Paignton sits in the middle of Torbay, so day trips are short and easy. From Beverley Bay, Torquay is about 3 miles away, Brixham 5.5, Totnes 6 and Dartmouth 8. You can go by car, bus or steam train, and most of these places make a good half-day or full day. This guide groups them by town, with practical notes and honest caveats. Opening times and prices change, so we have not quoted them. Check each attraction's website before setting off.
Torquay: harbour, caves and Agatha Christie
Torquay is the busiest of the three Torbay towns, with a marina, a harbourside, a promenade and plenty of cafés. It is about 3 miles from Beverley Bay, and the number 23 bus runs there from outside the park.
- Kents Cavern offers guided tours of caves that bill themselves as Britain's oldest home.
- Babbacombe Model Village has more than 400 models in landscaped gardens.
- Torquay Museum has a permanent Agatha Christie gallery and is open Tuesday to Sunday at the time of writing.
- Cockington is a country park and village on the edge of Torquay, with Cockington Court at its heart. It is a pleasant walk if the weather is fine.
- Princess Gardens and the harbour are good for an easy stroll and an ice cream.
Brixham: harbour, fish and cliffs
Brixham is a working fishing port 5.5 miles from the park, and the number 12 bus goes there from Dartmouth Road. It is smaller and quainter than Torquay, with a harbour, a replica of the Golden Hind and plenty of seafood.
- Berry Head is a national nature reserve with Napoleonic-era forts built between 1794 and 1804 and a lighthouse said to be the shortest in Britain. It is free to enter, though parking is charged. The Guardhouse Café in the Northern Fort is open daily at the time of writing. See our walks and wildlife guide.
- Brixham harbour has fishing boats, fish stalls and views across the bay.
- Greenway, Agatha Christie's former holiday home, is nearby (National Trust). Parking has to be booked in advance, and you can also arrive by ferry from Dartmouth or Dittisham in season. Check the National Trust website.
Dartmouth by steam train
This is the classic Paignton day out. The Dartmouth Steam Railway takes about 30 minutes from Paignton to Kingswear. A short foot-passenger ferry across the River Dart to Dartmouth is included in the train ticket. The train passes Goodrington, but it does not currently stop there, so board at Paignton. Dartmouth has narrow streets, independent shops, cafés and Dartmouth Castle (English Heritage) down the river. Plan for a few hours at least, check the timetable, and make sure you know when the last train back leaves.
Totnes
Totnes is 6 miles away, up the River Dart, and famous for its independent shops, market days and a Norman castle. Totnes Castle is an English Heritage site and has no on-site parking, so use a town car park. It is worth checking what is on in the town on the day you plan to go, as markets and events vary.
Paignton itself
Do not overlook what is on your doorstep. Paignton Zoo covers 80 acres with more than 1,800 animals. Paignton Green has the Geoplay playground, which is free. Goodrington Sands has a long promenade, beach huts, a café and the seasonal Splashdown Quaywest waterpark. Roundham Head gives views over the harbour. See things to do near Beverley Bay for more.
Without a car
You can manage most of these days by bus or train. The number 23 bus stops outside the park and goes to Paignton, Torquay or Newton Abbot. The number 12 runs from Dartmouth Road to Paignton or Brixham. The steam train needs Paignton station, which is about 10 minutes away by taxi or bus. Always check timetables on the day, particularly late in the evening and on Sundays.
Driving
- Parking in Torquay and Brixham is mostly pay-and-display. Have change or a parking app ready.
- Summer weekends can be busy, so aim to arrive early.
- Check the National Trust and English Heritage sites for parking rules before you set out.
Three sample days
- Steam and river: train to Kingswear, ferry to Dartmouth, castle, lunch, return by train.
- Fish and cliffs: bus to Brixham, harbour, walk up to Berry Head, café, return.
- Caves and gardens: Torquay for Kents Cavern, the harbour, then Cockington in the afternoon.
Mix them with a lazy beach day or one of our rainy-day ideas if the weather turns. If you are travelling with children, see our family tips.
Where to base yourself
Beverley Bay is a good middle point. Goodrington Sands is under a mile away, and Torbay's three towns are all within a short drive or bus ride. Our dog-friendly six-berth caravan is bookable through UK Caravans 4 Hire, and the button below shows live availability.
Opening times, prices, seasonal dates and rules change. Please check with each attraction, venue or the park before you travel. This is a privately owned caravan guide, not an official park or tourism site.