Roundham Head

The coastal path up to Roundham Head offers proper Devon seaside drama without the crowds you'd find further along towards Torquay. It's a nature reserve perched above Paignton, and the walk itself is the main event - you're skirting red sandstone cliffs with the English Channel spread out below, spotting gulls and cormorants doing their thing on the rock faces.

Once you reach the headland, it's windswept and open. The views back towards Paignton are decent enough, though nothing that'll make you gasp. The real appeal is the coastal habitat itself. Walkers and nature enthusiasts will find it worthwhile; families with younger kids might find the windiness and lack of facilities a bit much for more than an hour's visit.

It's free to access, which is always a plus. The walk from Paignton seafront takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on your pace. Go on a clear day - misty conditions kill the appeal entirely. Spring and early summer are best for spotting nesting seabirds.

If you're staying at South Bay Holiday Park nearby, this makes an excellent morning walk before heading back for lunch. It's the sort of place that slots into a broader coastal day rather than working as a standalone destination. Worth the detour if you're already in Paignton, but don't drive down specially.