Broadsands Beach - Image 1
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Broadsands Beach Paignton

4.6
·1k reviews·, United Kingdom

A beautiful, family-friendly beach with clear waters and charming beach huts, offering a peaceful escape and access to stunning coastal walks.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Low tide mornings

Rock pools revealed!

CrowdLow
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Broadsands Beach - Image 1

Broadsands Beach Paignton

Best Time

Low tide mornings

Rock pools revealed!

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beautiful, family-friendly beach with clear waters and charming beach huts, offering a peaceful escape and access to stunning coastal walks.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"Discover a tropical paradise in the UK at Broadsands Beach, perfect for relaxation and exploration."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear comfy shoes!

Lots of stairs down to the beach, and the coastal path requires good footwear.

🚗 Arrive early for parking

The car park fills up quickly, especially on sunny days. Use RingGo app.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tropical Paradise Vibes

Tropical Paradise Vibes

Broadsands Beach

Discover a UK beach that feels like a tropical escape with crystal-clear waters and golden sands.

Rock Pool Exploration

Rock Pool Exploration

Broadsands Beach (low tide)

Uncover fascinating marine life in the numerous rock pools revealed as the tide recedes.

Scenic Coastal Path Walk

Scenic Coastal Path Walk

South West Coast Path (from Broadsands)

Embark on a stunning walk along the coast path, passing hidden coves like Elberry and Churston.

Colorful Beach Huts

Colorful Beach Huts

Broadsands Beach promenade

Admire the charming row of brightly colored beach huts lining the promenade.

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Planning Your Visit

Access & Stairs

While Broadsands Beach is beautiful, be prepared for stairs! Access to the sand involves descending and ascending a significant number of steps.TikTok This is a key consideration for families with young children or those with mobility issues. Parking is available, but can fill up, so arriving early is recommended.

Tides & Wildlife

The beach's character changes dramatically with the tide. At low tide, extensive rock pools are revealed, perfect for exploring.Reddit However, at high tide, the sandy area can be quite small. Be mindful of seaweed, which can be abundant, and the local wildlife, including seagulls.Reddit

Best Times

When
Low tide mornings
Why
Rock pools revealed!
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon (sunset)
Why
Beautiful golden hour
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays outside school holidays
Why
Quieter atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I’d forgive you for thinking this was Thailand on first glance. 😍 Broadsands beach in North Devon is tucked away along the SW coastal path. 240 stairs down (and obvs back up again 🥵 and no car park keep the crowds away from this beauty but we managed it with a 5yr old and a 7yr old in tow and it was totally worth it. What a spot! #uktraveldestinations #broadsandsbeach #paradise #northdevon #uk #be...
@mumdaysandescapades
2.4K likes • 117.1K views

👟 Wear comfy shoes!

Lots of stairs down to the beach, and the coastal path requires good footwear. TikTokInstagram

🚗 Arrive early for parking

The car park fills up quickly, especially on sunny days. Use RingGo app. Reddit

We found a tropical paradise in the UK! #tropicalvibes #tropicalbeach #devon #beachvibes #travel #beachvibes #fyp #foryou #broadsandsbeach
@on_our_advantures
2.1K likes • 45K views
💎 SAVE this hidden gem 🌊 📍 Elberry Cove, Paignton, Brixham, Devon, UK 🚗 Accessible by car (nearest parking at Broadsands Beach), followed by a 10 min scenic walk through woodland paths. No direct public transport, so bring comfy shoes! 💰 FREE 🌴 What to Expect:
A quiet, pebbly cove with crystal-clear waters, ideal for wild swimming, paddleboarding, or just sunbathing in peace. Surrounded by woodl...
funonthe_southcoast
83 likes • 2.5K views

🌊 Check tide times

Essential for rock pool exploration and maximizing beach space. Reddit

🥪 Pack a picnic

Enjoy a meal on the grassy area behind the beach huts. Reddit

Broadsands Beach, Paignton 💙 #broadsandsbeach #broadsands #paignton #torbay #englishriviera #southdevon #devon #devonbeaches #ukbeaches
visitsouthdevon
227 likes • 5.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear comfy shoes!

Lots of stairs down to the beach, and the coastal path requires good footwear. TikTokInstagram

🚗 Arrive early for parking

The car park fills up quickly, especially on sunny days. Use RingGo app. Reddit

🌊 Check tide times

Essential for rock pool exploration and maximizing beach space. Reddit

🥪 Pack a picnic

Enjoy a meal on the grassy area behind the beach huts. Reddit

🐶 Dog restrictions

Dogs are banned from the main beach May-Sept, but a section nearby is dog-friendly. Reddit

📸 Capture the views

Stunning photo opportunities along the coast path and of the beach itself. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Broadsands Beach is widely praised as a beautiful, peaceful spot perfect for relaxation and family fun, with clear waters and interesting rock pools. Visitors appreciate the scenic coastal walks and the charming beach huts. However, the access via stairs and occasional seaweed can be minor drawbacks for some.

"A beautiful and peaceful spot that’s perfect for a relaxing day out by the sea. With its wide sandy shoreline, calm waters, and surrounding greenery, it offers a scenic escape that’s especially great for families, couples, or anyone wanting to enjoy some quiet time by the coast. The beach is ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, and even exploring the rock pools when the tide’s low. There’s a lovely promenade lined with colourful beach huts, and nearby parkland makes it great for picnics or casual games.

Facilities are well maintained, with toilets, showers, cafés, and even deckchair and boat hire available during the season. The car park and bike racks are conveniently close, and there’s a gentle slope leading to the beach, although access to the sand itself involves some steps. It’s also worth noting that dogs aren’t allowed on the main beach between May and September, but there is a nearby dog-friendly section. All in all, Broadsands is a charming, clean, and well-equipped beach that’s well worth visiting if you're in the Torbay area."

AsabaYT

"Big car park easy access to prom and cafes. Steps down to the beach.
A wide beach, pretty flat for walking, not much beach when high tide but water goes out a long way at low tide.
Safe bathing but no lifeguards.
Grass area behind the beach huts great for picnics or games."

Martin Wakefield

"Visited here during the August bank holiday late afternoon (sunset) was lovely the beach is small but loads of parking uses the RingGo app. Loads of seaweed but the kids loved it building a wall of seaweed!! Loads of skimming stones which I enjoyed! Really peaceful and beautiful! Couple of cafes either side didn't visit these but very handy!"

David Kenton

What People Like

Beautiful and peaceful atmosphere
Great for families
Scenic coastal walks

What People Dislike

Steps to access beach
Seaweed at times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Broadsands Beach is accessible by car, with a dedicated car park. It's also a popular starting point for walks along the South West Coast Path.TikTokInstagram Public transport options are limited, so driving or walking from nearby areas is often preferred. The nearest parking is at Broadsands Beach, followed by a short walk.Instagram

Yes, there is a car park available at Broadsands Beach. It can get busy, so arriving early is advised, especially during peak season. Payment is often managed via the RingGo app.Reddit

Direct public transport to Broadsands Beach is limited. It's best to check local bus routes for services that stop nearby, or consider it as part of a longer walk or cycle along the coast.Instagram

Access to the sandy part of Broadsands Beach involves descending a set of stairs from the promenade.TikTokReddit While there's a gentle slope to the prom, the steps are a key feature to be aware of.

Broadsands Beach is situated near other beautiful coves like Elberry Cove and Churston Cove, which are accessible via the South West Coast Path.Instagram+1 Paignton town center is also a short drive away.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Broadsands Beach is free to enter and enjoy.Instagram You only pay for parking if you drive to the site.

Broadsands Beach is open to the public at all times. However, facilities like cafes and hire services operate on seasonal hours.Reddit

No advance booking is required for general access to Broadsands Beach. Parking can be paid for on arrival via the RingGo app.Reddit

The main restriction is for dogs, which are not allowed on the main beach between May and September. There is a designated dog-friendly area nearby.Reddit

While the promenade is accessible, reaching the sand requires navigating steps, which may be a challenge for those with mobility issues.TikTokReddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, exploring rock pools at low tide, building sandcastles, and walking along the promenade or the South West Coast Path.InstagramReddit+1

No, there are no lifeguards on duty at Broadsands Beach, so visitors should exercise caution when swimming.Reddit

Facilities include toilets, showers, cafes, and seasonal hire for deckchairs and boats.Reddit There's also a grassy area behind the beach huts suitable for picnics and games.

