9 Best Beaches in Paignton, South Devon

Best Beaches Near Me in Paignton

We’ve rounded up the best beaches in Paignton, along the south coast of Devon. The top beaches are perfect for families, dog-friendly beaches, and beaches ideal for young children.

Spending a day at the beach is a must during the long summer months, but finding the best beaches in and around Paignton is the tricky part. We’ve whittled it down for you, so you can save time searching and more time relaxing at the beach!

Where is Paignton?

Paignton, located in the South of Devon, is home to some of the most beautiful, long sandy beaches in the UK. Colourful beach huts and the famous promenade sit along the stunning rugged coastline of steep hills and palm trees in Torbay.

Torbay, often referred to as the English Riviera due to its micro-climate, is a naturally sheltered bay bordered by the South Hams in the south and west, and by Teignbridge to the north.

There are 22 beautiful bays to choose from along the English Riviera, with a choice of sandy beaches in Paignton. Whether you’re looking for watersports for the adrenaline-fuelled, or gentle waves for the little ones, there’s a beach for everyone.

Torbay is made of up three main towns: Brixham, Torquay, and Paignton. All three seaside resorts are popular with visitors and families throughout the year, and even more so during the summer months.

Paignton sits in the centre of Torbay, where much of the action takes place around the seafront and the promenade. The seaside town has a mile-long sandy beach, a small harbour, and a traditional pier with many shops, restaurants, and bars to enjoy.

Read on to see the best beaches in Paignton and places to visit near you.

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Best Beaches in Paignton

1. Paignton Sands, Paignton, South Devon

Paignton Sands has everything you could possibly need for a day at the beach for the whole family. From the popular pier which lies in the middle of the two beaches in Paignton, to the golden sand, to the arcades and cafes.

The wide sandy bay is ideal for young kids wanting to put their bucket and spade to use, and older kids can splash about in the water.

The beach does not allow dogs between 1st May and 30th September.

2. Preston Sands, Paignton, South Devon

Preston Sands is very similar to Paignton Sands, with an abundance of attractions nearby, but also has rock pools for the adventurous little ones. The rock pools are ideal for casting a net at low tide.

Preston Sands has a Quality Coast award and features a row of colourful beach huts behind. The pier sits in the middle of Preston Sands and Paignton Sands providing refreshments, amusements, inflatables, and other seaside items.

Dogs are not allowed between 1st May and 30th September.

3. Goodrington Sands, Paignton, South Devon

Goodrington Sands is a highly accessible and very popular beach near Paignton. The beach is divided into two parts – the north and the south side of the beach.

Goodrington Sands is one of South Devon’s most popular beaches with an expansive red sandy bay perfect for all ages.

One of the biggest draws is the steam railway which runs directly behind brightly coloured beach huts that line the beach.

Dogs are banned from the southern beach between the months of May and September.

4. Broadsands Beach, Paignton, South Devon

Broadsands beach is an award-winning beach located in the middle of Brixham and Paignton, with beautiful red sand.

A Blue Flag Award beach, Broadsands has a gentle slope into the water and is ideal for young children with a park sitting behind.

Facilities include a water tap, parking, nearby toilets, and a good food kiosk.

Dogs are banned during the summer season, but there is a dog exercise area in the park behind the beach.

Best Beaches Near Paignton

1. Breakwater Beach, Brixham, South Devon

The Breakwater beach in Brixham, on the south coast of Devon, is an award-winning beach along the English Riviera. Popular with paddle boarders, the gentle waves are ideal for families looking for a sheltered spot.

The popular shingle beach is a Blue Flag beach, has a Quality Coast Award, and in addition has been recommended by the Good Beach Guide.

Facilities at the Breakwater include a car park, toilets, a shop, and a cafe so it’s a great beach to spend the day for the whole family. Brixham’s town centre is also a short walk away.

Dogs are not allowed on the beach between May and September.

The-Quayside-Hotel-in-Brixham-Fishing-Harbour-Family-Friendly-Holiday-South-Devon-Torbay-England

2. Fishcombe Cove, Brixham South Devon

Located along the coast of Brixham is the spectacular Fishcombe Cove. This charming cove is surrounded by red cliffs on all sides and is a stunning beach to visit for the day.

Fishcombe Cove is a shingle beach with rocks and cliffs. The sheltered cliffs make this beach perfect for swimming and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Facilities include toilets and a cafe at the top of the beach which is open during the summer months. The Freshwater car park is a 5-minute walk away.

Fishcombe Cove beach is dog friendly all year round.

3. Torre Abbey Sands Beach, Torquay, South Devon

Torre Abbey Sands offers the ultimate family day out at the seaside. With a long red sandy beach, safe swimming, and a whole host of activities to enjoy, this promises to be a fun day out for the family.

Close by is Torquay town centre to explore the harbour, bars, shops, and restaurants. The beach has also won the ‘Seaside Award’ and is a Blue Flag winner.

The gently sloping beach is perfect for families and young children wanting to swim in the shallow and gentle waters. The beach sits in front of Torre Abbey Meadows, a popular grassy area in Torquay.

The beach does not allow dogs between 1st May and 30th September.

4. Maidencombe Beach, Torquay, South Devon

Maidencombe Beach is an award-winning sandy, rocky beach located 15 minutes from Torquay by car. Or, if you’re travelling by bus, the no.85 bus stops nearby on the main Teignmouth road.

It’s a small beach accessible via a steep path, and one you may not know exists. There are no facilities on the beach but close to the car park is a pub with good food and a large garden for kids to play in.

This beautiful little cove, surrounded by deep red sandstone, has stunning views of the Torbay coastline with lots of rock pools at low tide for kids to play in. The sheltered cliffs make this beach perfect for swimming and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

The beach has won awards for ‘The Seaside Award’ and the ‘Good Beach Guide’.

Maidencombe beach is dog friendly all year round.

FAQs about the Best Beaches in Paignton

Does Paignton have a sandy beach?

Paignton has two sandy beaches (Preston Sands and Paignton Sands), separated by the popular pier which lies in the middle of the golden sands.

Is Paignton worth visiting?

Paignton is a beautiful family-friendly holiday destination with attractions, beautiful sandy beaches, and amusements for all ages. The seaside resort is located in Torbay along the picturesque English Riviera, and definitely worth visiting even for a day.

Why is the sand red in Paignton?

Paignton beach has red sand from the iron minerals from the limestone found along the Torbay coastline.

Can dogs go on the beach in Paignton?

Paignton beach (Paignton Sands and Preston Sands) does not allow dogs between 1st May and 30th September.

Summary of the Best Beaches in Paignton, South Devon

After a long day exploring, and visiting the beaches in and around Devon, head back to your B&B, holiday apartment, campsite, or hotel to recharge your batteries for the fun-filled next day.

If you’re looking for a hotel close to Paignton, take a look at the Quayside Hotel located in Brixham. A traditional 30-bedroom hotel, with a restaurant and bar, set in the heart of Brixham on the harbourside.