Broadsands Beach Paignton
A beautiful, family-friendly beach with clear waters and charming beach huts, offering a peaceful escape and access to stunning coastal walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Rock pools revealed!
Broadsands Beach Paignton
Best Time
Rock pools revealed!
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.
"Discover a tropical paradise in the UK at Broadsands Beach, perfect for relaxation and exploration."
👟 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
Broadsands Beach (low tide)
Uncover fascinating marine life in the numerous rock pools revealed as the tide recedes.
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
Broadsands Beach promenade
Admire the charming row of brightly colored beach huts lining the promenade.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Stairs
Tides & Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 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.
🌊 Check tide times
Essential for rock pool exploration and maximizing beach space.
🥪 Pack a picnic
Enjoy a meal on the grassy area behind the beach huts.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 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.
🌊 Check tide times
Essential for rock pool exploration and maximizing beach space.
🥪 Pack a picnic
Enjoy a meal on the grassy area behind the beach huts.
🐶 Dog restrictions
Dogs are banned from the main beach May-Sept, but a section nearby is dog-friendly.
📸 Capture the views
Stunning photo opportunities along the coast path and of the beach itself.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.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.
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.
Access to the sandy part of Broadsands Beach involves descending a set of stairs from the promenade.
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.
Paignton town center is also a short drive away.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Broadsands Beach is free to enter and enjoy.
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.
No advance booking is required for general access to Broadsands Beach. Parking can be paid for on arrival via the RingGo app.
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.
While the promenade is accessible, reaching the sand requires navigating steps, which may be a challenge for those with mobility issues.
🎫 🧭 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.
No, there are no lifeguards on duty at Broadsands Beach, so visitors should exercise caution when swimming.
Facilities include toilets, showers, cafes, and seasonal hire for deckchairs and boats.
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.
Dogs are permitted on a specific section of the beach year-round, but are restricted from the main beach area between May and September.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are a couple of cafes located at Broadsands Beach offering sandwiches, ice cream, and other refreshments.
The cafes typically serve beach-side favorites like sandwiches, snacks, and ice cream, perfect for a casual meal.
Absolutely! Broadsands Beach is a great spot for picnics, with a grassy area behind the beach huts ideal for spreading out a blanket.
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.
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, provides beautiful lighting for capturing the beach and its surroundings.
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.
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.
The unique spiny cockle found on the beach has been a subject of interest for nature photographers.
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
🚶♀️ Hikers & Coastal Path Explorers
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the South West Coast Path
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. 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.
Family Fun and Accessibility
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. 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.
The Unique Charm of Broadsands
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit