{"id":63259,"date":"2022-10-10T12:04:36","date_gmt":"2022-10-10T11:04:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sykescottages.co.uk\/blog\/?p=63259"},"modified":"2025-12-23T12:33:29","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T12:33:29","slug":"south-devon-beaches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sykescottages.co.uk\/blog\/south-devon-beaches\/","title":{"rendered":"14 of the Best South Devon Beaches"},"content":{"rendered":"

Golden sands, quiet coves, and vibrant promenades are some of the distinguishing characteristics of South Devon beaches. The diverse scenery in Devon makes it easy to see why so many people choose to spend their beach holidays here!<\/p>\n

No matter if you prefer sand or shingle beaches, isolated coves, or beaches with a variety of watersports, you’ll be rushing to the South West coast once you learn about legendary surfing spots and smugglers’ hideouts.<\/p>\n

Keep reading to learn more about the best South Devon beaches…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

1. Salcombe South Sands Beach<\/a>, Salcombe<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"South<\/p>\n

First on our list of South Devon beaches is South Sands Beach, a popular coastal haven right next to Salcombe<\/a>. Here, you can discover natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and excellent amenities for everyone to enjoy.<\/p>\n

South Sands is one of the most accessible beaches in South Devon, with access to the level beach via a concrete ramp or tiny set of steps.<\/p>\n

If you’re staying in central Salcombe, hop on the South Sands Ferry which will take you right from Whitestrand Quay to the beach. A scenic and enjoyable experience for the entire family.<\/p>\n

Type of beach:\u00a0<\/strong>Sandy
\nDog-friendly: <\/strong>Seasonal dog ban between April \u2013 October
\nCar park: <\/strong>Yes (Pay & Display)
\nPublic toilets:\u00a0<\/strong>Yes
\nPostcode:\u00a0<\/strong>TQ8 8LL<\/p>\n

\n

2. Blackpool Sands Beach<\/a>, near Dartmouth<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Blackpool<\/p>\n

Blackpool Sands offers a taste of the Mediterranean to the UK due to the clear waters and the lovely backdrop of scented pines and evergreens!<\/p>\n

This beautiful stretch of coastline is ideal for a relaxed Sunday afternoon spent lounging on the beach. With its amazing watersports options and a tasty caf\u00e9 nearby, it’s easy to see why this beach has been given Blue Flag certification.<\/p>\n

One of the best beaches in South Devon, this shingle delight hosts a variety of activities throughout the year! From the spectacular ‘Tunes on the Sands<\/a>‘ music event to the traditional Ironman Challenge weekends, and even a unique beach cinema!<\/p>\n

A stroll around Coleton Fishacre<\/a>, one of many beautiful walks in Devon<\/a>, will also take you to the beach.<\/p>\n

Type of beach:\u00a0<\/strong>Stone
\nDog-friendly: <\/strong>Seasonal dog ban between May \u2013 September
\nCar park: <\/strong>Yes (Pay & Display)
\nPublic toilets:\u00a0<\/strong>Yes
\nPostcode: <\/strong>TQ6 0RG<\/p>\n

\n

3. Bigbury-on-Sea Beach, Bigbury-on-Sea<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Bigbury<\/p>\n

This beach in South Devon boasts a wide range of award-winning features, but perhaps the most striking is its captivating scenery.<\/p>\n

Bigbury-on-Sea, located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is a photographer’s paradise, with shallow seas, smooth clean sand, and stunning views of Burgh Island.<\/p>\n

This South Devon beach is popular with thrill seekers, providing options for bodyboarding, windsurfing, and kite-surfing. You can even cross over to Burgh Island at low tide for views back towards Bigbury-on-Sea. Or, take a ride on the ever-popular sea tracker during high tide!<\/p>\n

Type of beach:\u00a0<\/strong>Sandy
\nDog-friendly: <\/strong>Seasonal dog ban between May \u2013 September
\nCar park: <\/strong>Yes (Pay & Display)
\nPublic toilets:\u00a0<\/strong>Yes
\nPostcode: <\/strong>TQ7 4AR<\/p>\n

\n

4. Dawlish Warren Beach, Dawlish Warren<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Dawlish<\/p>\n

When it comes to a quality beach holiday in South Devon, Dawlish Warren Beach ticks all the right boxes. Featuring an intimate sandy beach, sheltered sand dunes, award-winning clean waters and family amusements, it is the perfect seaside resort.<\/p>\n

