Torbay's Best-Kept Secret
Broadsands sits in a natural bay between the red sandstone headlands north of Brixham. The beach is sheltered from prevailing westerly winds by the headlands, making the water calmer than most Devon beaches — ideal for young children, paddleboarders and open water swimmers. Unlike the busy central Torbay beaches at Paignton and Torquay, Broadsands sees far fewer visitors and retains a more relaxed, local character.
The red sandstone cliffs add a distinctive colour to the scene, the rock pools at both ends of the beach reward exploration at low tide, and there are good facilities in the car park above the beach. It is one of those Devon beaches that regulars are quietly reluctant to recommend too widely — a genuinely excellent spot that rarely gets the recognition it deserves.
🦀 Rock Pools
The rock platforms at both the northern and southern ends of Broadsands are some of the best in Torbay for rock pooling. Low tide reveals a world of shore crabs, anemones, blennies and hermit crabs. The southern end by the headland is particularly rich — large pools with good depth. Bring a net and bucket, but return everything you find.
Facilities
Car Parking
Free large car park directly above the beach. Barrier opens at 8am. No charge. Can fill on hot summer weekends — arrive early or use alternative parking in Brixham.
Toilets & Café
Public toilets in the car park. Seasonal beach café serving hot drinks, snacks and ice cream. The café is open April–October, closed November–March.
Lifeguards
Seasonal RNLI lifeguard cover during summer (check RNLI website for exact dates). Red and yellow flags mark the safe swimming zone. Outside lifeguard hours, swim with care.
Accessibility
Slipway access from the car park to the beach suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The firm sand at low tide is accessible. Accessible toilet in the car park.
🏊 Swimming at Broadsands
The sheltered bay creates calmer conditions than most Devon beaches — the gentle slope into the water and lack of strong currents makes Broadsands one of the safest family swimming beaches in Torbay. The water is clearest at high tide. At low tide the sand extends far out and the water is shallower — good for paddling, less ideal for swimming.
Seasons & Conditions
| Season | Beach Character | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Uncrowded, fresh, good rock pooling | 12–14°C | Low |
| Summer | Peak season, busy, lifeguards | 17–19°C | High |
| Autumn | Quieter, good light, empty midweek | 15–17°C | Low-Medium |
| Winter | Deserted, dramatic light, dog walkers | 9–11°C | Very low |
Churston Cove Walk
From the southern headland of Broadsands, a short coast path (approximately 15 minutes) leads to Churston Cove — a tiny, quieter rocky beach accessible only on foot. This little cove offers a genuine sense of escape, tucked away from the road and rarely visited compared to the main beach. Continue along the coast path toward Brixham for excellent cliff walking with views across the whole of Torbay.
The coast path between Broadsands and Brixham Harbour (around 2.5 miles) is one of the best short coastal walks in South Devon. The path passes through gorse and bracken above the red sandstone cliffs, with views out toward Berry Head and across the bay. A one-way walk with the bus back makes a fine half-day out.
Dogs at Broadsands
Dogs are restricted on the main beach between May and September inclusive. From October to April, dogs are welcome on all areas of the beach. Year-round, the coast path, car park area and Churston Cove are dog-friendly — so there is always somewhere to walk with your dog regardless of the season. Dogs are also welcome on the southern rock platforms throughout the year, making the rock pooling walk accessible to dog owners even during the summer restriction period.
Getting There
Broadsands is approximately 2 miles south of Paignton town centre, signposted from the A3022 (Paignton–Brixham road). Follow signs for Broadsands Road and the free car park is at the end of the road at postcode TQ4 6BN. The barrier opens at 8am and there is no charge.
The number 18 bus (Paignton–Brixham) stops nearby — check Stagecoach South West for the current timetable. By train: Paignton station is approximately 2 miles away, reachable via the coastal path or by road. The Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway also terminates at Paignton, making a scenic approach possible from Kingswear and Dartmouth.
🗺️ Nearby Beaches
Paignton Beach is 2 miles north and has the full range of resort facilities. Goodrington Sands (with a water park) lies between Broadsands and Paignton. Brixham harbour and breakwater beach are 2 miles south. All can be linked along the coast path for a longer walk taking in the full southern arc of Torbay.