Short answer: Paignton is flat, which on Boxing Day with a mixed-age group is the whole argument. A level promenade runs the length of the seafront, the pier is free to walk onto, and Fairy Cove takes dogs all year.
The seafront and the promenade, both free and both flat. Torquay is built across hills and Brixham is squeezed into a harbour; Paignton is level the whole way, which is why it is the easy Boxing Day choice in Torbay.
End to end along the Esplanade, level throughout, with the bay beside you. Works with a buggy, a wheelchair, or a grandparent in ordinary shoes.
The northern end, quieter, with the Boathouse above it.
The hidden cove behind the harbour — shaded, with rock pools, and dog friendly every day of the year. Paignton Beach South also opens to dogs from 1 October.
Ring before you set off. Boxing Day hours are decided late, change year to year, and are the single thing most likely to be wrong online. A two-minute call beats a wasted drive.
The zoo closes on Christmas Day and usually Boxing Day. The pier arcade may open — worth ringing, because it is the only dry half hour here that costs nothing but coins.
Paignton has a mainline station a short level walk from the seafront, though Boxing Day rail services are heavily reduced or suspended nationally. Check before relying on it.
If you want to eat out, book now rather than in December. The places that do serve on Boxing Day fill weeks ahead, and the ones that do not take bookings have queues instead.
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