Baboon Rock

You'll find a working zoo right on the edge of Paignton, where Baboon Rock is exactly what it sounds like - a proper enclosure where you can watch these primates doing their thing up close. It's part of the broader Paignton Zoo setup, so you're not just getting the baboons; there's a whole collection of animals to work through if you've got the time.

This is a decent shout for families with younger kids who want something interactive without trekking across half of Devon. The baboons are entertaining enough - watching them eat, climb, and squabble keeps children absorbed for a decent stretch. Realistically, you'll spend anywhere from two to four hours here depending on how many other exhibits catch your eye. Adults often find it worthwhile too, though it's not going to blow your mind if you've seen African wildlife elsewhere.

Stay nearby at Hoburne Devon Bay - less than a mile away - and you've got an easy morning sorted before heading to the beach or exploring Paignton itself. Beverley Holidays and Waterside Holiday Park are similarly close, making this a sensible stop-off rather than a day in itself. Free admission isn't guaranteed, so check ahead before arriving, but even if there's a charge, it won't break the bank. Best visited early in the day when the animals are more active, particularly in summer when the crowds thin a bit before mid-morning. On a wet day it's something to do, though watching baboons in the rain loses some appeal.