If you enjoy surfing, take advantage of the offshore swells while knowing that RNLI lifeguards patrol the area.<\/p>\n

As part of the Exe Estuary, the region is one of the most significant for wildfowl and wading birds in the country, drawing bird watchers and wildlife lovers all year round. With all this going on, we aren’t surprised that Dawlish Warren Beach is considered one of the best beaches in South Devon.<\/p>\n

Type of beach:\u00a0<\/strong>Sandy
\nDog-friendly: <\/strong>Seasonal dog ban between April\u2013 September
\nCar park: <\/strong>Yes (Free)
\nPublic toilets:\u00a0<\/strong>Yes
\nPostcode:\u00a0<\/strong>EX7 0NF<\/p>\n

\n

5. Slapton Sands, Slapton<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Slapton<\/p>\n

Next up on our guide to the best beaches in South Devon is Slapton Sands. This shingle beach is perhaps best known for its arc-shaped bar between the sea and a freshwater lake. Aside from its picturesque appearance, the area is also a place of special ecological interest.<\/p>\n

In addition to having historical significance, Slapton is crucial to the survival of the UK’s rarest species of both plants and animals. It served as a practice site for the D-day landings in 1943, and today it is home to a stone memorial and a Sherman Tank at Torcross<\/a>, which is close by.<\/p>\n

Discover the beach caf\u00e9 in the area after spending the day at the beach, or visit the Nature Reserve to see the wildlife first-hand. If you carry on, you’ll find Slapton Ley, a freshwater lake where flora and animals make a home and change with the seasons.<\/p>\n

Type of beach:\u00a0<\/strong>Shingle\/sandy
\nDog-friendly:\u00a0<\/strong>Yes (Pay & Display)
\nCar park: <\/strong>Yes, free
\nPublic toilets:\u00a0<\/strong>Yes
\nPostcode: <\/strong>TQ7 2PN<\/p>\n

\n

6. Beer Beach, Beer<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Beer<\/p>\n

The halfway point of our South Devon beaches list is the beautiful Beer Beach. Surrounded by limestone cliffs, this beach was once a smuggler’s hideaway but now provides an excellent, family-friendly day out.<\/p>\n

Located in the quaint seaside community of Beer, a visit here is ideal for catching sight of boats setting sail. Choose to relax and see the expert fisherman at work. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, join one of the numerous fishing expeditions!<\/p>\n

Explore the region even further with a lazy coastal walk, having direct access to the South West Coast Path<\/a> from the beach.<\/p>\n

Type of beach:\u00a0<\/strong>Shingle
\nDog-friendly: <\/strong>Seasonal dog ban between May \u2013 September
\nCar park: <\/strong>Yes (Free)
\nPublic toilets:\u00a0<\/strong>Yes
\nPostcode: <\/strong>X12 3ET<\/p>\n

\n

7. Hope Cove Beach<\/a>, Hope Cove<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Hope<\/p>\n

Next on our list of South Devon beaches is one of the best beaches in the UK<\/a>! Hope Cove is a small, picturesque town with two sandy shores that are perfect for families. In summer, wildflower-flushed headlands surround this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.<\/p>\n

The bigger of the two coves, Inner Hope is a lovely beach where fishing boats and other small watercraft docks are. The beach is protected on each end by a slipway or a small harbour wall, and there are lots of rock pools and other crevices for children to explore in between.<\/p>\n

Outer Hope Cove, often called Mouthwell beach, is a small but lovely beach that lies right below the Hope & Anchor Inn<\/a>. In some ways, this beach is more exposed than Inner Hope, and it has a rocky outcrop at its extreme end.<\/p>\n

Type of beach:\u00a0<\/strong>Sandy
\nDog-friendly: <\/strong>Dogs are allowed on Harbour Beach all year and on Mouthwell Sands from September to May
\nCar park: <\/strong>Yes (Free)
\nPublic toilets:\u00a0<\/strong>Yes
\nPostcode: <\/strong>TQ7 3HW<\/p>\n

\n

8. Bantham Beach<\/a>, Bantham<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Bantham<\/p>\n

Competing with the best North Devon beaches<\/a>, Bantham Beach is one of Devon’s top spots, located deep in the South Hams at the mouth of the lovely river Avon.<\/p>\n

