The Best Hotels to Book Near Paignton Zoo

Relax in individual, characterful rooms at this pet-friendly stay with French chateaux-style furnishings and impressive sea view windows. If your four-legged friend is with you, you’ll both appreciate the garden featuring a flower-surrounded swing bench; or you can take in the rural views with a local Bays Brewery beer at the bar. Mornings start in the sunny dining room with lots of breakfast options including cooked dishes, bakery items and thoughtful dietary alternatives. It’s a 10-minute drive from the large on-site car park to Paignton Zoo.

At Summerhill, you’re only 200m (650ft) from the sand at Goodrington Beach. Enjoy seafood in the bright restaurant with coastline views towards Brixham Harbour, or book a sea view room. Others have balconies and vintage-style furnishings such as gold gilded accessories and sash curtains. Relax in the antique-strewn lounges, or soak up some sun on the terrace or garden. There’s plenty to do nearby, from cliff walks to steam railways and water sports. The free parking will come in handy for exploring further afield.

This B&B oozes quintessential British seaside charm, from the beach-inspired rooms – overlooking the flowered garden, Queens Park or steam railway – to the rustic breakfast room. There’s everything adventurers need: bike lock up, parking spaces and a drying room for muddy boots and wet swimwear. Lovely hosts rustle up award-winning breakfast using high-quality local produce such as Devon sausages and local bacon. Expect menu surprises such as Devonshire hog and hen (hog’s pudding and poached free range eggs).

The 1850s-built St Edmunds has recently undergone a makeover – the cosy, sunny bedrooms come with quirky wallpaper, bright scatter cushions and art deco-style seating in some. Start each morning with a cooked-to-order breakfast in the tranquil dining room – and your helpful hosts can bag you a packed lunch for your day out. The beach is less than a minute away, or you can explore by car, as there’s ample parking. Come evening, relax in the bright garden-side conservatory – a peaceful end to your fun-filled day.

Marine Hotel brings the seaside inside with nautical-themed decor and stunning coastal views from the bay windows in some of the rooms. The lounge is charmingly vintage with a semicircular wooden bar, sash curtains and patterned wallpaper. Tuck into breakfast and pre-booked dinner in the sunny conservatory. You can even bring along your dog – furry friends are always welcome in the patio-access rooms. Take advantage of the free parking to head to Paignton Zoo, just 10 minutes away – or closer to home, enjoy the neighbouring Torbay Park, Queens Park and the Vue cinema.

Check into this Torquay B&B with choices of rustic-style family suites, dog-friendly garden rooms or the adults-only Riviera Room, featuring above-bath mood lighting and double-aspect sea view windows. The charming white villa is Edwardian, dating back to 1907. Start your day with breakfast specials such as home-made preserves or smoked haddock, then grab a bench, sun chair or parasol-topped picnic table in the large, tree-surrounded grounds to soak up the historic architecture.

You’ll love the surprises at this classic B&B, such as the outdoor swimming pool – seasonally heated – and the classical-style decor, nodding to the history of the building as part of the stately Cockington Estate. There’s an atmospheric bar, breakfast room and large grounds perfect for quiet morning strolls. All rooms have big windows here, some with sea or garden views. Choose the four-poster bedroom for antique-style furnishings – or the one-bedroom apartment to enjoy your own living room, kitchen and entrance.

You’ll feel right at home in this welcoming, dog- and family-friendly guest house just a five-minute walk from idyllic Goodrington Beach. Rooms – including a big family room with bunk beds – are cosy, with stylish wallpaper and relaxing places to sit. Expect generous portions at your breakfast buffet with cooked English, Irish and veggie options, all served up in the rustic dining room. The friendly staff will happily advise on local must-sees, too.