Salcombe or Paignton?

[Natasha198]

Hi, looking at going away with family next August in either Salcombe or Paignton. We will have a 6 year old and 4 year old with us. We'll have cars so can get about easily.

I've read that Salcombe can be heaving in August, but I presume everywhere is! Is one better than the other for kids activities? Both kids are in to zoos, farms, beaches and running riot! Thanks :)

Don’t know anything about Salcombe but do about Paignton!
Lots of beaches, a zoo in Paignton itself and lots of fun days out in the local area - occombe farm, crealy, woodlands, pennywell farm, south Devon steam railway and pretty walks close by cockington in Torquay is lovely and Dartmoor is close too!

Salcombe isn’t ideal for smaller kids unless you can stay right on the beach at South Sands or North Sands etc. Salcombe itself has no beach just the harbour. You don’t want to drive around (roads are tiny and busy). You can get a little ferry from Salcombe to South Sands which is lovely but might be a pain every day.
North or South sands are awesome places for a beach holiday but it is pretty beach-only - not great for the other things you want to do

Salcombe is lovely, Paignton is a dump.

Paignton more to do with kids with the zoo, steam railway, amusement arcade's. Salcombe is more of a place you perhaps go for a retreat without kids. They would be bored to tears. There's not much to do there for kids.

I spent every childhood summer in Salcombe from age 1-10 and loved every minute! It's just a magical place. Getting the ferry accross the estuary to the beach everyday. Sandcastles, sailing, swimming in the sea and clambering on rocks. Running back along the beach to make the ferry before the tide came in. Rhubarb sweets from Cranchies and cheese straws from the upper crust. 'Spot the' in each shop window game. The fancy dress parade. Lasting 2 seconds in the greasy poke competition because an much bigger boy pushed me in with one whack. Ahhh, I may have rose tinted glasses on but to me, it is the best place ever.

Very different vibes. Salcombe will be full of rich Londoners and home counties types. Paignton more static caravan crew. Depends what you want. Kids will probably prefer Paignton. You can get a steam train to Dartmouth for a day which is lovely.