
Preston Sands Paignton
Award-winning, flat sandy beach in Paignton, perfect for families and relaxation, featuring colorful huts and a vibrant community mural.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Preston Sands Paignton
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Award-winning, flat sandy beach in Paignton, perfect for families and relaxation, featuring colorful huts and a vibrant community mural.
"A gorgeous place to spend time here, great for unwinding from the stress of daily life."

Check Tide Times First! :wave:
High tide can cover much of the beach, so plan your visit accordingly for maximum sand space .
Family-Friendly Amenities :child:
Toilets, free running water, and a play park nearby make it great for kids .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Award-Winning Sandy Beach
Preston Sands
A long, flat, sandy stretch perfect for unwinding, sunbathing, and leisurely strolls.

Colorful Beach Huts
Along the promenade
Iconic, vibrant huts offering a picturesque backdrop and a touch of classic seaside charm.
Community Art Mural
Former toilet block
A bold, bright mural celebrating beach life, adding a splash of contemporary art to the area .

Calm Waters for Activities
Preston Sands
Sheltered waters make it ideal for paddleboarding and enjoying the sea with less choppiness .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Family Fun and Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times First! :wave:
High tide can cover much of the beach, so plan your visit accordingly for maximum sand space.
Family-Friendly Amenities :child:
Toilets, free running water, and a play park nearby make it great for kids.
Accessible for All :wheelchair:
The flat, sandy beach is ideal for wheelchairs and easy walking.
Capture the Sunrise :sunrise:
Early risers can witness beautiful sunrises over the water.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times First! :wave:
High tide can cover much of the beach, so plan your visit accordingly for maximum sand space.
Family-Friendly Amenities :child:
Toilets, free running water, and a play park nearby make it great for kids.
Accessible for All :wheelchair:
The flat, sandy beach is ideal for wheelchairs and easy walking.
Capture the Sunrise :sunrise:
Early risers can witness beautiful sunrises over the water.
Explore the Art :art:
Don't miss the vibrant community mural adding a unique artistic touch.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Preston Sands for its clean, award-winning sandy beach, making it a relaxing spot to unwind. Families particularly appreciate the calm waters, accessibility for wheelchairs, and nearby amenities like toilets and a play park. Some note that high tide can significantly reduce beach space, so checking tide times is recommended for the best experience.
"Great place to unwind from the stress of daily life. The beach is award winning and the flat sandy beach is lovely to walk along. There are bars/restaurants and places for kids to play near by.There are also toilets and free running water to wash off sand and drink.A gorgeous place to spend time here."
Colin Shingler
"Brilliant clean and lovely beach toilets 30p each visit disabled free water lovely and clean speed boats in the water 💧 fun had by all on a lovely sunny 🌞 day"
Matthew Brookes
"Love the relaxing sound of the waves of the see. Great place to visit once a while..."
Syed Ali Zafar Hossain
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Preston Sands is easily accessible by car, with parking available along the road or in a larger public car park at the end of a cul-de-sac.
Public transport options include local buses that serve the Paignton area. Many visitors arrive as part of exploring the wider Torbay region.Yes, there is parking available along the road adjacent to the beach. A larger public car park is also located just off the main road at the end of a cul-de-sac.
Parking fees may apply during peak season.Preston Sands is located a short distance north of Paignton town centre. It's a pleasant walk along the coast, or you can take a local bus service for a quicker journey.
Preston Sands is well-signposted within Paignton. If using GPS, 'Preston Sands, Paignton' should guide you directly to the area. It's a prominent feature of the coastline.
Paignton is well-connected by train, with a station in the town centre. From there, you can take a bus or enjoy a walk to Preston Sands. Driving is also a popular option, with routes from major UK cities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Preston Sands is a public beach and there is no entrance fee to access it. You can enjoy the sand and sea freely.
Preston Sands is open 24/7, as it is a public beach. However, amenities like cafes and toilets will have specific operating hours, especially outside of peak season.
No booking is required for general access to Preston Sands. If you wish to hire beach huts, it's advisable to inquire about availability and booking procedures, especially during busy periods.
Yes, the public toilets at Preston Sands are payable, with a small fee per visit. Disabled access toilets are available and are free to use.
Dog restrictions may apply during certain times of the year, particularly during the main summer season. It's best to check local signage or council information for the most up-to-date dog access policies.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Preston Sands is perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, and walking along the flat sandy beach.
The calm waters are great for paddleboarding, swimming, and building sandcastles. You can also enjoy the nearby arcade and food market.Absolutely! The beach is family-friendly with calm, sheltered waters suitable for paddling.
There's also a children's play park located on the field behind the beach, and plenty of space for kids to play.Yes, there are public toilets available (payable) and free running water to wash off sand.
Showers are not typically available, but the water taps are very useful for rinsing off.Preston Sands features a long stretch of flat, golden sand, making it comfortable for walking and relaxing. It's an award-winning beach known for its clean and pleasant sandy surface.
Yes, colorful beach huts are available for hire along the promenade at Preston Sands. They offer a charming spot to relax and store your belongings, providing a classic seaside experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are bars and restaurants located near Preston Sands, especially in high season.
You can also find options at the nearby Preston Food Market, offering a variety of refreshments and snacks.During the high season, there's a bar next to the beach that serves refreshments.
Local shops and cafes are also within easy walking distance, providing a range of options.While there isn't a cafe directly on the sand, there are establishments located along the promenade and nearby that offer food and drinks. The Preston Food Market is also a great spot for quick bites.
You can expect typical seaside fare like fish and chips, ice cream, and snacks from local eateries. The Preston Food Market offers a diverse range of options, from street food to local produce.
While there are no designated picnic areas, the beach itself is a perfect spot for a picnic. You can also find benches along the promenade for a more relaxed dining experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the colorful beach huts, the expansive sandy beach, and the serene sea views.
Sunrises offer a magical light, and the community art mural provides a unique, vibrant subject.Early mornings for sunrise shots
and golden hour in the late afternoon offer beautiful lighting. Weekday mornings can also provide clearer shots without large crowds.The row of colorful beach huts is a classic subject. The recently painted community art mural on the former toilet block is also a striking and unique photo opportunity.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and sea. A telephoto lens can be useful for details like surfers or distant boats. A drone can offer stunning aerial perspectives.
Drone photography is possible, offering unique aerial views of the beach and coastline.
Always ensure you are aware of and comply with any local drone regulations and privacy considerations.For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Relaxation Seekers
🏄♀️ Watersports Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Preston Sands: A Family Favorite
Beyond the sand and sea, families will appreciate the convenient amenities located nearby. Public toilets are available (for a small fee), and crucially, there's free running water for rinsing off sand – a lifesaver for parents! Just behind the beach, a children's play park provides an additional area for kids to burn off energy. The presence of colorful beach huts adds a charming visual element and can provide a shaded spot for families to gather.
Many visitors highlight the relaxing atmosphere of Preston Sands, making it a great spot to unwind. While it can get busy during peak times, visiting during weekdays or early mornings can offer a more tranquil experience. The nearby arcade and food market also add to the entertainment options, ensuring a full day of fun for everyone.
Accessibility and Inclusivity at Preston Sands
Beyond the beach surface, the provision of accessible facilities further enhances the inclusive nature of Preston Sands. While standard toilets are payable, there are dedicated disabled facilities that are free to use. The availability of free running water taps is also a practical benefit, allowing visitors to easily wash off sand from themselves, equipment, or pets.
This focus on accessibility means that more people can enjoy the simple pleasures of a day at the seaside. Whether it's a leisurely stroll, a spot of sunbathing, or simply enjoying the sound of the waves, Preston Sands strives to be a beach that everyone can experience and appreciate.
The Artistic Transformation of Preston Sands
The mural's aesthetic is intentionally bold and bright, using stencil techniques to create a striking visual impact. The artists have also paid attention to the surrounding environment, with the beach huts depicted in the artwork aligning with the actual beach huts nearby. This thoughtful integration ensures the art feels like a natural extension of the seaside landscape, adding character and a modern artistic flair.
This artistic intervention not only beautifies the area but also serves as a testament to community engagement and creativity. It provides a fantastic photo opportunity and adds another layer of interest for visitors exploring Preston Sands, making it more than just a beach but a canvas for local expression.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit