Goodrington Sands

Goodrington Sands is a mainly sandy Paignton beach with a park and plenty of activities nearby, a good fit for a family day with a pushchair or a paddling toddler. The beach has two halves with different dog rules, so decide which end you want before you set off. It is on the Paignton side of Tor Bay, so Paignton is the natural base, and Paignton Sands is the long red sandy beach beside the pier.

Swimming and lifeguards

The waters are clean and calm, and the beach is classified as Quality Standard under the English Riviera Beach Standard. There is no lifeguard cover: the bay’s beaches are not patrolled or monitored by lifeguards, so swim with a buddy, stay close to the shore and watch the tide.

North Sands and South Sands

A minor headland called Middle Stone separates the two sections, with a bar and restaurants overlooking the bay. Dogs may be exercised on North Sands all year, while South Sands bans them from 1 May to 30 September. Assistance dogs are allowed on all Torbay beaches all year.

Getting there and facilities

From Quay West and Youngs Park car parks it is roughly 100m to either half of the beach, with a few steps or ramps. An accessible ramp and beach matting are in place from 1 April to 30 September, weather permitting. Toilets in the central area are open all year, and North and South beach toilets open from April to October. There is a cafe or restaurant, showers, deckchair and beach hut hire, pedalos and windsurfing hire.

For a quieter shingle alternative nearby, see Elberry Cove, or the sandy Broadsands.