Paignton is a coastal town in Devon in England. Together with Torquay and Brixham it forms the unitary authority of Torbay which was created in 1998. The Torbay area is a holiday destination known as the English Riviera. Brightly coloured villas line the Esplanade and provide a strong reminder of days gone by. Paignton Pier - which was originally built for Victorian promenaders - completes the picture with cafés and amusements through the day and evening. Guest houses and hotels can be found near the beaches and the area is particularly popular for self catering holidays and has some of the region's best holiday parks. Plenty of attractions within close reach will also keep you and the family entertained, including Paignton Zoo, the Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway and the open-air water park with half a mile of water slides at the Quaywest Beach Resort.