Goodrington Sands: chalets, swans, the seafront

Goodrington Sands is the bay’s flagship family beach – long, flat, sheltered, lifeguarded in season, easy to get to by car or train. It’s also the most crowded beach in Devon on an August afternoon. Knowing how to use it pays off.

Where to set up

South end (the Saltern Cove side) is always quieter than north. The first 200 metres of beach near the carpark take the bulk of the daytrippers.

The lake

The boating lake behind the seafront is fed by the small river that runs out across the beach. Resident swans, swan-shaped pedalos, properly cheap.

Splashdown Quaywest

At the back of the beach, water park, book online ahead of time in peak season.

Trains

The Dartmouth Steam Railway runs along the cliff at the back of the beach. Time your beach hour to wave at the 2pm steam train going past – the kids love it.

Parking

Free along Goodrington Sands seafront if you arrive by 9am. After that, paid carparks set back from the seafront are your friend.