Not really. The beach, town centre and harbour are all within a 10-minute walk of Mercure Paignton, and Torquay is a short train ride away if you want to venture further.
Discover Authentic Paignton: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
At Mercure, we believe you shouldn't need a guidebook to feel like you belong somewhere. That's the idea behind Discover Local: since 1973, every Mercure hotel has been built around its neighbourhood, not just dropped into it — from the décor on the walls to the flavours on the menu. Step into any Mercure and our teams are on hand with the kind of tips you won't find in a guidebook: the market stall locals queue for, the bar where nobody speaks English, the walk that skips the crowds. They live here. They know. Discover Local isn't a generic city guide — it's a short, honest list of the restaurants, markets and neighbourhoods our own hotel teams actually recommend to guests, updated as the city changes around us. Below, you'll find our picks for Paignton, an interactive map to help you find your way, and answers to the questions travellers ask us most. So — where will Discover Local take you?
Our map pins local favourites such as Paignton Zoo, Sandridge Barton vineyard and the Princess Theatre.
Top 5 Things to Do in Paignton
Paignton Harbour
A working harbour with fishing boats still tied up alongside the restaurants, this is where to find the day's catch cooked simply. TJ's Restaurant by the water is known for fresh, locally landed seafood and harbour views, and it's an easy stroll from the seafront.
Paignton Sands
The town's main beach is a long, wide stretch of golden sand right below the hotel, made for a slow morning walk before the day heats up. It's a proper family beach: gentle shelving water, plenty of space, and no need to fight for a spot even in peak season.
Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway
A working steam line that traces the coast down to Kingswear, with sea views on one side and Devon countryside on the other. It's an old-fashioned way to spend an afternoon, and a good option if the weather turns.
Paignton Zoo
Home to over 2,000 animals across botanical grounds, this is one of the region's most-visited attractions and an easy taxi or short drive from the seafront. Give it a half day at least; the gardens alone are worth lingering in.
Goodrington Sands
A Blue Flag beach just south of the main seafront, quieter than Paignton Sands and backed by parks, amusements and cafés. It's the pick if you want clean water and a bit more room to spread out.
Explore Paignton's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in Paignton
We've mapped local spots on the English Riviera. Where will you head first?
Outdoors & family
Paignton Zoo
More than 2,000 animals – gorillas, giraffes, rhinos, red pandas – across 32 hectares that are also a registered botanical garden. A conservation charity, and a full day out whatever the weather.
Paignton · Zoo · Perfect for families
Reach Outdoors
Kayaking, coasteering, paddleboarding and indoor climbing in the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark. Ready to get wet?
Torbay · Outdoor activities · Made for adventure
E-bike hire with Evo Bikes
E-bikes make light work of South Devon's hills. Our Mercure Paignton is the only place in Torbay where you can hire them on site, with four bikes available – and free delivery across TQ postcodes.
Mercure Paignton · Bike hire · Great for exploring the coast
Brixham
A busy fishing town 20 minutes away, with heritage trawlers and the Blue Flag Breakwater Beach. Fish and chips on the harbour wall, anyone?
Brixham · Fishing town · Perfect for a day by the sea
Dartmoor National Park
Wild moorland and deep river valleys for walking, cycling, riding and climbing. Pack layers.
Dartmoor · National park · Made for the outdoors
Boat Trips Torbay
Family-run cruises from Brixham, Paignton and Torquay. Keep your eyes peeled for seals, porpoises and dolphins.
Torbay · Boat trips · Ideal for wildlife
Greenway
Agatha Christie's holiday home: a Georgian house with 1950s interiors and a riverside boathouse.
River Dart · National Trust house · Perfect for Christie fans
Cockington
A picture-perfect village of thatched cottages and a water mill. Stop for a cream tea.
Torquay · Village · Great for cream tea
Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boats
Steam trains and boat trips linking Paignton and Dartmouth along the coast. All aboard.
Paignton · Steam railway · Made for families
Totnes
A historic town on the River Dart, dating from 907, known for its independent shops.
Totnes · Market town · Ideal for shopping
South West Coast Path
A 630-mile trail, with sections for every kind of walk along the Torbay coast. Pick a stretch and go.
Torbay · Hiking trail · Perfect for walkers
Wine & shows
Sandridge Barton (Sharpham Wine)
Planted in 2008 on a south-facing slope above the River Dart, home to Sharpham Wine. Choose a self-guided or guided tasting and tour.
Dart Valley · Vineyard · Made for wine lovers
Princess Theatre
Opened in 1961, South Devon's largest theatre (1,491 seats) hosts West End productions, comedy, music and family shows. The Beatles played here in 1963.
Torquay · Theatre · Great for big shows
Palace Theatre
Paignton's community theatre: drama, live music and comedy, plus workshops, classes and exhibitions.
Paignton · Theatre · Ideal for local culture
Agatha Christie walking tours
Walk through the Torquay haunts of Agatha Christie's youth – and spot the places that found their way into her novels.
Torquay · Walking tour · Perfect for Christie fans
Exeter Gin
An award-winning family gin distillery with a gin school and bar. Blend your own.
Distillery · Made for gin lovers
FAQ
Cream first, then jam, on your scone, the reverse of the Cornish method. Get it right and you'll avoid an argument with any local café owner.
It's a bit far to walk comfortably, around 2.5km, so a short taxi or drive of a few minutes is the more practical option.
Yes. Mercure Paignton is the only place in Torbay with e-bikes for hire on site.
It has more than 2,000 animals across 32 hectares and is also a registered botanical garden.
Yes. Sandridge Barton in the Dart Valley, home to Sharpham Wine, offers tastings and tours.
Where to Sleep in Paignton
See Mercure hotels around Paignton, all within reach of these picks.