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South Devon has long been one of the UK’s top holiday destinations, and for good reason. With a climate that’s more Mediterranean than English, it’s home to some of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the country and arguably the best sections of the South West Coast Path.
But with so many stunning beaches, it can be hard to decide where to pitch your umbrella! So keep reading to learn about our top 10 best beaches in South Devon, including popular family spots and ones more off the beaten track. Whether you’re after rows of deck chairs, rugged cliffs or surfing, South Devon beaches have got it all!
Table Of Contents
Top 10 Beaches In South Devon
South Devon is positively bursting with stunning beaches, but we wanted to keep this short, so we have limited it to the 10 best South Devon beaches. However, if you’ve got time for more, runner-ups include Challaborough Beach, Dawlish Warren and Mattiscombe Sands.
1. Blackpool Sands
Blackpool Sands is a Blue Flag beach and one of the most beautiful in the UK. Despite its name, it’s not a sandy beach; instead, it has shores of fine shingles. However, what it lacks in sand, it more than makes up for in beauty, with its sparkling waters and trademark crescent cove surrounded by lush hills.
This South Devon beach is a fantastic place to spend the day, as, in addition to its beauty, it features calm waters perfect for swimming and other watersports. It’s also well equipped with amenities, including a lifeguard, shower facilities, a large car park and a delightful cafe.
2. Bantham Beach
Another award-winning beach, Bantham, has long been recognised as one of the most beautiful in the country and has even been included in the top 10 beaches in Europe by Lonely Planet.
The beach’s swells have made it a favourite among surfers, but luckily, it’s still kid-friendly thanks to the long stretch of gentle shallows. There are also lifeguards in the summer months and lots of rock pools for little ones to explore.
Thanks to its outstanding natural beauty and amenities, Bantham is one of Devon’s most popular beaches, so brace yourself for a crowded car park.
3. Salcombe Beaches
Yes, it’s a top 10 list, but South Devon’s beaches are just so beautiful that we had to sneak in an extra one – Salcombe North Sands in addition to Salcombe South. Both boast Mediterranean vibes, sandy shores and safe swimming, but North Sands is more popular thanks to its gorgeous tree-lined cliffs, large car park and the fact that it is a dog-friendly beach.
If you’d prefer something quieter, go for South Sands, but note that parking may be a little tricky. You can also walk over from North Sands or take the sea tractor and ferry that run in Salcombe from March to October.
4. Beer Beach
With striking limestone cliffs that rise up from the shingle shore and curve around to form a stunning bay, Beer Beach is one of the most spectacular beaches on the South Devon coastline. It also forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, home to ancient fossils!
Beer Beach is famous for once being a smuggler’s haunt.
With its breathtakingly beautiful scenery, it’s a fantastic place to just sit and take it all in, watching the local fishing boats that dot the turquoise waters.
5. Exmouth Beach
Like Beer Beach, Exmouth also forms part of the Jurassic Coast. It is famous for its fossil discoveries and rock pools. This sandy beach is the perfect spot for families, as there’s always space for sandcastles and gentle waters for swimming. It’s also equipped with all the facilities you may need, including multiple places to grab a bite.
The busy part of the beach boasts lots of attractions the kids will love, including swan boats. However, it’s also a nice, long stretch of sand, so you can get away from the hustle and bustle if you like.
With its balance of natural beauty and road and rail connections to central Devon, Exmouth has been named one of the best places to live in Devon – in case you’re feeling tempted to try a coastal life!
6. Meadfoot Beach Torquay
If you happen to be in Torquay, make sure to stop by Meadfoot, a lovely shingle beach in a secluded bay. The view is wonderfully picturesque, and though it’s a popular beach with locals, it has escaped the tourist circuit, making it a great option if you want something quieter.
It also has the benefit of being just a short walk from Torquay Town, so it’s a very easy visit if you’re in the area. There’s also a decent cafe if you want some grub, but don’t feel like leaving the beach!
7. Hope Cove Beach
Hope Cove is located in South Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so you know it’s going to be special. In fact, it actually has two beaches – Mouthwell Sands and Harbour Beach – both enclosed by rugged cliffs and headlands covered with wildflowers in the summer months. They both boast ‘excellent’ water quality and lifeguards during the summer, so they truly tick all the boxes!
Hope Cove is one of your best options if you’re looking for a South Devon beach with golden sand.
When you’ve had enough of ocean dips, sand castles and basking in the sun, you can take a stroll through the charming seaside village of Hope Cove to explore the cafes and trinket shops.
8. Slapton Sands
If dog walking is what you’re after, Slapton Sands is the beach for you. With 3 miles of shingle shoreline, Slapton is perfect for a contemplative stroll, whether accompanied by a canine friend or not. Its length also means it’s always possible to find a quiet spot or space for a game of frisbee.
