Broadsands Beach

Description

Let me tell you about one of Devon’s hidden treasures – Broadsands Beach. I’ve visited countless beaches along the English coast, but this red-sand beauty between Paignton and Brixham keeps drawing me back. The gentle slope of the beach creates perfect conditions for families with little ones, and I love how the surrounding green headlands cradle the bay, offering shelter from strong winds.

The beach stretches nearly half a mile, which means even during peak summer days, you can usually find your own peaceful spot. What really caught my attention during my visits was the fascinating array of rock pools that emerge during low tide – they’re absolute magnets for kids (and curious adults like me!) wanting to discover small crabs and tiny fish.

The row of cheerfully painted beach huts adds such character to the shoreline. Y’know, there’s something quintessentially British about them that just makes me smile. And when hunger strikes, the beach café serves up proper Devon ice cream and hearty sandwiches – nothing fancy, just good honest beach grub that hits the spot.

Key Features

• Expansive red sandy beach with gentle slopes
• Crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and paddling
• Abundant rock pools teeming with marine life
• Traditional British beach huts available for hire
• Clean, well-maintained facilities
• Family-friendly café serving refreshments and light meals
• Designated swimming areas during summer months
• Ample parking facilities (though they fill up quick on sunny days!)
• Wheelchair accessible promenade
• Protected bay location with calmer waters
• Multiple access points with ramps and steps
• Seasonal lifeguard service

Best Time to Visit

From my experience, Broadsands really shines between May and September when the weather’s most reliable. But here’s a local tip – June is actually my favorite month here. The crowds haven’t reached their peak yet, but you get those long, warm days that are perfect for beach activities.

Early mornings are magical here – I’ve spent countless dawns watching the sun rise over the bay while having my morning coffee. If you’re into photography or just enjoy peaceful moments, that’s your time. The beach tends to get busier from around 10 AM onwards.

For rock pooling enthusiasts (like my niece who’s absolutely obsessed), plan your visit during low tide. The pools are at their best about an hour either side of low tide – that’s when you’ll find the most interesting marine life.

How to Get There

Getting to Broadsands Beach is pretty straightforward, but let me share some insider knowledge. If you’re driving, follow signs for Broadsands from either Paignton or Brixham. There’s a decent-sized car park right by the beach, but I’ll warn ya – it fills up fast during summer weekends!

For those using public transport, the number 12 bus between Brixham and Torquay stops near the beach. It’s about a 5-minute walk down to the sand from the bus stop. Just remember the walk back up is a bit steeper – I always factor in extra time for that climb!

Train travelers can arrive at Paignton station and then either take a short taxi ride or catch the local bus. During peak season, there’s also a steam train that runs along the coast – bit of a touristy thing, but it’s actually a lovely way to arrive.

Tips for Visiting

Look, I’ve spent enough time here to know a thing or two about making the most of your visit. First off, bring cash – while the café does take cards now, some of the seasonal vendors might not. And speaking of the café, they make a mean cream tea, but they can get pretty busy around lunchtime.

If you’re planning to stay all day (and trust me, you easily could), bringing your own beach umbrella is a smart move. While the bay is sheltered, the sun can be intense and there’s limited natural shade. Oh, and don’t forget to pack water shoes if you’re keen on rock pooling – those rocks can be slippery!

For families with young kids, the northern end of the beach tends to be a bit quieter and the slope into the water is more gradual. And here’s something not everyone knows – there’s a lovely coastal path running along the top of the cliffs that offers stunning views of the bay. Perfect for when the kids need a change of scenery.

During peak season, try to arrive either early morning or late afternoon to avoid the main crowds. And if you’re driving, have a backup parking plan – I’ve learned the hard way that the main car park can fill up by mid-morning on sunny days!

Lastly, keep an eye on the tide times. The beach is lovely at both high and low tide, but if you’re interested in rock pooling or want more space for beach games, low tide is your friend. And don’t forget to check the weather forecast – this part of Devon can sometimes have its own microclimate!

Location

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