Dog friendly beaches in Paignton
The best dog friendly beach in Paignton is the one the Penthouse Goodrington Lodge overlooks, it's called Goodrington North Sands and is just 2 minutes away. The English Riviera is of course known for its beautiful landscape and idyllic beaches and there are some lovely dog-friendly beaches and coves nearby each with their own individual charms. Here are the best dog-friendly beaches to explore near Paignton with a guide to accessibility and facilities.
Goodrington Sands - North Sands
There are two areas of sand at Goodrington in Paignton with easy access and parking nearby. The beach to the south, South Sands is dog friendly from 1st October through to 30th April, but dogs are allowed on North Sands all year round. At low tide, North Sands is a large expanse of soft golden sands for dogs to run and play on. There is an ice cream kiosk and Cantina Kitchen and bar, the cafe in the park is very dog-friendly and is usually full of dog walkers warming themselves over a hot cuppa. Just 2 mins walk from Goodrington Lodge.
Fishcombe Cove
What a beautiful little shingle beach. Fishcombe Cove, on the outskirts of Brixham is a quiet, peaceful little cove surrounded on all sides by tall cliffs and wooded hillsides and dogs are allowed here all year round. The beach is very secluded and its an idyllic spot if you want to escape the crowds of Brixham town. The beach is accessed by a steep path that leads down from the car park passing through mature woodland and opening out to reveal the cove and spectacular scenery. It can also be accessed by steps down from Battery Gardens. There are toilets and a cafe which open April to October.
Fairy Cove
Fairy Cove is a pretty little beach to the South of Paignton Sands, tucked just behind the harbour wall. It's one of those beaches you'd have to know about as you would be unlikely to stumble upon it by accident. Comprised of red sand and shingle with smooth red sandstone cliffs at the back, you'd be forgiven for thinking you were on a tropical beach somewhere! At low tide the beach is separated from the sea by flat rocks with interesting rock pools to explore. Popular with families, Fairy Cove is dog friendly all year round. The beach is accessed by steps down from the east harbour wall. The nearest public toilets are at Paignton Harbour.
St Mary’s Bay
St Mary’s Bay is another of Torbay’s harder to reach beaches offering picturesque surroundings for those who can manage the steep steps which can be tricky in places. Located just south of Berry Head and a couple of miles from Brixham centre, it's a long sandy beach, surrounded by steep cliffs which shelter the bay and provide the scenic outlook. The calm waters make it popular with swimmers, snorkelers and leisure craft who sail round from Brixham, Torquay and Dartmouth. Good for hunting fossils. There are no facilities on the beach, the coastal path or in the nearest pay and display car park at Sharkham Point. Dogs are welcome all year round.
Churston Cove
Just across from Fishcombe Cove and a little wider than Fishcombe, is the secluded and spectacular Churston Cove, and it is dog friendly all year round. The beach itself is made up of shingle and rocks. It's a lovely place for children to paddle in the clean, shallow water. It’s a popular picnic spot and often visited by an inquisitive seal. To reach it, you can walk through Churston woods or follow the coastal path down steep steps. Swimming is also relatively safe, although there is no lifeguard. The nearest parking is along Fishcombe Road at Freshwater Pay and display. Bear in mind, there are no facilities on the beach or at the car park.
