Waterside Holiday Park Review (Paignton, South Devon) | Sixtyrocks
Waterside Holiday Park in Paignton, South Devon is a coastal holiday park offering caravans, lodges and sea-view accommodation. We stayed here as a family and were immediately struck by its fantastic location with elevated sea views, coastal walks, and even a nearby railway line running along the coastline
Set between Paignton and Torquay, the park sits on a hillside with elevated sea views and direct access to the coastal path. On a clear day, the water genuinely has a Mediterranean feel, making it a really scenic place to base yourself.
Waterside feels quieter and more relaxed than many larger holiday parks, making it a great option if you prefer a more laid-back break while still being close to traditional seaside attractions.
Waterside Holiday Park – At a Glance
| Location | Paignton / Torquay, South Devon |
| Park Operator | Park Holidays |
| Accommodation | Caravans and Lodges |
| Swimming Pool | Yes |
| Entertainment | Yes – Indoor |
| Restaurant / Bar | Yes |
| Takeaway / Chip Shop | Takeaway option is restaurant and food outlets within walking distance |
| Shop On Site | Yes - but limited |
| Good for Families | Yes |
| Good for Older Visitors | Yes (choose accommodation carefully) |
| Dog Friendly | Yes |
| Beach Nearby | |
| Nearest Town | Paignton / Torquay |
| Bus Access | Bus stop outside park |
| WiFi | Good in entertainment complex/good phone reception (EE) |
| Our Rating | ★★★★☆ |
Watch our video
Accommodation at Waterside Holiday Park
On this visit, we stayed in a privately hired caravan, so we didn’t include an internal tour, but it gave us a good feel for the layout and setting of the park.
Accommodation options at Waterside include:
- Static caravans
- Lodges
- Privately owned caravans (available through third-party hire)
Many of the caravans are positioned on slopes or terraces, which helps maximise the sea views across the park.
This does mean that accessibility can vary depending on where you are staying, so it’s worth requesting a unit with parking nearby if that’s important.
Facilities at Waterside Holiday Park
Waterside is more relaxed in terms of facilities, but still offers some very nice touches.
Facilities include:
- Indoor swimming pool
- Large jacuzzi (one of the biggest we’ve seen)
- Bar and restaurant
- Outdoor areas and viewpoints
The swimming pool was particularly warm and enjoyable, and the jacuzzi is a real standout feature.
There’s no traditional entertainment clubhouse, which gives the park a quieter and less busy atmosphere compared to larger resort-style parks.
Food and Drink at Waterside Holiday Park
Waterside has a smaller but well-presented food offering compared to larger parks.
On-site options include:
- Bar and restaurant
- Takeaway options
We also noticed that within a short walk of the entrance, there are additional food options, including a good-looking pub, takeaway outlets, and a chip shop, which adds flexibility during your stay.
Is Waterside Holiday Park Good for Over 60s?
Waterside is actually a great option for older visitors, particularly those looking for a quieter and more relaxed break.
The lack of large entertainment venues makes it feel less busy than bigger parks, while the coastal setting provides easy access to scenic walks and viewpoints.
However, the park is built on a hillside, so some areas involve slopes and steps. Choosing accommodation with nearby parking is recommended if mobility is a concern.
The bus stop just outside the park is a big advantage, making it easy to explore Torquay and Paignton without needing to drive.
Things To Do Near Waterside Holiday Park
One of the biggest strengths of Waterside is what you can do straight from the park.
We walked along the coastal path towards Goodrington Sands, stopping at a small red rock cove along the way.
The walk is:
- Scenic with fantastic sea views
- Easy to access directly from the park
- Varied, with coves and open coastline
One of the highlights is the nearby coastal railway line, where you can watch trains pass right by the park.
It’s a great little bonus, especially if you enjoy something a bit different, and adds to the character of the location.
You can also take a scenic journey along the coast, with trains running towards Paignton and on to Dartmouth — something we’ll be covering in a separate video.
Goodrington Sands itself offers a completely different feel, with a classic seaside atmosphere including beach cafés, ice cream stands and even the steam train running nearby.
We also visited Kents Cavern during our stay, which is well worth a visit and offers a fascinating look at prehistoric Britain.
Nearby attractions include:
- Goodrington Sands
- Torquay Harbour
- Kents Cavern
- South Devon coastal walks
Getting To Waterside Holiday Park
Waterside Holiday Park is located between Paignton and Torquay in South Devon.
By Car
The park is easily accessible by road and sits just off the main coastal routes.
Be aware that the entrance is on a hill, and internal roads within the park can be sloped.
By Bus
There is a bus stop just outside the park, providing easy access into Torquay and Paignton.
By Train
Nearest stations:
- Paignton
- Torquay
Both are a short taxi or bus ride away.
Our Thoughts on Waterside Holiday Park
Waterside Holiday Park offers something slightly different to many of the larger, busier holiday parks.
The location is the real highlight, with easy access to coastal walks, great views, and proximity to both Paignton and Torquay.
One of the standout features for us was the nearby coastal railway line, where you can occasionally see trains passing right by the park. It adds a bit of character to the setting and gives you the option of taking a scenic journey along the coast — something we’ll be covering in a separate video.
It doesn’t have the same level of entertainment or facilities as some of the bigger resort-style parks, but that’s part of its appeal.
If you’re looking for a quieter base in South Devon with plenty to explore nearby, Waterside is a great option.
Just be mindful of accessibility when choosing your accommodation, as some areas of the park are more suited to those comfortable with walking.
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