The English Riviera is a favourite destination for a classic holiday at the seaside. Centrally located like the beating heart of the region is Paignton, an extremely family-friendly town with fantastic amenities that include welcoming cottages to rent, lots of places to eat out, shops, an enormous children’s play area, sandy beach and promenade. Paignton has so much to offer, it even has its own zoo so we strongly recommend you stay for as long as you can to enjoy the many attractions of this beautiful part of Devon. Read more
The Old Print Shed is situated in a peaceful location in the lovely South Hams. It lies on the outskirts of a quiet village within easy walking distance of the 13th Century Public House and Grade I Listed Church. The historic town of Totnes is just 3 miles away. The property is ideally located for those who love walking with Dartmoor National Park and the South Devon Coast within easy driving distance. The area offers historic towns, National Trust properties such as Agatha Christie's Greenway and the glorious sandy beaches of Bantham, Thurlestone and Blackpool Sands to name a few. Lots to see and do for all.
"2 Thurlestone Court" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. 2 Thurlestone Court is a wonderfully presented, spacious and elegant apartment situated on the ground floor of a grand period property located in an elevated position overlooking Dartmouth and with views towards the River Dart and surrounding...
"Shaldon Bridge Retreat, Shaldon" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Devon. Step inside and you’ll immediately notice the light-filled living space, enhanced by a distinctive shopfront-style window that gives the apartment its open and airy feel. The welcoming lounge provides a comfortable place to relax after a day...
"Rose Cottage in Holcombe" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. Teignmouth, a historic seaside town in South Devon, is located at the mouth of the Teign estuary and features a working harbour, sandy beach, Victorian pier, sailing club, diving centre, and sea activity centre. The town's seaward side, known...
"Bluebell Cottage" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Devon. This pretty, welcoming stone barn conversion has exposed roof beams and an abundance of charm and character. Bluebell Cottage situated in Buckland Court, is one of a group of superb, architect designed conversions,...
"White Oxen Manor, Owl Cottage" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Devon. White Oxen Manor is situated within a sheltered valley on the southern boundaries of Dartmoor National Park surrounded by fields and woodland. It is an ancient listed Devon Longhouse standing in its own...
"Hoburne Devon Bay - Holiday Accommodation 15841" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Torbay.
"Shipwrights" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Torbay. Galmpton is a charming village located in the Greenway region, halfway between Paignton and Brixham, where there are well-kept walks with breathtaking views of the River Dart and chances for ferry trips along the river in the direction of...
"Clock Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. Clock Cottage is a well-presented cottage forming part of a popular exclusive development situated in the picturesque waterside village of Dittisham and surrounded by 4 acres of communal grounds with views across local countryside and the river...
"Kittery House, Kingswear" is a 7 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 13 guests in Devon. Kittery House is one of those rare places that immediately feels extraordinary. Set behind private gates and commanding an unrivalled position directly on the waterfront of the River Dart, this remarkable historic house offers an exclusive...
"11 Mayflower Court" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. A bright and contemporary third floor apartment that has been finished to a good standard and is situated in a desirable riverside development boasting enviable views across the River Dart. Relax in the bright and comfortable living area and...
"1 Keepers Cottage, Hillfield Village" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. Dartmouth lies on the banks of the beautiful River Dart estuary in the popular and picturesque South Hams area of South Devon. Located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and close to the coast, Dartmouth is one of the most popular...
"3 Manor House, Dartmouth" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. Tucked away in the heart of historic Dartmouth, 3 Manor House is a dreamy escape for those seeking luxury, comfort, and an unrivalled outlook over the enchanting River Dart.The light-filled living area, with comfy sofas, high ceilings,...
"Semira Tent Lodge" is a 2 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. Blackawton and the neighbouring towns and villages are ideal for a relaxing holiday in South Devon. Just a short drive from Dartmouth and the beautiful Start Bay beaches, this spot strikes a nice balance between isolation and accessibility,...
"The Haytor Wool Store" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. This converted former farm building is within view of Dartmoor National Park’s most famed beauty spot and well loved ancient tor, Haytor Rock, and now provides three fantastic holiday properties. They have been sympathetically converted and...
"Bethany" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Torbay. Bethany is a two bedroom bungalow with a beautiful private garden and the benefit of private parking.. 2 steps to entrance. All on the Ground Floor: Living/dining room: Smart TV, Sofa Bed (Double) (Flexible...
"Number 1, Thurlestone Court" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Devon. Mixing elegant charm with contemporary and tasteful furnishings, Number 1 offers spacious accommodation on the ground floor of a grand Victorian property with wide reaching views and a bright south facing terrace. Located just...
"Avon Barn" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Devon. Tucked deep in a wooded valley close to the River Avon in the tiny hamlet of Curtisknowle, hidden in the very heart of the South Hams. Converted from the original linhay and stables, Avon Barn provides an ideal base within easy reach of the...
"Mayflower, Maritime Suites, Brixham" is a 1 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 4 guests in Torbay. Suites by Luxury Coastal collection - our suites all the comforts you’d expect from a Luxury Coastal stay; beautiful bedrooms, large bathrooms and excellent location. In Mayflower you won’t find a cooker or fully equipped kitchen however there...
"2 Bed Cottage in Brixham" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Torbay. Additional information and rules. Please enquire if you wish to bring more than 1 dog - 2 Bedrooms - 1 super-king-size and 1 twin - 1 Shower room and 1 bathroom with shower over bath - Electric oven and gas hob, microwave,...
