Not everyone has a full week to spare, and Paignton makes a wonderful destination for a short break. With so much packed into a small, walkable area and the rest of Torbay just minutes away, you can experience a great deal in just two days. Whether you are escaping for a romantic weekend, a quick family getaway or a relaxing couple of days by the sea, here is a suggested two-day itinerary to help you make the most of a weekend break in Paignton.
Friday evening: arrive and unwind
Arrive, settle into your apartment and let the holiday begin. After the journey, there is nothing better than a gentle stroll along the seafront to stretch your legs and breathe in the sea air. Watch the light fade over the bay, then enjoy a relaxed first evening — perhaps a meal out at a seafront restaurant, or a simple supper cooked in your own kitchen with a glass of wine and the view. An early night sets you up for a full day to come.
Day one: the seaside and the steam railway
Start with a proper seaside morning. Walk down to Preston Sands for a paddle, a coffee and a wander along the prom, taking in the beach huts and the views across to Torquay and Brixham. Mid-morning, head into Paignton and pick up the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway for the highlight of the day. Take the steam train along the coast to Kingswear, with its lovely sea views, and cross by ferry to Dartmouth for lunch — a crab sandwich or a plate of fresh fish by the water, followed by a wander around the historic streets and a look at the castle.
In the afternoon, if time and the tide allow, take a short river cruise or simply enjoy more of Dartmouth before heading back. Return to Paignton in good time to freshen up. Round off the day with dinner — treat yourselves to a meal in Torquay’s lively harbour, just a short drive away, or keep it relaxed back in Paignton.
Day two: a choice to suit your mood
Your second day depends on what you love. For wildlife and family fun, spend the morning at Paignton Zoo, just minutes from the seafront, exploring the 80 acres of animals and gardens. For something more active, walk a stretch of the South West Coast Path — the route towards Paignton harbour, Roundham Head and Goodrington offers beautiful views and a real sense of the coast. For a relaxed, scenic day, drive out to Brixham for the harbour, the Golden Hind and the wild headland of Berry Head, or strike inland to Dartmoor for big skies and a moorland walk, less than an hour away.
Whatever you choose, leave time for a final seaside treat — an ice cream on the prom, or a proper Devon cream tea — before you head home. A last walk along the front, with the bay sparkling in front of you, is the perfect way to round off the weekend.
Making the most of a short stay
The secret to a great weekend break is choosing a base that puts everything within easy reach, so you spend your precious time enjoying yourself rather than travelling. Paignton excels at this: the beach, the steam railway, the zoo and the seafront are all close together, and the rest of Torbay and South Devon are minutes away. Pack light, plan loosely, and allow time to simply sit and enjoy the view — that, after all, is what a seaside weekend is for.
Tips for a weekend in Paignton
Book your accommodation early, especially for summer and bank-holiday weekends, as the best places fill up fast. Travelling light makes a short break easier, and arriving by train is genuinely simple, with Paignton on the main line. Check the steam railway and any boat timetables in advance so you can build your day around them, and keep one eye on the weather forecast so you can flex between beach days and indoor attractions. Most of all, do not try to cram in too much — a weekend is best enjoyed at a gentle pace.
A romantic weekend for two
Paignton is not just for families — it makes a lovely romantic escape too. Picture a leisurely breakfast with a sea view, a hand-in-hand stroll along the prom, a scenic steam-train and river trip to Dartmouth for a long, unhurried lunch, and an evening meal at a candlelit waterside restaurant in Torquay. Out of season, with the beaches quiet and the light soft and golden, the bay has a peaceful, away-from-it-all quality that is perfect for couples. The freedom of self-catering means you can set your own pace entirely — late mornings, spontaneous plans and cosy evenings in with the lights of the bay reflected on the water.
Three-day and longer short breaks
If you can stretch to a third day, you can add real depth to your break: a full day on Dartmoor, a relaxed exploration of Brixham and Berry Head, or a slow wander around Totnes and the River Dart. Even a two-night break leaves time to sample the highlights, but the area rewards a slightly longer stay, letting you balance busy sightseeing days with proper downtime by the sea. Because everything is so close together, you never lose precious holiday time to long journeys — which is exactly what makes Paignton such a good choice for a short break.
Frequently asked questions
Is a weekend long enough to enjoy Paignton? Yes — with the beach, steam railway, zoo and the rest of Torbay so close, you can pack a great deal into two days.
What is the must-do on a short break? A trip on the steam railway, ideally combined with the ferry to Dartmouth, is the standout, alongside time on the beach.
Can I get to Paignton by train for a weekend? Yes — Paignton is on the mainline network, making a car-free weekend break easy.
Is Paignton good for a romantic break? Very much so, especially out of season, with quiet beaches, scenic trips and relaxed waterside dining.
The perfect weekend base
For a short break, location really is everything, and Cranmore Lodge could hardly be better placed — directly opposite Preston Sands, a short trip from the steam railway and the zoo, with sea views, free off-road parking and a comfortable, self-catering apartment to come home to. You can arrive, park the car, and spend the whole weekend on foot if you wish, with the beach and the seafront right outside. It is the ideal base for making the most of a precious couple of days. Take a look at the apartments to find the right one for your break.
Stay at Cranmore Lodge, Paignton
Escape to the seaside for a weekend, with everything on your doorstep at Cranmore Lodge. View our apartments or check availability and book online.
To book your weekend, call +44 (0)1803 556278 or email enquiries@cranmorelodge.co.uk. Cranmore Lodge Holiday Apartments, 45 Marine Drive, Paignton TQ3 2NS.