Yes, it's a family-friendly beach with calm waters and rock pools for exploration. The grassy area is great for games, but the steps down to the sand require supervision.TikTokReddit

Dogs are permitted on a specific section of the beach year-round, but are restricted from the main beach area between May and September.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are a couple of cafes located at Broadsands Beach offering sandwiches, ice cream, and other refreshments.Reddit+1

The cafes typically serve beach-side favorites like sandwiches, snacks, and ice cream, perfect for a casual meal.Reddit+1

Absolutely! Broadsands Beach is a great spot for picnics, with a grassy area behind the beach huts ideal for spreading out a blanket.Reddit

Yes, the nearby town of Paignton offers a wider range of dining options, from casual eateries to more formal restaurants.

While not explicitly prohibited, it's generally advisable to consume alcohol responsibly and be mindful of other beachgoers. Check local bylaws if unsure.

📸 📸 Photography

The colorful beach huts, the dramatic coastal path views, and the rock pools at low tide offer fantastic photographic opportunities.InstagramReddit

Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, provides beautiful lighting for capturing the beach and its surroundings.Reddit

Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with Torbay Council or relevant authorities before flying a drone in the area.Instagram

Keep an eye out for various seabirds, and if you're lucky, you might spot interesting marine life in the rock pools, like the spiny cockle.Instagram

The unique spiny cockle found on the beach has been a subject of interest for nature photographers.Instagram The contrast between the clear water and the beach huts is also visually striking.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Broadsands Beach is a fantastic choice for families. The calm waters and rock pools at low tide are a huge hit with children, offering hours of exploration and fun.Reddit The grassy area behind the beach huts provides a great spot for picnics and games, away from the sand. While there are steps down to the beach, many families with young children find it manageable and rewarding.TikTokReddit Remember to check tide times for the best rock pooling experience and be aware of the dog restrictions during summer months.

🚶‍♀️ Hikers & Coastal Path Explorers

For those who love to walk, Broadsands Beach is a prime location on the South West Coast Path.Instagram You can embark on a scenic hike towards Brixham, discovering hidden coves like Elberry and Churston along the way.Instagram+1 The path offers stunning sea views and a chance to experience the rugged beauty of the Devon coastline. Ensure you wear sturdy footwear, as some sections can be uneven.TikTok

📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers

Broadsands Beach offers a wealth of photographic opportunities. The colorful beach huts provide a vibrant foreground, while the coastal landscapes offer dramatic backdrops.Instagram At low tide, the rock pools teem with life, presenting chances to capture unique marine subjects, including the rare spiny cockle.Instagram The golden hour light can transform the beach into a photographer's dream.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the South West Coast Path

Broadsands Beach serves as an excellent gateway to the renowned South West Coast Path.Instagram This section of the path offers breathtaking views and access to several hidden gems. A popular route is the walk from Broadsands towards Brixham, which takes you past Elberry Cove and Churston Cove.Instagram+1 These smaller coves are often quieter and provide fantastic spots for a peaceful swim or a secluded picnic.

The terrain along this part of the coast path is generally considered moderate, with some inclines and descents. It's about 8km round trip to Brixham and back, making it a manageable day out for most walkers.Instagram The path is well-maintained, and the scenery is consistently spectacular, offering a true taste of the Devon coastline. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as the paths can be uneven in places.TikTok

Family Fun and Accessibility

Broadsands Beach is often highlighted as a family-friendly destination.TikTokReddit The wide sandy shore is great for building sandcastles and playing games, and the calm waters are generally safe for paddling and swimming. At low tide, the extensive rock pools become a natural playground for children to discover small marine creatures.Reddit The grassy area behind the beach huts is also perfect for picnics and casual games, offering a comfortable space away from the sand.

However, it's important to note the accessibility. While there's a gentle slope to the promenade, reaching the actual beach requires navigating a set of stairs.TikTokReddit This can be a challenge for families with very young children in pushchairs or for individuals with mobility impairments. Despite this, many families with young children have successfully managed the descent and ascent, finding the effort well worth it for the beautiful surroundings.TikTok

The Unique Charm of Broadsands

What sets Broadsands Beach apart is its slightly more secluded feel, often described as a 'hidden gem'.TikTok+1 The presence of numerous colorful beach huts lining the promenade adds a picturesque charm, making it a delightful spot for photography.Instagram The beach itself can feel almost tropical at times, with its clear waters and sheltered bay.TikTok

Beyond its visual appeal, Broadsands is a place for quiet enjoyment. Visitors often praise its peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxing day by the sea away from the busier tourist hubs. Whether you're paddleboarding in the calm waters, exploring the diverse marine life in the rock pools, or simply soaking up the sun, Broadsands offers a tranquil escape.Reddit+1

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