England may conjure up images of windswept beaches but this area of the world has hidden bays that wouldn’t look out of place in Southeast Asia. One of these dupes for a tropical paradise is Broadsands Beach in Devon. Its craggy karst-like rocks, turquoise-hued ocean, and secluded beach have earned it the nickname “Little Thailand.” The water at Broadsands Beach is so clean that it has a Blue Flag Award.
It is also located in a beautiful part of the UK, as the county of Devon is a treasure trove of experiences for holidaymakers. Broadsands Beach is a quintessential English beach next to Paignton and Torquay, which are both seaside resort towns with plenty for families to do after a day on the sand. This coastal area is so pretty that it is known as the “English Riviera.” It is the ideal place to spend a day discovering crabs in rockpools or trying your hand at windsurfing.
Know before you go to Broadsands Beach
Broadsands Beach may be in a secluded area but it is easily reached via a paid car park that is just a short walk from the sand. The beach has a restroom which is open year-round as well as cabins and beach huts with electricity that are available for rent. These rentals are outfitted with small kitchens and chairs but they are strictly for daytime use only. If you don’t want to cook then there is a cafe serving food and drinks.
Before you visit make sure to check the conditions and tide tables as this will affect what you can do here. When the tide is out, you can look for wildlife in the rockpools and when the sea is calm you can go kayaking and paddleboarding in the bay. If it is windy enough then you can try windsurfing too. Broadsands isn’t a developed area so there is nowhere to stay on this beach, however, the nearby town of Paignton has plenty of great options to suit everyone.
Places to stay in Paignton
There are plenty of great accommodations in Paignton, as it has been a popular holiday destination for so long that local hoteliers have perfected the art of hospitality. According to Tripadvisor reviews, the number one place to stay in Paignton is the Marine Hotel. It is located near the old harbor, with ocean views and a hearty breakfast included.
The second most highly reviewed is the Premier Inn Paignton Seafront Goodrington Sands Hotel. It is also on the seafront, boasting ocean views as well as a bar and breakfast buffet. Another fantastic option is the historic Redcliffe Hotel, which is so iconic that it also hosts weddings. This imposing building has everything you could need, including an indoor pool, outdoor pool, gym, banquet room, bridal suite, and a bar. After you’ve been to Broadsands Beach and Paignton, why not see more of Devon? After all, there are plenty more scenic beach towns along the UK’s coast begging to be explored.
