Paignton Beach

Paignton Sands is a bustling, iconic stretch of golden sand with an old-fashioned pier, arcades, amusements, and a promenade. Facilities are extensive, with toilets, lifeguards, equipment hire, and lots of food options. Dogs are banned from the sand in summer but welcome along the seafront the rest of the year. The beach can get noisy and packed in peak season but is a good spot for a winter stroll if you have a dog. Its popularity means tidiness can vary.

The pier opened in June 1879 and remains a classic Victorian seaside attraction. The railway arrived in 1859, transforming Paignton from a fishing village into a major resort destination. The famous Paignton Pudding tradition dates back to the 13th century, with a massive pudding baked to celebrate the railway's completion in 1859. Nearby attractions include the Dartmouth Steam Railway terminus and Paignton Zoo, both easily reached from the town centre.