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Goodrington Sands Paignton

4.5
·161 reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space

CrowdLow
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Taken from steam train

Goodrington Sands Paignton

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(161 reviews)

"A lovely beach with a good measure of sand and rock pools, great for families and dogs."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark

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

Goodrington Sands Beach

Paignton, Devon

Expansive sandy beach perfect for families, with gentle shelving and rock pools for exploration.

Dartmouth Steam Railway

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds at Goodrington Sands

Goodrington Sands can get busy, especially on sunny days. Consider visiting during weekdays or outside peak summer months for a more relaxed experience. Early mornings or late afternoons are often less crowded, allowing for peaceful strolls and sandcastle building.

Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark Tips

If you're planning a visit to Splashdown Quaywest, book tickets online in advance to save time and potentially money. Check their opening times and ride restrictions, especially if you have younger children, as some attractions have height limits.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium
When
September
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer families
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

@Splashdown Quaywest It’s the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark, with 11 thrilling flume rides, a pool area, and the brand new Buccaneer Splash & Beach a pirate themed aquaplay zone for under 12s featuring seven rides, splash features, and a giant tipping bucket. It’s literally overlooking the beach at Goodrington Sands, honestly, it feels like you’re on holiday abroad! 👙Tickets prices start from £1...
@daysoutforlittleexplorer
35.7K likes • 1.3M views

🚗 Parking Hassles

Parking can be challenging during peak times. Arrive early or consider public transport if possible. TikTok

🌊 Gentle Waves for Kids

The beach shelves gently, making it safe for children to paddle and play in the sea. Reddit

Splashdown Quaywest, UK’s Biggest Outdoor Water Park #splashdownquaywest #splashdown #fyp #waterparkuk #outdoorwaterpark #goodringtonsands #paignton #exploreuk #england #uksummer #placestovisituk #UK
@properbritishhumour
35.5K likes • 1.8M views
A quiet Friday afternoon at Goodrington Sands Beach, Paignton, UK.
rta_photography
61 likes • 2K views

🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas

One section of the beach is designated for dogs, perfect for furry friends to enjoy. TikTok

🍔 Overpriced Food

Be aware that food options near the waterpark can be pricey and not always great quality. Reddit

The UK’s biggest splash waterpark 🌊@splashdownwaterparks 📍Goodrington Sands, Tanners Rd, Paignton TQ4 6LN 🎟️ £20 🎥 by @fhayemarie403
housetomotive
1K likes • 69.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Hassles

Parking can be challenging during peak times. Arrive early or consider public transport if possible. TikTok

🌊 Gentle Waves for Kids

The beach shelves gently, making it safe for children to paddle and play in the sea. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas

One section of the beach is designated for dogs, perfect for furry friends to enjoy. TikTok

🍔 Overpriced Food

Be aware that food options near the waterpark can be pricey and not always great quality. Reddit

🚂 Steam Train Views

Catch the iconic steam train as it passes by for a unique photo opportunity. Instagram

💧 Splashdown Tickets

Book Splashdown Quaywest tickets online in advance for potential savings. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(161 reviews)

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

Family-friendly atmosphere
Gentle sea for kids
Dog-friendly area

What People Dislike

Can be too busy
Overpriced food options

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. TikTok+1

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. TikTok

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. Instagram+1

Yes, a section of Goodrington Sands is dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your canine companions along for a beach day. TikTok

Goodrington Sands is located in Paignton, part of the Torbay area, which also includes Torquay and Brixham. TikTok+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Goodrington Sands beach itself is free. However, there are charges for parking and for attractions like Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark. Instagram

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. TikTokInstagram

Ticket prices for Splashdown Quaywest can vary, but generally range around £20 per person. Booking online in advance may offer discounts. Instagram

Yes, public toilets are available at Goodrington Sands. There is a small charge for their use. Reddit

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own picnics and refreshments to enjoy on Goodrington Sands. TikTok

🎫 🧭 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. TikTokReddit+1

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. TikTokReddit

At low tide, Goodrington Sands reveals interesting rock pools that are great for exploring and discovering small marine life. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

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. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own picnic is a popular and recommended option for enjoying a meal at Goodrington Sands. TikTok

Yes, there is a pub located near the waterpark and beach, offering refreshments and meals. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram+2

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Yes, the Dartmouth Steam Railway runs alongside the beach, providing excellent opportunities to photograph the vintage trains with the sea as a backdrop. Instagram+1

Focus on capturing the action of the water slides, the colorful structures, and the fun atmosphere of the waterpark. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Goodrington Sands is a fantastic choice for families. The beach's shallow waters are perfect for little ones to splash in safely, and the soft sand is ideal for building sandcastles. Reddit The nearby Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark offers dedicated zones for younger children, like the Buccaneer Splash & Beach, ensuring hours of fun. TikTok Consider packing a picnic, as food options can be pricey, and the ice cream parlour is always a hit. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

Bring your furry friends along! Goodrington Sands has a designated dog-friendly area, allowing your pets to enjoy the sand and sea. TikTok It's a great spot for a leisurely walk with your dog, especially during quieter times of the day. Remember to check local signage for any specific restrictions.

🚂 Train Enthusiasts

The presence of the Dartmouth Steam Railway running alongside the beach is a major draw. You can capture stunning photos of the vintage steam trains against the coastal backdrop. Instagram+1 For a full experience, consider taking a scenic ride on the railway itself.

🏖️ Beach Lovers

Goodrington Sands offers a classic beach experience with plenty of sand for lounging and playing. The gentle waves are inviting for a swim, and the rock pools at low tide provide a bit of exploration. Reddit For a more active water experience, Splashdown Quaywest is just steps away. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Allure of Goodrington Sands Beach

Goodrington Sands is a beloved stretch of coastline in Paignton, known for its expansive sandy shores and family-friendly atmosphere. The beach gently shelves into the sea, making it a safe haven for children to paddle and play. At low tide, the discovery of rock pools adds an element of adventure for younger visitors, offering a glimpse into the local marine life. Reddit It's a place where families can build sandcastles, soak up the sun, and enjoy the classic British seaside experience. TikTok+1

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. TikTok The beach's proximity to amenities like pubs, shops, and eateries, though with mixed reviews on food quality, adds to its convenience. Reddit 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. Instagram+1

Splashdown Quaywest: Thrills by the Sea

Adjacent to Goodrington Sands lies Splashdown Quaywest, the UK's largest outdoor waterpark. This attraction is a major draw for thrill-seekers and families alike, boasting a variety of flume rides designed to get the adrenaline pumping. TikTok+1 The park also features a dedicated pool area and the newer Buccaneer Splash & Beach, a pirate-themed aquaplay zone specifically designed for younger children, complete with a giant tipping bucket. TikTok

Visitors often highlight the unique location of Splashdown Quaywest, perched overlooking the beach, which enhances the overall experience. TikTok+1 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. Instagram 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. TikTok

The Scenic Charm of the Dartmouth Steam Railway

Adding a touch of nostalgia and scenic beauty to the Goodrington Sands experience is the Dartmouth Steam Railway. This heritage railway line runs along the coast, offering passengers breathtaking views of the South Devon coastline, including the beach itself. Instagram+1 The distinctive sound of the steam train's whistle and the sight of the vintage locomotives create a magical atmosphere, particularly for train enthusiasts and families. Instagram

Catching a glimpse of the steam train as it passes Goodrington Sands is a highlight for many visitors, providing a unique photographic opportunity. Instagram 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. Instagram

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