction, focusing on the conservation of coastal and marine life around the globe. It has been developed by Paignton Zoo, with financial support from the South West Regional Development Agency and the European Regional Development fund.
Living Coast
All tours commence from Cary Parade, Torquay which is situated opposite Torquay Pavillion, Harbourside Just look out for the big blue open-top tour bus parked outside K's amusement arcade.
Morning tours leave at 10:30am and returns at approximately 12:15pm
Afternoon tours leave at 1:30pm and returns at approximately 3:15pm
Ring: 01803 215652 or 07831 409 471
Now all the family can experience the thrill and romance of ballooning aboard the Torbay HiFlyer. The giant helium filled tethered balloon gently ascends to an altitude of up to 400 feet above Torbay offering passengers a spectacular view of the surrounding coast and countryside.
Rising from its landing pad in Abbey Gardens beside Abbey Sands in Torquay, this is a unique experience not to be missed when visiting the bay. So don’t forget your camera as there are sure to be some awesome views.
The 15-minute trip is affordable and accessible for everyone. Open weave viewing ports ensure that the view for wheelchair users and small children is not obstructed.
Torbay HiFlyer
Steam trains from Paignton, running along the spectacular Torbay coast with superb views across the Bay, inland to Churston and then down to the beautiful Dart estuary to Kingswear for the ferry to historic Dartmouth. Combined river excursions are available.
Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway
Take time out from the hustle and bustle of every day life and feel on top of the world as you see it recreated in miniature. Thousands of miniature buildings, people and vehicles capture the essence of England's past, present and future. It's not just the humour, nor the animation - it has a life of its own. Come and see for yourself!
Babbacombe Model Village
The Babbacombe Cliff railway (Near Torquay) runs from Easter to the end of September each year, like most of the seaside railways it runs down to a Oddiscombe Beach. It was built by Messers Waygood in 1926.
Cliff Railway
The thatched village of Cockington is the perfect setting for a walk - no matter what time of year it is. It has a historic forge, picture-postcard cottages, horse and carriage rides, a court and church, tea rooms, thatched pub and, of course the lakes and woods.
Cockington Village
The River Dart is one of the most important waterways in Devon. It winds its way down from Dartmoor to the port of Dartmouth on the South Devon coast.
The River Dart
Leave the car behind – board one of our delightful ferries to enjoy stunning scenery and unexpected wildlife – along the magnificent River Dart to Dartmouth and beyond!
River Link Cruises
A stone age site which is now home to a historical experience where many artefacts from the time can be explored. Kents Cavern is located just a mile away from the bustling harbour town of Torquay and is a thoroughly fascinating and educational day out for all the family.
Kents Caverns
A demonstration organic farm re-connecting people with food, farming and the countryside. Occombe Farm is a project of Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, an environmental charity looking after many of Torbay's wild places and heritage sites. All the profits from Occombe Farm go to support conservation work in Torbay.
Occombe Farm
The Golden Hind captained by Sir Francis Drake undertook one of the most historic and exciting voyages of all time. Between 1577 and 1580 the Golden Hind circumnavigated the world making vital discoveries before returning home with amazing treasures.
This ship now offers an amazing insight into life onboard a 16th century sailing ship and is based in Brixham, Devon the area where Sir Francis Drake lived and worked.
Berry Pomeroy Castle - The castle, now a romantic ruin, is reputed to be one of the most haunted in the British Isles. It has numerous legends associated with it, and although now only a shell of its former glory, it retains an air of its troubled history.
Berry Pomeroy Castle