Thanks to its setting in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bantham Beach offers stunning panoramas of Bigbury Bay and Burgh Island.<\/p>\n

Bantham is also one of the greatest surfing beaches in South Devon, with gentle waves for beginners, as well as rips and breaks to challenge even the most experienced surfer.<\/p>\n

Type of beach:\u00a0<\/strong>Sandy
\nDog-friendly:\u00a0<\/strong>Yes
\nCar park: <\/strong>Yes (Free)
\nPublic toilets:\u00a0<\/strong>Yes
\nPostcode:\u00a0<\/strong>TQ7 3AN<\/p>\n

\n

9. Sandy Bay, near Exmouth<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Sandy<\/p>\n

Exmouth’s Sandy Bay is a private beach that runs for half a mile. A superb place to spend some quality time with your family, this sandy beach offers a great opportunity to make sandcastles and dig holes.<\/p>\n

If you’re looking for family days out in Devon<\/a>, the shoreline has a number of rock pools that are ideal for kids to go searching and crabbing. Lifeguards also patrol the beach during the summer months, making it perfect for swimming and watersports.<\/p>\n

Type of beach:\u00a0<\/strong>Sandy
\nDog-friendly: <\/strong>Seasonal dog ban between April \u2013 October
\nCar park: <\/strong>Yes (Free)
\nPublic toilets:\u00a0<\/strong>Yes
\nPostcode:\u00a0<\/strong>EX8 5BY<\/p>\n

\n

10. Teignmouth Town Beach, Teignmouth<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Teignmouth<\/p>\n

Teignmouth Town Beach is a classic English Riviera, with a long sandy beach and one of just 50 intact Victorian piers in the country, complete with all of its amusements. It embodies the spirit of a Great British seaside vacation.<\/p>\n

Because it’s so long, you’ll find a calm spot of sand to yourself even in the height of summer, where the youngsters may paddle in the sea. Along the front, there are other family attractions, including a skatepark, a playground and crazy golf. Not forgetting the\u00a0ice cream parlours!<\/p>\n

Type of beach:\u00a0<\/strong>Sandy
\nDog-friendly:\u00a0<\/strong>Yes
\nCar park: <\/strong>Yes (Free)
\nPublic toilets:\u00a0<\/strong>Yes
\nPostcode:\u00a0<\/strong>TQ14 8AY<\/p>\n

\n

11. East Portlemouth Beach<\/a>, East Portlemouth<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"East<\/p>\n

East Portlemouth is made up of multiple little beaches, coves, and bays rather than one long stretch of shore. Choose from Fisherman’s Cove, Smalls Cove, or Mill Bay for your own private area.<\/p>\n

Each of the little independent beaches has received Safe Bathing certification, so you can relax knowing your children are safe paddling in the shallow and clear water. The family’s aspiring marine biologist may spend a summer day investigating the shallow rock pools!<\/p>\n

Explore the region further by taking the famed South West Coast Path or the National Trust Coast Path with your dog, who is welcome on the beach all year.<\/p>\n

Type of beach:\u00a0<\/strong>Sandy
\nDog-friendly:\u00a0<\/strong>Yes, all year round
\nCar park:\u00a0<\/strong>Yes (Pay & Display)
\nPublic toilets:\u00a0<\/strong>Yes
\nPostcode: <\/strong>TQ8 8PU<\/p>\n

\n

12. Exmouth Beach, Exmouth<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Exmouth
\nAcross the estuary from Dawlish is Exmouth Beach. A mysterious fossil collection can be found along the Jurassic Coast<\/a> in Exmouth. With two miles of soft sand and watersports rentals available, Exmouth Beach is great for families.<\/p>\n

Exmouth town is just a short walk away, where you will find a variety of facilities and eateries. Among the seaside attractions on the front are swan boats and crazy golf which the kids will love.<\/p>\n

Exmouth is the starting point for exploring the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage site recognised by UNESCO. The beach and cliffs provide great short and long hikes in the surrounding area, and the shoreline is included in the South West Coast Path.<\/p>\n

