Entertainment in Paignton

Dating back to 1890, the Palace Theatre is the oldest theatre in the region. It regularly fills its 380-capacity space that puts on shows and events for 50 weeks of the year. Whether it’s live music, tribute nights, plays or panto, there’s always something happening at this much-loved cultural hub, which is just a two-minute walk from the centre of town and close to our Paignton Seafront hotel.

Devon is home to mile after mile of glorious beaches, and Paignton has some of the best in the county.

The longest stretch of sand for several miles, Paignton Beach is right in the heart of town and boasts plenty of entertainment options. As well as over a mile of sandy beach to explore, Paignton Pier bisects the beach offering everything from fairground rides and crazy golf to tenpin bowling and fish and chip suppers. Toddlers and kids will love the Geoplay park with over 30 play areas and the Vue cinema alongside the beach next to Pirates Bay Adventure Golf Course.

Literally on the doorstep of our Paignton Seafront hotel, Goodrington Sands is a family-friendly stretch of sand. Nearby Goodrington Park has a boating pond, outdoor fitness equipment and several playgrounds, and it’s also home to Splashdown Quaywest, the largest outdoor waterpark in the UK with eight slides and a variety of pools. There are also several pubs and bars a short sandy walk from the beach including the Cantina Kitchen and Bar and the Inn on the Quay. The beach itself is wide and well kept, with beach huts for hire – it can get busy at the weekends and school holidays, so get down early to bag the best sunbathing spots.

At the very southern tip of Paignton you’ll find Broadsands Beach, a gorgeous windswept rural beach that gently slopes into the English Channel. There are plenty of low-tide rock pools at the southern end of the beach, while the long promenade has lots of beach huts you can hire for the day. There are no amusements or shops nearby (Paignton Beach is the best for that), but there’s a large park behind the beach which is perfect for a picnic or game of football and plenty of walking trails you can pick up.

An annual festival held every July, the Paignton Festival has been running for over a century and is a real cultural highlight. Originally a one-night festival, it’s now grown into a nine-day-long party with several funfairs, live music at the Party on the Green event, firework displays, shopping and food markets and of course the festival procession, a colourful riot of floats, marching bands and fancy dress.