Devon, England, United Kingdom

Preston Sands

Preston Sands is a popular beach located in Paignton, known for its natural beauty and family-friendly amenities. The beach is characterized by its fine sand, making it an ideal spot for children to play. It also features rock pools nearby, adding to its natural charm. However, visitors should be aware of the presence of seaweed in the sea.

The beach is quite busy during the summer season, offering a lively atmosphere for beachgoers. It is equipped with beach huts and food kiosks, providing convenience for visitors. There are also a couple of pubs nearby where food is available. In addition, the beach offers a range of activities such as paddle boarding, go karts, and a small water park, making it a fun destination for families.

Preston Sands is also a dog-friendly beach, but dog owners are advised to check the specific dates when dogs are allowed and to bring necessary items such as poo bags. The beach is safe for families as it slopes gradually, eliminating the risk of sudden drops.

The beach can be accessed by boat cruise from Paignton to Torquay, offering a scenic journey for visitors. From the cruise, visitors can enjoy views of historical landmarks and harbours. The beach can also be seen from some local accommodations, adding to the overall beach experience.

Discover places to stay near Preston Sands and enjoy the natural charm of its fine sands and rock pools.

Visitors are advised to be mindful of the tide times when planning a walk on the beach to avoid getting cut off. Despite its popularity, Preston Sands maintains a sense of seclusion, making it a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

What to do at Preston Sands?

Bars

You can enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the bars situated on the beach.

Restaurants

Best restaurants near Preston Sands include The Ship, Ocean Wild Fish Bar, Churchill Restaurant, The Chippy, The Old Manor, Shoreline, Grand Central and The Hatch.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the beach's family-friendly nature, with its safe, gradually sloping terrain and great sand for kids to play on. They also appreciate the availability of beach huts, kiosks, and the opportunity for activities like paddle boarding and boat cruises. However, some visitors complain about the amount of seaweed in the sea and the need for more food and ice cream stalls.

Where to Stay near Preston Sands?

Visitors to Preston Sands often stay in the nearby town of Paignton, which offers a variety of accommodations within walking distance to the beach. Many also choose to stay in Torquay, known for its picturesque harbors and proximity to other attractions, making it a great base for exploring the English Riviera.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Preston Sands?

Latitude: 50.4430343 / Longitude: -3.5564422

Preston Sands is located in Devon. The following map of Preston Sands shows the exact location.

Preston Sands: Weather Today

📅 Thursday, April 23, 2026
It is not an ideal day for a trip to Preston Sands, so you might want to postpone your beach plans. The air temperature will reach a cool 15.4 °C, making it far too chilly for sunbathing or relaxing on the sand. The sea is extremely cold at 11.7 °C, so swimming is definitely not an option today. You will encounter quite breezy conditions with strong winds that will make staying comfortable on the shore difficult, and the choppy waves are quite high, adding to the rough feel of the coast. While there is a mix of sun and clouds, the overall environment is better suited for a brisk walk along the promenade rather than a traditional beach day. Please stay safe and keep a distance from the water's edge given the active sea conditions.
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Air

Low / High10.4°C/15.4°C
Feels Like (High)11.9°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature11.7 °C
Wave Height2.0 m
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Rain

Rain Chance1%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:03/20:21
Sunshine Hours12.8 hrs
UV Index4.35
Cloud Cover35%
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Wind

Speed28.1 km/h
Gusts50.8 km/h
DirectionE

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