Choosing a Paignton beach
A Paignton beach day can mean the sand by the pier, a walk at Goodrington, or a visit to Broadsands or Preston. Each has different access, parking and facilities. Choose the place that fits your group and check current conditions before travelling. The things to do guide offers ideas beyond the shore, and our weather guide helps with seasonal planning.
The council lists facilities on its beach pages, but temporary works and seasonal changes can affect what is available on your day. Allow extra time if you need a particular route, toilet or parking space, and check the latest information before relying on it.
Paignton Sands
Paignton Sands has red sand, a pier and a promenade. The council lists ramps north and south of the pier and level access to the promenade and harbour. Central, Festival Apollo and Paignton Harbour toilets are listed year round, including accessible facilities. Victoria is named as a nearby car park.
Waterfront works change the practical approach. The middle and southern Esplanade have been closed to vehicles since 21 September 2026, with parking suspended there but pedestrian access retained. The council expected the work to last until early January 2027. Check the current route before setting off.
Our take: the coast by kayak
For a guided coastal outing, the kayak trip starts at Oddicombe in Torquay.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in British pounds (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Paignton beach
Compare Paignton beach, Goodrington, Broadsands and Preston with practical access and safety tips.
Goodrington Sands
Goodrington has north and south sections, with paths from Youngs Park and Quay West followed by steps or ramps. The council lists cafés, beach huts, showers and watersports hire, but availability may vary. Goodrington Central toilets are listed year round; North and South have seasonal listings.
Beach mats and ramps are weather dependent and listed for 1 April to 30 September. Ask about current conditions if access is important. The council’s walk from Paignton to Goodrington is approximately one mile and includes some steep sections, so select a route suited to your group.
Broadsands Beach
At Broadsands the car park sits behind the beach. The council describes a long level promenade and access by steps or slipway, while its accessibility information notes that access to the beach itself is difficult via steps with a handrail. Check the route before travelling if you need assistance.
Toilets, including an accessible facility, are listed year round. The council also lists a café, showers and equipment hire. Treat these as facilities to check for your date rather than assuming every service operates throughout the year. Bring what you need for a change in weather and leave time for the journey back.
Preston Sands
Preston has a promenade and listed beach hut locations. Preston North toilets, including an accessible facility, are listed year round, while Redcliffe toilets are seasonal. Colin Road is named as a nearby parking area. Check current waterfront works and routes when planning the visit.
The council announced completion of Preston works for February 2027 and the return of beach huts for Easter 2027. These were future plans in its September 2026 update, so check progress rather than assuming the huts are in place. You can pair a visit with other stops in Torquay or Paignton.
Dogs, wind and water safety
Dogs are excluded from Paignton, Preston, Broadsands and Goodrington South from 1 May to 30 September. Goodrington North permits dogs year round; on the Goodrington promenade dogs must be on a lead. Check signs at the beach and distinguish the sand from nearby green spaces.
The harbour authority advises swimming with another person or telling someone when you will return, staying close to shore and avoiding harbour entrances and waterski lanes. Offshore winds can carry people away from shore even when the water looks calm. Check tides, wind and current local advice before entering the water. For a regional alternative, kayaking departs from Oddicombe in Torquay; see boat trips for ideas.
Questions
Which beach allows dogs year round?
Goodrington North allows dogs year round. Dogs must be on a lead on the Goodrington promenade.
Do beach facilities vary by season?
Yes. Some are seasonal or weather dependent. Check the specific facility and current works before travelling.
Where can I park for Broadsands?
The council lists a car park behind the beach. Check charges and current access before your visit.
What should swimmers check?
Check wind, tides and current local advice; remain close to shore and avoid harbour entrances and waterski lanes.