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The Association of British Counties

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Paignton, Devon

Paignton is a resort town, occupying the central part of Tor Bay in Devon. It is recorded in Domesday as 'Peintone'. Formerly a farming and fishing community, it expanded significantly after the 1847 harbour construction and the 1859 arrival of the railway, transforming it into a popular holiday destination. Paignton Beach and the Preston Sands are used for water sports including kite surfing and dinghy sailing. Paignton Zoo, opened in 1923, was one of the earliest combined zoological and botanical gardens in Britain. The town is within the council area of Torbay.

Place Type: Town
Historic County: Devon
Lat, Long: 50.43667,-3.567946
Grid Reference: SX 8874 6082
Council Area: Torbay CA
Strategic Authority Area: Devon and Torbay SA
Police Area: Devon and Cornwall PA

GBPN ID: 34457
Entry Type: Main listing (P)
URL: https://gazetteer.org.uk/place/Paignton,_Devon_34457

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