Paignton Beaches
Information and photographs courtesy of Torbay Council
Broadsands Beach
Broadsands is a beautiful beach in an idyllic rural setting. Consisting mainly of sand, it’s gently sloping gradient makes it a popular choice for families with children or those wishing to distance themselves from amusement arcades. The red sandy beach rests between rock headlands and provides a safe sheltered area with parkland at the rear. The long promenade with its colourful beach huts provides a level walk to both ends of the beach. Its location also positions it as an ideal starting point for scenic coastal walks. Cafe, restaurant, shops, and toilets including disabled facilities are all available close by. The nearest town is Paignton. Local bus route is on the nearby main road. 10 minutes walk away. No. 12. Very large car parks serve the beach and provide access to the extensive coastal walks in the area.
Aerial view of Broadsands Beach
Elberry Cove
Elberry Cove is a pretty shingle beach with beautiful clear water reached by foot path from Broadsands. This is a beautiful beach in an idyllic rural setting. Consisting mainly of shingle it is very popular with water ski boats. The romantic ruins of Lord Churston’s bath house can be seen adjacent to the beach. The nearest town is Paignton. Local bus route is on the main road, 30 minutes walk away. No.12.
Fairy Cove
Fairy Cove is a pretty little beach to the South of Paignton Sands, just over the Harbour wall, which is popular with families. Comprised of red sand and shingle with red sandstone cliffs at the back; at low tide the beach is separated from the sea by flat rocks with interesting rock pools. There are no facilities on the beach itself but Paignton Harbour is close by with a range of cafes, shops and public toilets. Fairy Cove is situated between Paignton Harbour and Roundham Head. It can be accessed via a set of steps from the gardens on Roundham Head or via another set of steps over the wall of the harbour near the Harbour Master’s Office.
Goodrington Sands
This mainly sandy beach represents an unusual combination of attractive scenery, the Quaywest Water Park and an area of established park land. It is therefore a major attraction in the area, capable of supporting a very large number of visitors. Facilities and amenities are outstanding for all age groups with amusements and the seashore centre. At low tide there are rock pools to explore. During the summer season the local steam train can be seen running along the back of south sands beach. Paignton is the nearest town with good main road access. There is ample car parking as well as local rail and bus services. Bus Nos. 12 & 120.
Aerial view of Goodrington Sands
Oyster Cove
Oyster cove is an attractive beach which is very popular with local people. Access is via a set of steps from the South West Coast Path above. It is one of the coves which makes up the local area known as ‘Three Beaches”. At low tide there are many rock pools to explore. The beach is located along the South West Coast Path to the South of Goodrington Sands. Bus service to the shops at Three Beaches – No. 12. Walk down Cliff Road and turn right after the railway bridge to reach the coast path. Access is via a set of steep steps from the coast path above.
Paignton Sands
This long stretch of red sandy beach is situated either side of Paignton Pier. It is backed by an area of parkland which is used for various activities and events during the summer season, and is capable of accommodating large numbers of people. Year upon year the long sandy beach, friendly atmosphere and great choice of facilities at Paignton Sands attracts families looking for a traditional seaside resort. The shallow sea is deal for paddling and with pedalos and boats for hire, hours of fun can be had in the clean, safe waters. Entertainment is the key feature of this beach with activities and events guaranteed to entertain the family throughout the year. Paignton boasts an annual regatta, carnival and funfair and right throughout the year the fun filled pier, variety of amusements and choice of shops and cafes will keep the family happy. Next to the beach is the bustling Paignton Green offering the perfect spot for a game of football or cricket and in the summer months there are a number of exciting family events staged here. At the southern end of Paignton there is a lively harbour offering countless boat trips along the dramatic Devon coastline. The nearest town is Paignton which is an easy level walk of 5 minutes from the beach. There is main road access and local bus and train stations nearby.
Preson Sands
Preston is a red sand beach adjacent to Paignton sands. A popular family beach with a long promenade lined with colourful beach huts. Behind the beach is Preston Green a safe area for the children to have fun or play a game of cricket. At the north end of the beach at low tide are rock pools to explore. Close to Paignton, clearly signposted. There is easy access via local bus routes. Bus No. 12. Preston can easily be reached on foot from nearby Paignton as well as Preston.
Saltern Cove
Saltern Cove is one of the SSSI designated sites in the English Riviera Geopark and a Local Nature Reserve. Uniquely in Britain, this nature reserve extends underwater to a point 376 metres below the low water mark. Access is via a set of steps from the South West Coast Path above. It is one of the coves which makes up the local area known as ‘Three Beaches”. At low tide there are many rock pools to explore. The beach is located along the South West Coast Path to the South of Goodrington Sands. Bus service to the shops at Three Beaches – No. 12. Walk down Cliff Road and turn right after the railway bridge to reach the coast path. Access is via a set of steep steps from the coast path above.
