castle
Dartmouth Castle
A coastal fortress at the mouth of the Dart, the first English castle designed for artillery, once chained to Kingswear opposite.
11 km · about 20 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomEngland
Paignton
England, United Kingdom · Europe
About Paignton
Paignton works well as a base: 10 minutes from Torquay, 21km from Haytor.
Paignton is in England, United Kingdom, with about 68,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Torquay, about 4 km away.
Paignton ( PAYN-tən) is a seaside town on the coast of Tor Bay in Devon, England. Together with Torquay and Brixham it forms the borough of Torbay, which was created in 1968. The Torbay area is a holiday destination known as the English Riviera. Paignton has origins as a Celtic settlement and was first mentioned inRead more
1086. It grew as a small fishing village and a new harbour was built in 1847. A railway line was opened to passengers in 1859, creating links to Torquay and London. As its population increased it merged with the villages of Goodrington and Preston. Paignton is around 25 miles (40 km) north east of Plymouth and 20 miles (32 km) south of Exeter.
Where to Stay in Paignton
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Paignton?
Within an hour or so of Paignton: Dartmouth Castle (11 km), Haytor (21 km), Hound Tor (23 km), Powderham Castle (24 km).
Are there any good drives near Paignton?
The nearest famous roads are B3212 across Dartmoor, Atlantic Highway (A39) and A39 Atlantic Highway (Barnstaple to Bude).
Where is Paignton?
Paignton is in England, United Kingdom, about 4 km from Torquay.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 67,520
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- England
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 50.4357, -3.5679
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Paignton
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
natural wonder
Haytor
The most visited granite tor on Dartmoor, a pair of rounded outcrops rising above open moor with easy roadside access.
21 km · about 25 min drive
natural wonder
Hound Tor
A shattered granite tor said to have inspired The Hound of the Baskervilles, beside the ruins of a deserted medieval village.
23 km · about 25 min drive
castle
Powderham Castle
The fortified manor of the Courtenay family since 1391, in a deer park beside the Exe estuary.
24 km · about 30 min drive
natural wonder
Bowerman’s Nose
A weathered granite stack on Hayne Down shaped like a human head, tied to a legend of a hunter turned to stone by witches.
25 km · about 30 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Dartmeet
The confluence of the East and West Dart rivers, a popular riverside spot beside a steep-sided moorland road.
25 km · about 30 min drive
landmark
Salcombe
A sailing town on a drowned river valley in the South Hams, with sandy coves reachable by small ferry.
26 km · about 30 min drive
natural wonder
Bellever Forest
A conifer plantation on the East Dart with Bronze Age hut circles, a clapper bridge and easy riverside walks.
28 km · about 35 min drive
Driving roads near Paignton
- 25 kmDartmeetThe confluence of the East and West Dart rivers, a popular riverside spot beside a steep-sided moorland road.
- 30 kmB3212 across DartmoorThe open moorland crossing from Moretonhampstead to Yelverton past Postbridge and Princetown, with ponies on the road.
- 30 kmPostbridge Clapper BridgeA 13th-century granite slab bridge over the East Dart, the best-preserved clapper bridge on Dartmoor.
- 48 kmRame HeadA conical headland on Cornwall's south-east tip crowned by a 14th-century chapel, with views across Plymouth Sound.
- 61 kmGolden CapThe highest point on England's south coast at 191 m, its sandstone summit glowing gold above Charmouth and Lyme Bay.
- 71 kmTarr StepsA 17-span prehistoric-style clapper bridge across the River Barle on Exmoor, repeatedly rebuilt after floods.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
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