Type of beach:\u00a0<\/strong>Sandy
\nDog-friendly:\u00a0<\/strong>Yes
\nCar park: <\/strong>Yes (Free)
\nPublic toilets:\u00a0<\/strong>Yes
\nPostcode:\u00a0<\/strong>EX8 1NZ<\/p>\n

\n

13. South Milton Sands<\/a>, near Thurlestone<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"South<\/p>\n

Set within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, South Milton Sands sits on the southern stretch of Thurlestone Beach and is instantly recognisable by the iconic Thurlestone Rock arch, which can be seen just offshore. This spacious beach offers a broad sweep of golden sand with fine shingle and plenty of rock pools at low tide… perfect for families and rockpool explorers!<\/p>\n

The beach is patrolled by RNLI lifeguards from early July to early September, and water quality is regularly rated by the Marine Conservation, making this South Devon beach an excellent hotspot for surfing, kayaking and sea-swimming.<\/p>\n

Here, you’ll also find a National Trust car park, which sits just yards from the entrance to the beach, as well as a block of\u00a0 public toilets and the Beach House Caf\u00e9 overlooking the bay… perfect for grabbing some locally-sourced snacks! Not only that, but here you’ll also find Surfin\u2019 Sam Watersports where you can hire paddle boards, kayaks and wetsuits during the spring and summer.<\/p>\n

Dogs are also welcome year-round at South Milton Sands, so you won’t need to worry about any seasonal restrictions when heading here with your pooch. Not only that, but the beach is also accessible via a short ramp or steps from the car park, with a platform for wheelchair users that runs directly into the sand.<\/p>\n

Type of beach:\u00a0<\/strong>Sandy
\nDog-friendly:\u00a0<\/strong>Yes
\nCar park: <\/strong>Yes (Free)
\nPublic toilets:\u00a0<\/strong>Yes
\nPostcode: <\/strong>TQ7 3JY<\/p>\n

\n

14. Wonwell Sands, near Kingsbridge<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Looking<\/p>\n

Located on the eastern side of the River Erme estuary, Wonwell Beach is a peaceful and unspoilt stretch of sand that offers a more secluded alternative to South Devon\u2019s busier seaside spots. This tidal beach all but disappears at high tide, but when the water recedes it reveals soft golden sand, rock pools and space for walking, paddling or simply relaxing.<\/p>\n

It’s worth bearing in mind that there aren’t any facilities here, such as toilets or caf\u00e9s, so it\u2019s a place best suited to those seeking a quiet, natural environment away from the crowds.<\/p>\n

If you’re planning on heading here with your pooch, then you’ll be pleased to know that dogs are welcome at Wonwell Sands year-round, making it popular with local walkers and holidaymakers.<\/p>\n

To get to the beach itself, the only access is via a narrow country lane, where you’ll also find a handful of parking spaces. It’s also worth noting that there are no lifeguards on duty throughout the year here, so be sure to take extra caution if you’re thinking about heading down to this South Devon beach for a spot of watersports.<\/p>\n

Type of beach:\u00a0<\/strong>Sandy
\nDog-friendly:\u00a0<\/strong>Yes
\nCar park: <\/strong>Spaces available along the lane leading down to the beach
\nPublic toilets:\u00a0<\/strong>No
\nPostcode: <\/strong>PL8 1LD<\/p>\n

\n

Feeling inspired by our guide to beaches in Devon? Discover our Devon travel guide<\/a> to find even more great things to do and secure a South Devon holiday cottage<\/a>\u00a0with us. Enjoy a host of\u00a0dog-friendly Devon beaches<\/a>\u00a0too, so you never have to leave a family member behind!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Image Credits: C.art<\/a> – (CC BY-SA 2.0)<\/a><\/small><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Golden sands, quiet coves, and vibrant promenades are some of the distinguishing characteristics of South Devon beaches. The diverse scenery in Devon makes it easy to see why so many people choose to spend their beach holidays here! No matter if you prefer sand or shingle beaches, isolated coves, or beaches with a variety of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":76,"featured_media":63495,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-63259","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-tips","location-devon"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sykescottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63259","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sykescottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sykescottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sykescottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/76"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sykescottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=63259"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.sykescottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63259\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":85719,"href":"https:\/\/www.sykescottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63259\/revisions\/85719"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sykescottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/63495"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sykescottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=63259"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sykescottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=63259"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sykescottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=63259"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}