Right next to Slapton Sands is Slapton Ley Nature Reserve, making it a fantastic place for wildlife watching. Look for where the open water turns into marshy reed beds and then woodland – a unique ecological habitat fostering some of the UK’s rarest flora and fauna.
9. Bigbury-On-Sea
Bigbury-on-Sea is the best of both worlds, offering decent surfing as well as a long stretch of shallows. This is a great family beach, especially at low tide when all the rock pools are revealed, and a strip of sand connects to Burgh Island, famous for hosting Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie and the Beatles.
This lovely beach is well equipped with toilets and cafes, and if you’re there with kids, don’t miss a trip on the unique sea tractor!
Remember to check the tides before visiting Bigbury-on-Sea, as at high tide, there’s only a small strip between the water and the sand dunes.
10. South Milton Beach
Last but definitely not least, South Milton Sands, also known as Thurlestone Sands, is arguably the most recognisable of South Devon’s beaches due to the iconic arched Thurlestone Rock, which you can paddle to at low tide.
While this is worth a visit in itself, the beach has a lot more to offer, including golden sand, lifeguards in summer and a shallow lagoon in a sheltered position for kids to paddle in. It’s also located in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so it’s a haven for marine wildlife.
If you’ve got the time, why not include North Devon in your trip? It may not be the English Riviera, but North Devon beaches are some of the most beautiful in the country, and there are lots of fantastic attractions in North Devon too.
Best Sandy And Dog-Friendly Beach Choices
All of Devon’s beaches are beautiful, but not all of them are suitable for sandcastles. If you’re looking for sandy beaches, your best bets are Bantham Beach, Salcombe, Exmouth Beach, Hope Cove, Bigbury-On-Sea and South Milton Sands.
All of these are great family beaches, whether you want to try water sports or simply relax in the sun. And if you’re not there in the summer, not to worry; there are lots of things to do in South Devon besides beaches!
If you’re more concerned with where you can bring your four-legged friends, look no further than Slapton Sands, Salcombe North and South Milton beaches, which welcome dogs all year round. Many South Devon beaches are dog-friendly during the quieter seasons, including Blackpool Sands, Beer Beach and Hope Cove. While you’re here, dog owners should check out these helpful tips for removing pet hair from the car.
Tips For Making The Most Of Your Beach Experience
Follow these tips for the ideal South Devon beach experience.
- Check the tide forecast: Many of South Devon’s beaches are perfect for visits at low tide when more of the beach is exposed, and there are stretches of shallow waters.
- Look for the red and yellow flags: These indicate areas that have lifeguards and are safe for swimming. Avoid black and white flags, as these indicate surfing areas.
Do not swim if there is a plain red flag, as this warns of dangerous conditions such as riptides.
- Group travel: If you’re travelling with the family, you’ll need plenty of space for beach toys, snacks, towels and umbrellas. Reach out to SDVH today to hire one of our 7-seater cars so there’s room for everyone. You can also rent our minivan if your family is extra large!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s The Best Time To Visit South Devon Beaches?
The best time to visit South Devon beaches is between June and August, as this is when you’ll experience the most warm, sunny weather. April and May are also lovely times, as the spring flowers are out and the rain is mostly over. These months are also ideal if peace and quiet are what you’re after, as most people head over in the summer.
What Water Activities Can You Enjoy On The Beach In South Devon?
The water activities you can enjoy on the beach in South Devon include stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), surfing and kayaking. Most of South Devon’s beaches boast calm waters, making them great for kayaking and SUP boarding. If you want to catch some waves, Bantham Beach and Bigbury-on-Sea are the best for surfing.
What’s The Best Family Beach In South Devon?
The best family beach in South Devon is Bantham Beach. However, Devon has so many great family beaches, so Exmouth and Bigbury-on-Sea are also great shouts. These three all offer sandy shores, safe swimming for kids, as well as plenty of amenities. If you want something quieter, Hope Cove is also kid-friendly but feels a little closer to nature.
Does South Devon Have Sandy Beaches?
Yes, South Devon does have sandy beaches – it’s not all shingle and shells! If you’re after soft sand, there are actually quite a few options for you. Bantham Beach, Salcombe North and South, Exmouth Beach, Hope Cove, Bigbury-On-Sea and South Milton all offer sandy shores and are great for families.
Is There A Blue Flag Beach In South Devon?
Yes, there is a Blue Flag beach in South Devon. Blackpool Sands has been given the Blue Flag Award for excellence in environmental protection, safety and accessibility. Not only is it a stunning beach, safe to swim in and well equipped, but it’s also one of the cleanest and most well-maintained in South Devon. This makes it a favourite for human families and wildlife alike!
Conclusion
Now you have some ideas of which beaches to hit up on your next South Devon holiday. It was extremely difficult to pick just 10 of the best beaches in South Devon as it is a real paradise for beach lovers. So let this be the start of your South Devon seaside explorations – not the end!
