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Preston Sands Guide

Preston Sands

Your Complete Visitor Guide

Paignton · English Riviera · Devon

☀ Award-Winning Beach 👶 Family Friendly ♿ Fully Accessible
FREE Entry
24/7 Open
Blue Flag Award
Sandy Beach Type

Preston Sands is a beautiful, award-winning sandy beach located at the northern end of Paignton's coastline, connected to Paignton Sands at low tide. This family-friendly destination offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to its busier neighbour, making it perfect for those seeking a peaceful seaside experience.

Did You Know? At low tide, you can walk all the way from Preston Sands to Paignton Pier along the beach – a wonderful coastal adventure for the whole family!
Location Marine Drive, Paignton, TQ3 2NS
Beach Type Sandy with rock pools at northern end
Awards Blue Flag, Good Beach Guide, Seaside Award
Highlights Colourful beach huts, stunning Torbay views

What Makes Preston Sands Special

  • Red Sand Beach: The distinctive red sand creates a unique and beautiful setting
  • Rock Pool Exploring: At low tide, fascinating rock pools are exposed at the northern end – perfect for crabbing and spotting sea life
  • Preston Green: A large grassy area behind the beach with playground, perfect for picnics and ball games
  • Beach Huts: Iconic colourful huts available for daily hire – a true English Riviera experience

🚻 Toilets

Preston North: Open all year, including disabled facilities
Preston Redcliffe: Seasonal (April to October)

👶 Children's Facilities

Playground on Preston Green with climbing frames, plus outdoor fitness equipment and a basketball/netball court

Sara's Beach Kiosk manages the beach facilities. Look out for their decked alfresco dining area serving freshly ground coffee and quality beach food including their famous Preston Burgers!

Available Amenities

Beach Hut Hire Deckchair Hire Café/Restaurant First Aid Room Free Running Water Children's Playground

Dog Information

Dog Restrictions Dogs are banned from the beach 1st May to 30th September. However, there's a designated dog exercise area on Preston Green where your furry friends can run free all year round. Assistance dogs are permitted on the beach year-round.
Excellent Accessibility: Preston Sands is celebrated for its outstanding accessibility, making it a welcoming destination for all visitors, including those with mobility challenges.
Beach Access Flat, sandy terrain ideal for wheelchairs
Parking Disabled spaces at Colin Road car park
Facilities Disabled toilets open all year (free)
Beach Wheelchair Available for hire - contact Sara's Beach Kiosk

Access Details

  • The area is quite flat with excellent access for disabled people and wheelchairs
  • Access across Preston Green onto the flat promenade
  • Gentle slope leads to the beach itself
  • Level promenade walk to both ends of the beach
  • Free running water taps for washing off sand

📞 Mobility Equipment Hire

New Ability provides mobility equipment hire in Torbay, including wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and walkers. They offer free delivery and collection in the Torbay area.

🅿️ Colin Road Car Park

Closest to beach with easy walking access. Blue badge spaces available (normal charges apply). Pay-and-display or use RingGo app.

🚗 On-Street Parking

Limited road parking available on Marine Drive (B3021) by Preston Green. Can be challenging during peak season.

Parking Tip: All Torbay car parks and on-street parking can be paid for using the RingGo app – no need for cash! You can also purchase 4-day and 8-day sessions through the app for longer stays.

Public Transport

Bus Route 12 The most frequent service connecting Preston to Torbay. Runs every 10 minutes Monday-Saturday, every 15 minutes on Sundays. Connects Newton Abbot ↔ Torquay ↔ Paignton ↔ Brixham.
Key Bus Stops Near Preston Sands Preston Shelter – closest to the beach
Paignton Bus Station – 10-minute walk, connections to Dartmouth, Totnes, Plymouth

💰 Torbay Dayrider Ticket

Best value for exploring the area! £5 when bought on the Stagecoach app (50p extra for paper ticket). Valid on all Stagecoach buses in Torbay including route 12.

On the Beach

☕ The Boathouse

Marine Drive, Preston Sands

Premier beachside restaurant and café boasting one of the best locations in Torbay. Open daily 9am-9pm serving fresh seafood, artisan pizzas, hearty breakfasts, and Sunday roasts. Enjoy al fresco dining with stunning sea views and live music on selected days. Fully licensed bar with cocktail menu.

☕ Sara's Beach Kiosk

Preston Sands Promenade

Beachfront kiosk serving freshly ground coffee and quality beach food. Features a decked alfresco dining area. Famous for their Preston Burgers, bacon cheeseburgers, and chicken burgers. Great friendly service!

Nearby Fish & Chips

🐟 The London Fryer

Preston, Paignton

Family-run since 1982, just a short walk from Preston Sands. Voted one of Devon's best! Famous for their "Catch of the Day" meal deal. Eat-in or takeaway available. Gluten-free options.

🏆 Award Winning

🐟 The Preston Fryer

Preston Down Road

Local favourite serving traditional fish and chips. Praised for perfect crispy batter, tasty haddock with no bones, and non-greasy chips. Great value for money. Weekly regulars love it!

More Options

  • Paignton Pier Chippy Co. – Traditional pier fish and chips (10-minute walk)
  • Mariners Restaurant – Award-winning fish and chip restaurant on Paignton seafront
  • Paignton Harbour – Restaurants and cafés serving fresh local seafood and tapas (15-minute walk)

🏛️ Oldway Mansion & Gardens

0.6 miles · 12-minute walk

The "Jewel in the Crown of Torbay" – stunning 17-acre Grade II listed gardens laid out in Italian/French style. Features parterres, rock garden with waterfall, grotto, and sub-tropical plants. Free entry, open 24/7. Tennis courts available.

🎡 Paignton Pier

0.5 miles · 10-minute walk along beach

Iconic Victorian pier with amusement arcade, rides, games, and food stalls. Free entry. Great for family fun and classic seaside entertainment. Stunning views of Torbay from the end of the pier.

🦁 Paignton Zoo

1.5 miles · Bus route 12

One of the UK's top zoos with over 2,500 animals across 80 acres. Part of the Wild Planet Trust conservation charity. A must-visit for families – allow a full day!

⚓ Paignton Harbour

0.8 miles · 15-minute walk

Historic 18th-century harbour with fishing boats, yachts, and delightful waterfront restaurants. Discover hidden Fairy Cove nearby. Boat trips available to Torquay, Brixham, and Dartmouth.

More Nearby Attractions

  • Goodrington Sands & Splashdown Quaywest (0.9 miles) – UK's largest outdoor waterpark
  • Dartmouth Steam Railway (0.8 miles) – Heritage steam train to Kingswear and Dartmouth
  • Geoplay Park (0.5 miles) – Free educational play park on Paignton seafront
  • Pirates Bay Adventure Golf (0.7 miles) – 18-hole floodlit crazy golf
  • Roundham Head (0.8 miles) – Beautiful parkland with stunning cliff-top views

Convenience Shopping

🛍️ Premier Store – Preston Sands

Local convenience store near the beach for essentials, snacks, drinks, and beach supplies. Perfect for picking up picnic items or forgotten sunscreen!

Paignton Town Centre

A 10-15 minute walk from Preston Sands, Paignton town centre offers a good selection of high-street shops along Torbay Road and the surrounding streets.

High Street Shops

Tesco, Primark, Poundland, and independent boutiques for fashion, footwear, and beach essentials

Speciality Shops

Traditional seaside souvenirs, bucket and spade sets, inflatables, and local craft shops

Markets

  • Paignton Market – Regular market in the town centre with fresh produce, local foods, and crafts
  • Torbay Market – Larger market with extensive regional specialities
South West Coast Path: Preston Sands sits on this iconic 630-mile national trail. Enjoy breathtaking walks in both directions along the English Riviera.

Recommended Walks

Preston Sands to Paignton Pier

Easy 0.5 miles 10-15 mins

A delightful beach walk at low tide, connecting Preston Sands to Paignton Pier. Pass colourful beach huts, the Geoplay Park, and enjoy views across Torbay. Perfect for families and accessible for pushchairs.

Preston to Goodrington Sands

Easy 1 mile 20-25 mins

Head south along the coast path through Roundham Head parkland with stunning cliff-top views. Continue to Goodrington Sands with its boating lake, Young's Park, and Splashdown Quaywest waterpark.

Preston to Hollicombe Beach

Easy 0.5 miles 10 mins

Walk north to discover Hollicombe Beach with its distinctive red sand backed by cliffs. A quieter, more secluded spot perfect for escaping the crowds.

South West Coast Path: Brixham to Babbacombe

Moderate 21.4 km Full Day

For serious walkers, this challenging section of the coast path passes through Preston Sands on its way between Brixham and Babbacombe. Spectacular scenery, dramatic cliffs, and hidden coves. Can be broken into shorter sections using bus route 12.

Walking Tips

  • Check tide times before walking along the beach – high tide can cover much of the sand
  • The promenade offers a level, accessible alternative to beach walking
  • Bus route 12 follows the coast – perfect for one-way walks
  • Stop at The Boathouse or Sara's Kiosk for refreshments along the way
Opening Hours 24/7 (beach always open)
Entry Fee Free
Best Time to Visit Early morning for sunrise; weekdays for quieter experience
Water Quality Excellent (Blue Flag awarded)

Seasonal Information

Summer (May-Sept)
  • Lifeguards on duty
  • All facilities open
  • Dogs banned from beach
  • Busiest period – arrive early
Winter (Oct-Apr)
  • Quieter, peaceful atmosphere
  • Dogs welcome on beach
  • Some facilities reduced hours
  • Perfect for bracing walks

Useful Contacts

  • Beach Management: Sara's Beach Kiosk or Torbay Beaches and Coastline Team
  • Mobility Equipment Hire: New Ability – wheelchairs, scooters, walkers
  • Bus Enquiries: Stagecoach South West
  • Torbay Council: Parking Services 01803 207653
Important: Always check tide times before your visit – at high tide, beach space is significantly reduced. The promenade remains accessible at all times.

Preston Sands Visitor Guide · English Riviera · Devon

Information correct as of February 2026. Please verify details before visiting.

Full Equipment & Facilities Inventory - Glencoe Holiday Apartments

🍳 Kitchen & Cooking Essentials

Each apartment features a fully equipped kitchen designed for convenient self-catering. Facilities include:

  • Fridge with integrated freezer compartment

  • Electric oven with grill, four-ring hob and microwave

  • Kettle, toaster and worktop saver

  • Complete range of cooking pots, pans and utensils

  • Full cutlery set including knives, forks, spoons and serving tools

  • Kitchen accessories such as can opener, bottle opener, potato peeler, scissors, wooden spoon and grater

  • Crockery and tableware including plates, bowls, mugs, pint glasses, wine glasses, tumblers and egg cups

  • Colander, chopping board, tea tray set and oven gloves

  • Cleaning essentials including tea towels, washing-up bowl, cleaning basket with kitchen cleaner, scourer, sponge cloth, washing-up liquid, spare bin liners and liquid hand soap

🛋️ Living & Sleeping Comforts

Apartments are furnished with everything you need for a relaxing and comfortable stay, including:

  • Comfortable sofa bed (small double) and coffee table

  • Upto 55″ Smart TV and DVD player with remote controls

  • Dining table with four chairs, coasters and placemats

  • Hairdryer, desk fan and extension lead

  • Wardrobe with hangers and drawer storage

  • Double bed with full bedding and protective covers

  • Floor-standing and table lamps, wall clock and mirror

🚿 Bathroom Essentials

Bathrooms are supplied with practical essentials to make your stay convenient:

  • Shower squeegee, bath mat and bathroom bin

  • Sanitary disposal bags and toilet brush

  • Hand soap, toilet cleaner and shower cleaner

  • Two toilet rolls provided for your arrival

  • Cleaning cloth and basic cleaning supplies

🧼 Cleaning & Maintenance Facilities

To make longer stays more convenient, each apartment includes:

  • Iron and ironing board

  • Clothes drying rack

  • Dustpan, brush, bucket and rubbish bin

🌿 Outdoor & Additional Extras

For added convenience and comfort during your holiday:

  • Washing line at the rear of the building

  • Outdoor washing area for rinsing sand and beach equipment

  • Designated smoking area at the back of the property

  • Recycling bins and waste disposal facilities

  • On-site assistance — we live on site and are available to help with any issues during your stay

We’re always looking for ways to make your stay even more comfortable. If there’s something you need that isn’t listed here, we can see if we have it available.

As we live on site, we’re usually available to help or provide extras wherever possible.