Youngs Park, Goodrington, Paignton, South Devon, TQ4 6BU
Goodrington Boating Lakes
Pond landscape
Place photograph
5.3
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Paid for boat hire
Cost
Family-buzz
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.3A boating lake in a lively seaside park, where a short lap by the water can be paired with green space and the sandy shore of Goodrington Sands.
Goodrington is not a remote escape: its appeal is the easy contrast between a calm boating lake, open parkland and the nearby beach. It makes a simple, family-friendly pause on Paignton’s coast, rather than a wild nature destination.
Family-buzz
Find your way
Open mapYoungs Park, Goodrington, Paignton, South Devon, TQ4 6BU
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Take a short stroll around the boating-lake area, hire a swan boat or bumper boat if operating, then continue to the adjacent beach. This is a family-oriented, developed park; it is not a wild-swimming destination.
Things to do
Take a swan boat onto the lake
Swan boats are described as available for hire. Confirm current operation, prices and any restrictions before visiting.
Check locally
Try a bumper boat
The supplied source describes bumper boats on the lake. Check current availability and any age or supervision requirements before setting out.
Check locally
Stroll through the park beside the lake
Take a relaxed walk through the seaside park and enjoy the open green space around the boating lake.
30–60 minutes
Continue to Goodrington Sands
The park sits beside Goodrington Sands, making the beach an easy addition to a visit. Check local beach conditions and current rules before swimming.
Allow extra time
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
Quick lake-and-shore escape
- 01
Take a short stroll around the boating-lake area.
- 02
If boats are operating, consider hiring a swan boat or bumper boat; check availability before visiting.
- 03
Continue to nearby Goodrington Sands for a look at the beach.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of the park and beach
- 01
Spend time around the lake and parkland.
- 02
Check whether boat hire and the park’s family attractions are operating.
- 03
Walk over to Goodrington Sands and spend time on the beach.
- 04
Allow time for refreshments at a nearby café or kiosk if open.
When to go
May · June · July · August · September · For a quieter visit, consider a weekday or shoulder-season visit; the supplied source row notes that summer and school holidays can be busier.
The source row identifies May to September as the most favourable period for outdoor activities, while noting larger crowds in summer. Boat operating dates and hours are not confirmed.
This is an exposed seaside setting. Check the forecast and local conditions before visiting; no specific weather or safety information is supplied.
Worth pairing with
Goodrington Sands
The adjacent sandy beach is a natural extension to a lake-and-park visit. Check local conditions and rules before swimming.
Coastal walk towards Paignton
A supplied visitor review describes a coastal path towards Paignton, with gardens on the cliffs. Confirm the route and conditions locally.
What to look for
Look for the contrast between the boating lake and the open seafront setting. The supplied sources also describe swans and other waterbirds in the park, though specific wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
Best time to go
Late spring to early autumn for boating and time outdoors; expect busier conditions in summer.
The source row recommends May to September for warmer weather and longer daylight. May and September may be quieter than peak summer; verify boat availability and opening arrangements before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Families · Young children · Dogs
Practical information
Opening & access
The lakes are in Youngs Park beside Goodrington Sands. The supplied sources describe the park as a public seaside park. Check current access and boating availability before travelling; some areas around the lakes may be challenging for wheelchair users.
Check before visiting
Parking
The source row reports several car parks within walking distance. Check current parking arrangements before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Toilets are reported nearby; check availability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Cafés and kiosks are reported nearby. Check what is open on the day.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs are reported as welcome, including on the boating boats according to the supplied Facebook source. Check current rules before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The source row describes the site as generally accessible and wheelchair accessible, but notes that some areas around the lakes may present challenges. Check route conditions and access details before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid for boat hire; other costs and current prices are not confirmed.
Water
Pond
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Goodrington Boating Lakes
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances







