PAIGNTON, DEVON
Paignton is an English coastal town on "the English Riviera" near Torquay, in the county of Devon. Over the years, the two towns have grown into each other, and together with Brixham to the south they form the unitary authority of Torbay.
Paignton appears in records in the 11th century, and for most of its history has primarily been a fishing village. During its expansion in the 19th century, a new harbour was constructed according to the Paington Harbour Act of 1837 (notice yet another spelling). Since then the rise of tourism led to the appearance of Paignton Pier, and has fuelled an even greater expansion which led to Paignton effectively swallowing the adjacent coastal villages of Goodrington and Preston. Oldway Mansion, formerly the home of the Singer family (of sewing machine fame) lies between Preston and Paignton, and is now the meetingplace of Torbay Council. Other Singer legacies in Paignton include the Palace Hotel and the Inn On The Green, both of which were homes for Isaac Singer's sons, and Paignton Green itself, which was used as a runway for their private aircraft.
Nowadays Paignton depends heavily on tourism, and is marketed predominantly at the lower to middle end (economically speaking) of the British population. The long beach in summer is frequently crowded by tourists devouring ice-cream and fish'n'chips. Night life is predominantly late-opening bars and clubs on the sea-front. A recent addition to Paignton's attractions is the Quaywest waterpark on Goodrington beach. However, the most famous attraction in the town still remains Paignton Zoo.
Paignton beach and the nearby Preston Sands are the best places in Torbay to launch for water sports such as wind and kite surfing, as well as dinghy sailing.
At the southern end of Paignton Sands you'll find the lively harbour. From here there are countless boat trips to locations all around the south Devon coastline along with fishing trips in the seas beyond.
PAIGNTON HOTELS
Bay Sands Hotel
14 Colin Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ3 2NR.
Bay Sands Hotel is a friendly, family run hotel that extends you a warm welcome and aims to make your stay with us a memorable one.
Beresford Hotel
5 Adelphi Rd, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6AW.
The Beresford Hotel has eight en suite bedrooms, a comfortable residents' lounge ,a sunny dining room and car parking We are situated in a quiet side street only 100 yards from the seafront near to the shops and restaurants.
Berry Hotel
6 Berry Sq, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6AZ.
The Berry hotel is a warm and friendly hotel situated on the level just a minutes walk to the beach. Shops, restaurants and entertainment are all close at hand.
Cherwood Hotel
26 Garfield Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6AX.
We aim to help you enjoy your stay in Devon by providing accommodation with the highest level of comfort and service. Silver award Superbly placed by seafront, close all amenities and town, guests can truly write 'wish you were here.
Great Western Hotel
4 Belle Vue Rd, Sands Rd, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6ER.
A theme hotel with toy trains and railway memorabilia as seen on Television. 150 metres walk to Steam Trains, Railway, Coach and Bus stations. 75 metres to beach,harbour and the town.
Rowcroft Hotel
14 Youngs Park Road, Goodrington Sands, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6BU.
Highly recommended licensed, family hotel in a great position, close to glorious beaches & overlooking a tranquil park. Free parking. Great food. All en-suite and heated. Views. 100 yards level walk to beaches.
The No Smoking Clifton At Paignton
Clifton Hotel, 9-10 Kernou Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6BA.
Ideally situated, being only level yards from the seafront, town, shops, harbour and main railway and coach stations. Non-smoking hotel 'close to everywhere'.
PAIGNTON ATTRACTIONS
Quaywest waterpark
Goodrington beach
Paignton Zoo
TRANSPORT LINKS
Paignton is served by Paignton Railway Station and is approximately 21 miles from Exeter Airport. It is 17 miles from M5 Junction 31 just off the A3022.
