Top 10 Beaches to Visit
Your planning your summer trip down to the beautiful coast and you want to make sure that your stay is going to be an unforgettable beachside experience. So, we have put together 10 of the best beaches in South Devon for you to get your toes on this summer.
Bantham Beach
Situated along the South Devon coast at the mouth of the meandering Avon River, is the admired Bantham Beach. The combination of sheltering dunes, sandy stretches and not to forget that surf break make Bantham Beach a must visit spot when visiting the best beaches in South Devon.
Hopes Cove
If exploring the beaches in South Devon is high on your agenda this summer then Hopes Cove must be added to the agenda. It is made up of two beautiful sandy beaches, located near Salcombe in South Devon. To the North you will find Mouthwell Sands, and to the South the Harbour beach. Easy to access and with lifeguards present during the summer months Hopes Cove beaches are great for a sunny family day out. Once you have had enough of building sandcastles and bathing in the sea, you can easily make the short journey to the village for an ice-cream and refuel.
Shaldon Beach
Positioned on the Teign Estuary, Shaldon beach boasts both river and sea views. Enjoy watching the numerous water activities take place up and down the river and hum along to the local bands singing their hearts out in the riverside beer gardens. With ample options for local grub and a proper Devonshire cream tea, this is what Beaches in South Devon are all about.
Blackpool Sands
If this is your first experience of the South Hams, then Blackpool sands is a must visit beach. With a fabulous pebbled beach and stunning countryside surrounding you, you really won’t want to be anywhere else. If you or the kids love a dip in the ocean, Blackpool Sands has a pontoon for swimmers to splash out to and enjoy jumping off.
Babbacombe Beach
Home to local mascot Sammy the seal, Babbacombe Beach is a picturesque pebbled beach found along the Torbay coast. Its beautiful turquoise waters and fishing pier make it popular with both visitors and locals.
Burgh Island
Burgh Island is a famous South Devon landmark, accessible only from Bigbury on Sea beach. If you want to travel over to the island by sea tractor then it’s all about timings and getting it right, only accessible at low tide by a band of sand which at high tide is entirely covered by water.
Teignmouth River Beach
Known by locals as the ‘Back Beach’ due to its views up the River instead of out to the ocean, Teignmouth River Beach is the go-to beach for later afternoon and evening seaside social. You will find the beach dotted with colourful beach huts, smokie BBQs and a real buzz. The beach is best known for being THE place to have a cold beer or G&T and watch the sun set over the Devon Hills.
Thurlestone Beach
Out of all the best beaches in South Devon Thurlestone Beach is on the list for a few simple yet fundamental reasons. Thurlestone Sands is only accessible via a single-track road, making it a relatively remote location if you like to avoid the crowds, the beach is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and once you visit, you will quickly see why.
Sandy Bay
Sandy Bay is encased by red cliffs with a real secluded and seaside feel, this beach is the ideal location for catching the sunrays, swimming in the fresh English ocean and enjoying a real British day at the beach. Sandy Bay if for sure one of the must visit beaches in South Devon.
Ness Cove
requent visitors to Shaldon and the surrounding area are bound to associate this beach with lovely childhood memories. Walking from the village of Shaldon up and over the iconic Ness outcrop then down the historic Smugglers Tunnel, with low light and echoing sounds this is a real excitement for many. The Smuggler Tunnel leads you to the not so well-hidden secret of the Ness Beach, perfect for a day spent with the little ones in the sunshine. The Ness is seemingly a secret location but then, this is usually only to those staying in Shaldon and enjoying time in their Holiday Cottages in South Devon. The perk here is that it can often feel like a private beach!
The Top 10 Beaches in the South West
Whichever location you choose to explore whilst visiting the beaches in South Devon - Friends, families and children are guaranteed to have a fabulous time, basking in the sun, enjoying the clean ocean waters and experiencing a sensational seaside day out.