"Bluebell" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. Bluebell is a super apartment within Stancombe Manor which boasts great facilities including indoor pool, sauna, tennis courts, games room and snooker room. This tastefully presented ground floor apartment opens out on to well maintained...
"Fairyfield" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 8 guests in Devon. Fairyfield is a superb, very private detached house on the South Devon coast with only one near neighbour, all on one level and with stunning views from most rooms across a wonderful seascape that sweeps across Start Bay to the...
"The Hideaway" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Devon. Dartmouth lies on the banks of the beautiful River Dart estuary in the popular and picturesque South Hams area of South Devon. Located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and close to the coast, Dartmouth is one of the most popular...
"Amberley" is a 3 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 6 guests in Devon. Coleridge House, an elegant property that sits within its own 5 acre grounds and yet is less than a mile from the pleasant South Devon village of Stokenham. Originally a country retreat this has now been converted into several...
"The Cosy View" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 5 guests in Torbay. Situated in the centre of Torbay between Brixham and Torquay, Paignton is one of South Devon's premier seaside resorts. Boasting long sandy beaches and a picturesque harbour, this charming town also plays host to a wonderful selection of shops,...
Popular towns in and around Devon:
AppledoreAxminsterAxmouthAylesbeareBabbacombeBamptonBarnstapleBeaworthyBeerBere AlstonBickingtonBidefordBlackdown HillsBradworthyBranscombeBratton FlemingBrauntonBrendonBridfordBrixhamBroadclystBroadwoodwidgerBuckfastleighBudeCadburyChagfordChallacombeChudleighChulmleighChumleighClayhidonClyst St LawrenceColytonCombe MartinCombe RaleighCreditonCroydeCullomptonDalwoodDartmoorDartmouthDawlishDevonDittishamDrewsteigntonDulvertonDunsterExeterExmoor National ParkExmouthGreat TorringtonHartlandHolsworthyHonitonHope CoveIlfracombeKingsbridgeLiftonLydfordLynmouthLyntonMaidencombeMemburyMineheadMoretonhampsteadMortehoeNewton AbbotNewton AbbottNoss MayoOakhamptonOkehamptonOkehampton HamletsPaigntonParkhamPlymouthPonsworthyPorlockPrincetownSalcombeSauntonSeatonShaldonSidmouthSimonsbathSlaptonSouth HamsSouth MoltonTavistockTeignmouthThrowleighThurlestoneTivertonTopshamTorbayTorcrossTorquayTotnesUmberleighUpotteryWelcombeWestward HoWidecombe in the MoorWinkleighWoolacombeWoolacombe BayYealmptonSome local suggestions:
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Paignton is the perfect seaside resort town. The mile-long stretch of sandy shore is ideal for walking, building sandcastles and enjoying the sunshine in a deckchair, while the calm waters are perfect for paddling and swimming. Paignton Pier is a traditional seaside sight, offering a choice of quick and tasty food and entertainment for the kids. Backing onto the beach is a large play area including a flat green (the site of a fair for most of the summer) and the excellent GeoPark that is so good you’ll have to bribe the kids with an ice cream to leave. Fortunately, Paignton takes its desserts seriously, and there is a good choice of cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Paignton’s relaxed pace is ideal for unwinding and having fun with your family. The English Riviera gets more than the national average amount of sunshine and warm temperatures, meaning you can spend all day at the beach punctuated with a round of mini golf, crabbing in the harbour and hot cinnamon doughnuts on the pier. If the weather isn’t great, then head indoors to the cinema or choice of amusement arcades.
If you feel like a change of venue for a day at the beach, head north to Torquay, the main town on the English Riviera. With its Victorian promenade and beautiful seafront Princess Gardens, fun rides on the English Riviera Wheel, and attractions geared around its most famous resident, Agatha Christie, you can while away a good few hours in Torquay. Or go south to Brixham where there is a busy harbour and marina with a small beach and outdoor swimming pool. Further afield are Goodringham Sands and Portland.
There is a wide array of attractions away from the beach that includes the ever-popular Paignton Zoo, Splashdown Quaywest water park, and Occombe Farm. Nearby National Trust properties include Compton Castle, Greenway, and Coleton Fishacre.
The South West Coast Path passes through Paignton with the stretch of footpath around Paignton’s Roundham Head being wheelchair accessible and offering breathtaking views of the English Riviera’s coastline. Another nice walk is from Paignton to Brixham, following way-marked footpaths through the gorgeous South Hams countryside and Elberry Cove.
Being close to Dartmoor National Park means visitors have easy access to endless miles of footpaths, not to mention mountain bike trails and opportunities to climb and cave. Thrill-seekers can try their hand at coasteering, surfing and stand-up paddle-boarding, while other ways to have fun include fishing, sailing and RIB tours, golf and cycling.
Days out from Paignton can include a puppet show at Weymouth, fossil hunting at Lyme Regis, or skimming stones at Durdle Door. The historic naval city of Plymouth is under an hour’s drive from Paignton where there is an aquarium and museums, shops, restaurants and other entertainments. Don’t miss the views from Plymouth Hoe, a stroll around the Barbican’s cobbled lanes, and the site from which The Mayflower left England for America.
The English Riviera takes its reputation as a favourite holiday destination seriously, ensuring there is always something fun to see and do in the school holidays. The town has a fun calendar of family-friendly events ranging from air shows to food festivals, fireworks, markets, and literary events.
If you are searching for a family-friendly holiday destination where everything is within easy reach, then Paignton is simply perfect.
