Tor Bay Harbour

N 50° 25' 93 W 003° 33' 29

Paignton Harbour nestles on the western shores of TorBay situated midway between Torquay and Brixham harbours. Its understated beauty and authentic ‘fishing haven’ feel are often overlooked by visitors to the area and even some locals.

The harbour was established in the 18th Century and the local Council has managed the harbour since 1935. Paignton was a thriving fishing harbour for many years and some of the old traditions of seamanship are kept alive and passed on through generations of Paigntonians. Today the harbour remains a hive of activity, especially during the summer months and a vast range of different users enjoy the benefits of this unassuming maritime gem.

The Harbour dries out at low tide and is well known for having an unconventional fairway approach. Unlike the majority of harbours in Great Britain the approach to Paignton is made on the port side of the fairway and not the starboard side. This unusual and interesting feature is marked by a ‘N’ or negative seasonal buoy and provides for a much safer harbour approach.

There is a slipway on the south quay of Paignton harbour which can be used two hours either side of the high tide (please see our charges page for slipway fees). The south quay has a traffic barrier which is operated via an intercom and is manned 8am to 9pm (May to September) & 8am to 5pm (October to April)

Paignton has 'trot and 'outhaul' moorings. More information on moorings and availability can be found on our 'Moorings Page'