
Goodrington Sands Paignton
Expansive sandy beach in Paignton, perfect for families, with a dog-friendly zone and adjacent waterpark.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space

Goodrington Sands Paignton
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Expansive sandy beach in Paignton, perfect for families, with a dog-friendly zone and adjacent waterpark.
"A lovely beach with a good measure of sand and rock pools, great for families and dogs."

🚗 Parking Hassles
Parking can be challenging during peak times. Arrive early or consider public transport if possible.
🌊 Gentle Waves for Kids
The beach shelves gently, making it safe for children to paddle and play in the sea.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark
Adjacent to Goodrington Sands
UK's largest outdoor waterpark with thrilling flume rides and a pirate-themed splash zone for kids.

Goodrington Sands Beach
Paignton, Devon
Expansive sandy beach perfect for families, with gentle shelving and rock pools for exploration.

Dartmouth Steam Railway
Runs alongside Goodrington Sands
Enjoy the scenic beauty of South Devon from a vintage steam train as it chugs past the beach.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Goodrington Sands
Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Hassles
Parking can be challenging during peak times. Arrive early or consider public transport if possible.
🌊 Gentle Waves for Kids
The beach shelves gently, making it safe for children to paddle and play in the sea.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas
One section of the beach is designated for dogs, perfect for furry friends to enjoy.
🍔 Overpriced Food
Be aware that food options near the waterpark can be pricey and not always great quality.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Hassles
Parking can be challenging during peak times. Arrive early or consider public transport if possible.
🌊 Gentle Waves for Kids
The beach shelves gently, making it safe for children to paddle and play in the sea.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas
One section of the beach is designated for dogs, perfect for furry friends to enjoy.
🍔 Overpriced Food
Be aware that food options near the waterpark can be pricey and not always great quality.
🚂 Steam Train Views
Catch the iconic steam train as it passes by for a unique photo opportunity.
💧 Splashdown Tickets
Book Splashdown Quaywest tickets online in advance for potential savings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Goodrington Sands is praised as a fantastic, family-friendly beach with gentle waters and a dog-friendly section. Visitors enjoy the nearby waterpark and the scenic steam train. However, it can become very busy on sunny days, and some on-site food options are considered overpriced.
"Fantastic dog walking beach."
Malcolm Paton
"Could be lovely but too busy when sunny. One beach has too many dogs and the other has too many people. Good beach for children as there is lots of sand and the beach shelves very gently so is nice and safe. No good eating places. Very much a cheap? And cheerful place but not for me"
Outside The Box
"We had a fabulous couple of visits to this beach on our holiday, it's great for soaking up the sun & our son loved making a sandcastle & having a splash in the sea.
It's close to a large water park, a pub, shops & small eateries.
Well worth a visit. 👍🏖"
Katrina
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Goodrington Sands is easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby, though it can get busy. It's also reachable by public transport, with bus routes serving Paignton. The nearest train station is Paignton, from which you can take a short bus ride or a pleasant walk to the beach.
Yes, there are parking facilities available near Goodrington Sands. However, during peak season and sunny days, these can fill up quickly. Arriving early is recommended.
The closest train station is Paignton. From there, you can take a local bus service or enjoy a walk to reach Goodrington Sands. The Dartmouth Steam Railway also stops near the beach, offering a scenic arrival.
Yes, a section of Goodrington Sands is dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your canine companions along for a beach day.
Goodrington Sands is located in Paignton, part of the Torbay area, which also includes Torquay and Brixham.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Goodrington Sands beach itself is free. However, there are charges for parking and for attractions like Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark.
Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark typically operates seasonally, with hours varying throughout the year. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening times and dates.
Ticket prices for Splashdown Quaywest can vary, but generally range around £20 per person. Booking online in advance may offer discounts.
Yes, public toilets are available at Goodrington Sands. There is a small charge for their use.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own picnics and refreshments to enjoy on Goodrington Sands.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Goodrington Sands offers a variety of activities including swimming, sunbathing, building sandcastles, exploring rock pools, and walking. The adjacent Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark provides thrilling water rides.
Absolutely! The beach has a gentle slope into the sea, making it safe for young children to paddle. There's also a dedicated pirate-themed splash area at Splashdown Quaywest for under 12s.
At low tide, Goodrington Sands reveals interesting rock pools that are great for exploring and discovering small marine life.
You can see and hear the Dartmouth Steam Railway as it passes by Goodrington Sands, offering a picturesque backdrop. You can also board the train from the nearby station for a scenic journey.
While not as prominent as other beaches, the calm waters can be suitable for paddleboarding or kayaking, especially on calmer days. Splashdown Quaywest offers water-based fun.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are some eateries located near Goodrington Sands, including a pub and a coffee/burger spot next to the waterpark. An ice cream parlour is also available.
Reviews suggest that while there are dining options, the quality can be mixed, with some places being overpriced for the food offered. The ice cream, however, is often praised.
Yes, bringing your own picnic is a popular and recommended option for enjoying a meal at Goodrington Sands.
Yes, there is a pub located near the waterpark and beach, offering refreshments and meals.
For families, packing a picnic is often the most reliable and budget-friendly option. Otherwise, the ice cream shop is a guaranteed hit with kids.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the steam train against the beach backdrop, the vibrant slides of Splashdown Quaywest, and the expansive sandy shores. The coastline offers scenic views, especially during sunrise or sunset.
The open space and coastal scenery make Goodrington Sands a potentially good location for drone photography, offering unique aerial perspectives of the beach and surrounding area.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for serene beach shots. Late afternoons provide golden hour hues, perfect for capturing the warmth of the seaside.
Yes, the Dartmouth Steam Railway runs alongside the beach, providing excellent opportunities to photograph the vintage trains with the sea as a backdrop.
Focus on capturing the action of the water slides, the colorful structures, and the fun atmosphere of the waterpark.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🚂 Train Enthusiasts
🏖️ Beach Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Goodrington Sands Beach
Beyond its natural beauty, Goodrington Sands is also recognized for its dog-friendly section, ensuring that four-legged companions can also partake in the seaside fun. The beach's proximity to amenities like pubs, shops, and eateries, though with mixed reviews on food quality, adds to its convenience. The unique charm of the Dartmouth Steam Railway chugging past the shoreline provides a picturesque and nostalgic element, making it a memorable spot for both relaxation and exploration.
Splashdown Quaywest: Thrills by the Sea
Visitors often highlight the unique location of Splashdown Quaywest, perched overlooking the beach, which enhances the overall experience. While the park offers a day of fun and excitement, it's advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure entry and potentially secure better prices. Checking the park's operational calendar and ride restrictions is also recommended, particularly for families with very young children who may have height limitations for certain attractions.
The Scenic Charm of the Dartmouth Steam Railway
Catching a glimpse of the steam train as it passes Goodrington Sands is a highlight for many visitors, providing a unique photographic opportunity. For a more immersive experience, visitors can board the train at the nearby station for a journey that connects picturesque towns and villages along the Riviera Line. This offers a relaxed and scenic way to explore the region, complementing a day spent by the sea.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit