Broadsands Beach
Devon
Broadsands is a long, gently curving sandy beach on the English Riviera coast between Paignton and Brixham, sitting between two rocky headlands in a position that makes it feel more enclosed and rural than the larger resort beaches to the north. The sand is red-tinged Devon sand, typical of this stretch of coast, and the beach slopes gradually into generally calm, shallow water that is well suited to families and paddlers. A long promenade runs the full length of the beach and is level throughout, making it accessible for all abilities. The facilities are good: a cafe and restaurant, beach huts for hire, deckchairs, showers, toilets with disabled facilities, and the Dartmouth Steam Railway crossing the Brunel viaduct behind the beach providing a backdrop that is unlike anything on most other Devon beaches.
Dogs are not permitted on the beach from 1 May to 30 September, and during this period a dog exercise area on the grassed area behind the beach is available for dogs on leads. The beach returns to dogs in October and the promenade walk and surrounding headland paths provide year-round options for walkers. From Broadsands it is a short walk along the coast path to Elberry Cove, which is year-round dog friendly with no restrictions, making the two work well as a combined outing in summer when the main beach is restricted. The car park is large and directly adjacent to the promenade.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- Seasonal Restrictions
- No dogs on the beach from 1 May to 30 September. Dogs on leads are permitted in the grassed area behind the beach year-round.
- Beach Type
- Sand, Rock
- Tide Notes
- Rock pools exposed at the southern end at low tide. Beach shelves gently into calm water. At high tide the water comes close to the promenade wall.
- Facilities
- Cafe/restaurant (Venus), beach huts for hire, deckchair hire, boat hire, showers, toilets (including disabled), watersports. Broadsands Watersports on site.
- Parking
- Large Broadsands car park adjacent to the promenade (charges apply). Access to beach via steps with handrails from the promenade.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Broadsands Beach dog friendly?
Broadsands Beach is partially dog friendly, earning a 6/10 on our dog-friendly rating. Dogs are welcome on the beach itself from October through to the end of April, but a seasonal ban applies from 1 May to 30 September. During the restricted months, a dog exercise area is available on the grassed area behind the beach, and the promenade and surrounding headland paths are open to dogs year-round.
Are dogs allowed at Broadsands Beach year round?
Not on the beach itself , dogs are banned from the sand between 1 May and 30 September. However, the promenade that runs the full length of the beach is accessible year-round, as are the headland paths and the dog exercise area on the green behind the beach. If you're visiting in summer and want a proper off-lead beach experience, nearby Elberry Cove is a short walk along the coast path and has no dog restrictions at any time of year.
What should I know before visiting Broadsands Beach with my dog?
The key thing to plan around is the seasonal ban , dogs are not permitted on the beach between 1 May and 30 September, so summer visits will be limited to the promenade, the headland paths, and the on-site dog exercise area (where dogs must be kept on leads). Outside of those months, the beach is yours to enjoy. A great tip for summer visits is to combine Broadsands with a walk along the coast path to Elberry Cove, which is dog friendly all year with no restrictions.
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What’s Nearby?
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