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Brixham and Paignton
Brixham and Paignton are the two southern towns of Torbay, and they could hardly be more different. Paignton is the family beach resort: long red-gold sands, a Victorian pier, a zoo, a steam railway and streets of guest houses. Brixham, around the headland at the southern end of the bay, is a working fishing port with coloured cottages stacked up the hillside above a busy harbour. They are about fifteen minutes apart by bus, and many people staying in one spend a day in the other.
Choose Paignton if you have small children, want to arrive by train and need a sandy beach within walking distance. Choose Brixham if you would rather have a harbour view, fresh fish and a good walk from the door, and do not mind steep streets and shingle or rock in place of long sands. If you want restaurants, theatres and a livelier evening, read the guide to Torquay, the largest town on the bay.
Getting there
Paignton is the end of the Riviera Line, the branch that leaves the main line at Newton Abbot and runs through Torquay. Some trains run directly from London Paddington and the Midlands, and there are frequent local trains from Exeter, which travel along the sea wall through Dawlish and Teignmouth. The station is in the town centre, a few minutes from the seafront.
Brixham has had no station since its branch closed in the 1960s. The usual way in by public transport is the frequent bus from Paignton, which also runs through Torquay. In summer, the passenger ferry from Torquay harbour is the pleasant alternative, taking about half an hour across the bay. By car, both towns are reached from the end of the M5 at Exeter on the A380, then the Torbay ring road. Brixham is at the end of the A3022, which queues on summer days, and its central car parks fill up by late morning.
Paignton: what to see and do
- Paignton Sands and the pier. The main beach runs along the green and the promenade, with the 1879 pier at its centre. The tide goes out a long way, leaving firm sand that suits games and paddling.
- Goodrington Sands. A second sandy beach to the south, with a seafront park, a boating lake and a water park beside it. It is often quieter than the main beach.
- Broadsands and Elberry Cove. Further south again, Broadsands is a wide sheltered beach with colourful huts, and a short walk takes you to the pebbly cove at Elberry.
- Paignton Zoo. A large zoo and botanical garden run by a conservation charity, on the western edge of town. Allow most of a day.
- Oldway Mansion. A grand house remodelled for the Singer sewing machine family, in public gardens a short walk from the seafront. Access to the building has varied during restoration work, so check before you go. The grounds are open.
- Dartmouth Steam Railway. Heritage trains leave from a station next to the main-line one and run along the coast through Goodrington and Churston, then beside the Dart to Kingswear. From there a short ferry crosses to Dartmouth, which is covered in the guide to Salcombe and Dartmouth.
Brixham: what to see and do
- The harbour. The inner harbour, lined with pubs, chip shops and galleries, is the heart of the town. The trawlers work from the newer fish quay beside it, and Brixham is one of the most important fishing ports in England by value of catch.
- The Golden Hind. A full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake's ship has been moored in the harbour for many years and is a favourite with children. Check that it is open before you plan a visit around it.
- Berry Head. A limestone headland and national nature reserve at the southern tip of Torbay, about a mile from the harbour. It has Napoleonic forts, one of the shortest lighthouses in Britain, a café, and guillemots on the cliffs in spring and early summer.
- Shoalstone Pool. A seawater lido on the rocks below Berry Head, filled by the tide and run by a community group. Check the opening season and any water quality notices.
- Breakwater Beach. A small pebble beach beside the long breakwater, with a café. Walking along the breakwater to the light at the end is a good way to get a view back at the town.
- Local history. William of Orange landed here in 1688 on his way to take the English throne, and his statue stands on the quay. Henry Francis Lyte, who wrote the hymn "Abide with Me", was vicar of All Saints church.
Walks
The South West Coast Path links the two towns and continues south. From Goodrington, the path follows the shore past Broadsands and Elberry Cove to Churston Point and Brixham, about four miles of fairly easy walking, and you can take the bus back. From Brixham, the short walk to Berry Head is suitable for most people. Beyond it, the section to Kingswear is around eleven miles and is one of the hardest in south Devon, with long climbs and few places to break off. Start early, carry water, and take the ferry across to Dartmouth at the end.
Where to stay
In Paignton, the streets behind the seafront have a large number of guest houses and small hotels, generally cheaper than Torquay. There are also holiday flats and larger hotels facing the green. Goodrington and Preston are quieter areas with their own beaches, and Preston has guest houses close to its own stretch of sand. Several large holiday parks sit on the edges of Paignton and at Goodrington, Broadsands and Galmpton.
In Brixham, most accommodation is self-catering: fishermen's cottages near the harbour, apartments with sea views, and holiday parks on the hill above town, particularly towards Berry Head. There are a few inns, guest houses and small hotels. Harbourside cottages often have steep steps and no parking, so ask before you book. Churston and Galmpton are quieter villages between the two towns, handy for Greenway and the steam railway.
When to go
School holidays are the busiest time at Paignton's beaches and on the road into Brixham. May, June and September are quieter and often warm, since Torbay is one of the mildest parts of mainland Britain. Brixham holds a pirate festival around the early May bank holiday, and its seafood festival, when it runs, draws crowds in autumn. Paignton's regatta takes place in summer. Winter is quiet, some attractions shorten their hours, and the trawlers keep working.
A three-day plan
Day one: spend the morning on Paignton Sands, then visit the zoo or the gardens at Oldway. Day two: take the steam train to Kingswear, cross to Dartmouth for lunch, and come back by train or by boat where a combined ticket allows it. Day three: take the bus to Brixham, walk the harbour and the breakwater, go on to Berry Head for the views, and finish with fish and chips on the quay. If the weather is clear, return across the bay on the ferry to Torquay.
Practical notes
- Gulls in Brixham are bold. Keep hold of your chips.
- Ferries across the bay are seasonal and depend on the weather.
- Many of the Paignton attractions are close together, so a car is rarely needed once you arrive.
- More ideas for the bay are on the things to do in Torquay and Torbay page, and Dartmoor is about half an hour inland by car.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to stay in Brixham or Paignton?
It depends on the holiday. Paignton is the easier choice for young children, with level streets, sandy beaches, a station and lower prices. Brixham is better if you prefer a harbour atmosphere, fresh fish and walks along the headlands. It has more steps and hills, and its beaches are small and pebbly. Both are close enough for a day trip to the other.
How do I get from Paignton to Brixham without a car?
The frequent bus along the ring road and through Churston is the simplest option, taking around twenty to thirty minutes. Walkers can follow the South West Coast Path around the shore in about two hours from Goodrington. In summer, you can also travel by ferry across the bay from Torquay, which is a short train or bus ride from Paignton.
Is Paignton beach good for swimming?
The sand shelves gently, and the bay is usually sheltered, which suits paddling and families. The tide goes out a long way, so you may need to walk to reach deeper water. Check the water quality notices and flags at the beach before you swim, particularly after heavy rain, and use lifeguarded beaches where they are available.
Can I visit Dartmouth from Paignton in a day?
Yes, and it makes one of the best days out in Torbay. The steam train runs from Paignton to Kingswear, then a short ferry crosses the river to Dartmouth. Combined tickets with a river cruise are often available. Trains are seasonal, so check the timetable for your dates and book ahead during the school holidays.
Guide me to UK is an independent information site. We do not own hotels or take bookings. Fares, opening hours and timetables change, so confirm them before you travel. Last updated 7 November 2026.