English beach town to get new £14million ‘once in a generation’ seafront, with kiosks, cafes and terraces
A TOWN in England with a pink sand beach is set to get more attractive thanks to a multi-million-pound revamp.
Plans are underway to transform the seafront in Paignton, Devon.
Described as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity”, the plans were backed by Torbay Council planning committee last June.
The £14million scheme will overhaul two seafronts in the Devonshire beach town as part of a sea defence project.
Seafronts at Paignton and Preston, a suburb of the beach town, will benefit from the plan.
The seafront at Paignton will get new seating terraces, and the shelters, kiosks and cafes will be relocated as part of the overhaul.
A new entrance on South Green will give vehicles access to the seafront, although no traffic will be allowed onto the promenade.
Meanwhile, in Preston, new seating will be provided, with its shelters and kiosks also getting extra protection.
The main aim of the scheme is to provide the seafront with more robust coastal flood protection, which will help protect local areas from rising sea levels.
A developer will be appointed to work on the project by the end of the month, with construction slated to start in the autumn to avoid the summer peak.
Councillor Chris Lewis, deputy leader and cabinet member for Place Development and Economic Growth, told the BBC: “The council appreciates that there will be disruption to local people and businesses once the main development is underway.”
“This is however a once in a generation opportunity to provide long-term coastal defences and public realm improvements for the Paignton and Preston areas.
“We thank people in advance for their patience as we make these essential improvements for the long-term protection of our communities.”
The Devonshire town is perhaps best known for its pink sand beach, which is caused by iron minerals in the sand oxidising in the air.
Other beaches in the area, like Broadsands Beach and Goodrington Sands, are also known for their unusual pinky-red shade of sand.
There are also various other attractions including Paignton Pier.
Nearby, there’s also Splashdown Quay West – the UK’s largest outdoor water park.
Other activities include a visit to Elberry Cove and a hike up Roundham Head.
Paignton is a four-hour drive from London, but can be reached on a direct train from London Paddington to Paignton.
We’ve found return train tickets for £60.50 for a full-paying adult.
What are the Sun team's favourite seaside towns?
THE Sun’s travel team share some of their favourite English seaside towns.
Folkestone, Kent
With views of France (on a very clear day), the main attraction is the Harbour Arm, sitting at the edge of the converted train tracks and selling hand-crafted goods and amazing food.
The multicoloured high street with shops and restaurants can’t be missed, my favourites being Burrito Buoy for some amazing margaritas and The Folkestone Bookshop for some novels.
You’ll need to pack your beach shoes as it has a stony beach over a sandy beach – but after a few drinks at the much-loved Pilot Bar, you’ll hardly care.
Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
Mousehole, Cornwall
The small sandy bay has retained its chocolate-box charm, crammed with weathered fishing boats and backed by pokey cafes and airy art galleries where seaside-inspired works hang from the walls.
For impeccable views of a wild sea and homemade grub, head to Rock Pool Cafe which sits atop a craggy cliff and order a ‘make it yourself’ hot chocolate.
There are some impressive coastal walks – but be warned it can be hilly.
Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire
Accessible on a spit of sand when the tide is out, this quirky little community art project is made up of driftwood, flags and mementoes from those who have visited to admire the huge swathes of golden sands and sparkling waters.
Sadly the original was destroyed in a fire in 2023 but an enthusiastic band of local volunteers are slowly re-building the landmark.
Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
Meanwhile, this seaside town is the best in the UK and has England’s best visitor experience.
And here are The Sun travel team’s favourite UK seaside towns.