One of the jewels in the crown of the English Riveira, the Devon seaside town of Paignton has been delighting visitors for decades.

Paignton, perched at the southern end of Torbay, isn''t just a great destination for families looking for a seaside holiday, but also for couples enjoying a romantic break or for those with a taste of outdoor adventure.

The gorgeous Blue Flag sandy beaches are an obvious draw, where you can do much more than build sandcastles. Water skiing, paddle boarding, windsurfing or just good old fashioned boating are possible in the crystal waters of the bay. If you don''t fancy the sea, enjoy the adrenaline rush of the Splashdown Water Park close to Goodrington Beach.

When not on the water, how about a visit to Paignton Zoo? Visit re-creations of tropical wetlands or the Savannah and see for yourself some of the wonders of the natural world. Go back in time with a trip on the Dartmouth Steam Railway, taking in some of Britain''s most breathtaking coastline, stopping off at historic picturesque villages such as Kingswear on the edge of the spectacular Dart Estuary or Brixham, where traditional fishing boats can still be seen. Then there''s the Geoplay Park, where children can find out about the fascinating geology of this internationally recognised area.

After dark, Paignton doesn''t just offer traditional seaside fun such as amusements on the Pier and fish and chips. Superb restaurants and pubs offering mouth-watering local food await you. Plus there''s plenty of entertainment to be had at the Palace Theatre, the local cinema and the many special events taking place in the town during the season including the Paignton Regatta, Children''s Week and the Motorbike Festival.

Whatever you like to do, Paignton will have something to excite you. Search for holiday cottages in Paignton to book your ideal break.