Paignton Harbour
A charming seaside harbour in Devon, offering picturesque views, fresh seafood, and a vibrant market. Perfect for relaxation and maritime adventures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Paignton Harbour
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming seaside harbour in Devon, offering picturesque views, fresh seafood, and a vibrant market. Perfect for relaxation and maritime adventures.
"A lovely quaint little harbour with stunning views and a great selection of shops and restaurants."
🎯 Enjoy the Views
Sit on the harbour wall for stunning coastline views, or dine at Harbour Light for a waterside experience.
🛍️ Explore the Market
Check out the Sunday market for local crafts and treats. Great for unique souvenirs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Harbour Light Restaurant
Paignton Harbour
Dine with stunning views of the bay and harbour. Known for delicious seafood and a cozy atmosphere.
Paignton Harbour Market
Paignton Harbour
A vibrant market offering local crafts, food, and more. A great spot for unique finds and supporting small businesses.
Coastal Views & Relaxation
Harbour wall
Enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and boats from the harbour wall. Perfect for a peaceful moment.
Fishing & Sea Activities
Paignton Harbour
Experience sea fishing trips or sailing lessons from the harbour. An adventurous way to enjoy the English Riviera.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Embrace the Local Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Enjoy the Views
Sit on the harbour wall for stunning coastline views, or dine at Harbour Light for a waterside experience.
🛍️ Explore the Market
Check out the Sunday market for local crafts and treats. Great for unique souvenirs.
🎣 Try Sea Fishing
Book a fishing trip from the harbour for an adventurous day out on the water.
☕ Coffee & Cake
The Harbour Inn offers coffee and cake, perfect for a mid-day break.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Enjoy the Views
Sit on the harbour wall for stunning coastline views, or dine at Harbour Light for a waterside experience.
🛍️ Explore the Market
Check out the Sunday market for local crafts and treats. Great for unique souvenirs.
🎣 Try Sea Fishing
Book a fishing trip from the harbour for an adventurous day out on the water.
☕ Coffee & Cake
The Harbour Inn offers coffee and cake, perfect for a mid-day break.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
Consider Paignton as a family holiday destination with beaches and play parks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Paignton Harbour is praised as a quaint and lovely spot with beautiful views, a good selection of shops and restaurants, and a dog-friendly beach. Visitors appreciate the coastal scenery and the Sunday market. However, some reviews mention issues with public toilet cleanliness.
"Quaint pub, lovely views. Sailing club there offering lessons"
Sheila Urwick
"A lovely quaint little harbour. Nice little selection of shops, restaurants etc some of which look right over the water with stunning views. There is even a fresh fish shop tucked away selling an amazing selection of all the fish you could want. My favourite bit is if you get bored of the harbour view of boats just sit on the wall on left and you look over miles of coastline. So you have the choice of both. It has a small market in a Sunday as well. If you want somewhere a little more peaceful then you'll love it here."
S F The Land Hunter
"Great little harbour. Nice dog friendly beach."
James Calloway
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Paignton Harbour is accessible by car, with parking available nearby. It's also reachable by public transport, including buses that serve the Paignton seafront.
Yes, there are parking facilities available close to Paignton Harbour, though they can get busy during peak times.
If you are staying in Paignton, the harbour is within walking distance of the town centre and seafront.
You can reach Paignton Harbour via train to Paignton station, followed by a short bus ride or walk.
The drive along the South Devon coast offers beautiful scenery on your way to Paignton Harbour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Paignton Harbour itself is a public area and does not require an entry ticket. However, specific attractions or boat trips operating from the harbour may have their own ticketing requirements.
The harbour is generally accessible at all times, but individual shops, restaurants, and attractions will have their own operating hours. It's best to check with specific venues.
Access to the public areas of Paignton Harbour is free. Parking fees may apply in designated car parks.
For popular activities like fishing trips or harbour tours, booking in advance is recommended, especially during busy periods.
The Paignton Harbour Market is typically free to enter, allowing visitors to browse and shop without an admission charge.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy dining at restaurants like Harbour Light, explore the market, take boat trips, go fishing, or simply relax and enjoy the coastal views. +2
Yes, Paignton Harbour has a selection of restaurants and cafes, including the popular Harbour Light and The Harbour Inn.
Some areas around Paignton Harbour are dog-friendly, and there's a nice dog-friendly beach nearby.
You'll find a selection of shops, including a fresh fish shop and stalls at the market selling local crafts and goods.
Visitors can often spot swans and other seabirds around the harbour.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Harbour Light is highly recommended for its seafood and views. The Harbour Inn is another popular spot for food and drinks.
Yes, there's a fresh fish shop tucked away selling a great selection, and restaurants like Harbour Light serve excellent seafood. +1
You'll find a range of options, with a strong emphasis on seafood, pub fare, and casual dining.
Prices can vary, with some establishments like Harbour Light offering a more upscale dining experience, while others provide more budget-friendly options.
Some establishments may offer takeaway options, particularly fish and chip shops or casual eateries.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning sunsets over the harbour, the boats docked, and the picturesque coastline.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can also be good for capturing the vibrant activity.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the harbour master before flying a drone.
You can photograph the boats, the water, the surrounding buildings, and the wider coastal landscape. +1
The boats themselves, the harbour entrance, and the views towards the bay are popular subjects. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧👦 Families with Kids
🎣 Anglers and Fishing Enthusiasts
The excitement of heading out to sea from the harbour is a significant draw for many anglers. You can also find a fresh fish shop nearby, perfect for those who appreciate the bounty of the sea. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers and Couples
The Sunday market provides a pleasant way to spend an afternoon browsing local crafts. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Paignton Harbour's Culinary Scene
+2 The presence of a fresh fish shop also means you can enjoy the taste of the sea even if you're preparing your own meal. Beyond the main restaurants, the Paignton Harbour Market on Sundays provides a chance to sample local treats and support small businesses.
Whether you're seeking a fine dining experience or a quick bite, the harbour offers something to satisfy every palate. Remember to check individual venue opening times, especially if visiting during off-peak seasons. Activities and Adventures at Paignton Harbour
Anglers often describe the excitement of heading out from the harbour as a highlight of their trip. Sailing clubs also operate from the harbour, providing lessons for those looking to learn the ropes of sailing. For a more relaxed pace, simply strolling along the harbour wall offers spectacular panoramic views of the coastline, a perfect spot for contemplation or a leisurely walk.
Photography Opportunities at Paignton Harbour
Capturing the boats moored in the harbour, from small fishing vessels to larger yachts, provides a classic maritime scene. The vibrant market on Sundays also offers colorful and dynamic subjects, perfect for street photography.
Consider visiting during the 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise or before sunset – for the most flattering light. The harbour's unique charm, combined with the surrounding coastal landscape, ensures a wealth of photographic possibilities for both amateur and professional photographers. 
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