17 Beaches in South Devon

East Portlemouth beach

Hop over on the tiny passenger ferry from Salcombe to East Portlemouth Jetty for a relaxed day at this peaceful sandy beach (where your dog is welcome too!) The Venus Takeaway at East Portlemouth beach and Lollapalooza van at nearby Mill Bay both offer delicious snacks and drinks.

Mill Bay

Walk across the wide stretch of beach at East Portlemouth and through woodland paths that reveal charming quiet sandy coves, Smalls and Mill Bay. Mill Bay is the larger of the two coves where you can grab a tasty ice cream from the Lollapalooza van nestled under the trees at the back of the beach. Being tucked behind trees and woodland makes it feel as though you’re on a deserted island.

Mill Bay
2 Devon Rd, Salcombe TQ8 8PU

North Sands

This unspoilt sandy cove is just a mile’s walk from the centre of Salcombe. Sheltered by the Salcombe Estuary, its calm waters are ideal for young families, and just a stone’s throw away is the stylish Winking Prawn café. North Sands is dog-friendly, so your four-legged friend can join in the fun!

South Sands

Half a mile from North Sands, South Sands is a similarly picturesque sandy beach. Why not take the colourful South Sands Passenger Ferry to or from Salcombe? South Sands is a beach for all occasions, popular with sunbathers, picnickers, swimmers, kayakers and Stand-Up Paddleboarders alike.

Gara Rock / Seacombe Sands

This hidden and secluded spot is a much-loved ͚secret͛ amongst Salcombe residents and visitors. With limited parking available, Gara Rock is accessible by walking just under two miles along the South West Coast Path from East Portlemouth.

Gara Rock beach UK,
East Portlemouth, Salcombe TQ8 8PJ

Soar Mill Cove

Only accessible by foot, Soar Mill Cove beach makes a fantastic spot on the South West Coast Path for a picnic, a few hours of paddling or sunbathing, or perhaps just a quick rest on your hike between Salcombe and Hope Cove. What it lacks in facilities it more than makes up in breathtaking natural scenery, unique geology and glorious seclusion.

Soar Mill Cove
Malborough TQ7 3DU

Harbour Beach, Hope Cove

The second of Hope Cove’s two sandy beaches, Harbour beach is great for rockpooling, especially in the busier periods where other better-known beaches fill up. In addition, the kids love to race against the stream to build dams.

Hope Cove
Kingsbridge TQ7 3HW

Mouthwell Sands, Hope Cove

One of Hope Cove’s two beautiful beaches, both popular with visitors. With seasonal lifeguards and water quality designated as excellent by the Environment Agency, Hope Cove’s beaches are great for families to visit for a safe swim or paddle. The mix of sand and rocky areas means that Mouthwell Sands in particular is great for sandcastles and sunbathing as well as exploring the rockpools for sea life.

Mouthwell Sands
Outer Hope, Hope Cove, Kingsbridge TQ7 3HQ

South Milton Sands

You’ll find South Milton Sands at the southern end of Thurlestone Sands, looking out over the unmistakable arch formation of Thurlestone Rock. This end of the bay is the place to head for excellent facilities, including the popular Beachhouse Café, with its rustic styling and breathtaking views of the bay.

South Milton
Kingsbridge

Thurlestone Sands

Thurlestone Sands and the conjoining beach, South Milton Sands, look out over a unique arch formation known as Thurlestone Rock. Relax at the Beach House restaurant or with something fresh from the Thurlestone Gastro Bus, as you enjoy glorious views from this dog-friendly bay.

Hallsands

Just over a mile from Start Point Lighthouse Little Hallsands beach is famous for the haunting history of the lost village that once stood alongside it. Although there are no facilities nearby, this unspoilt beach is well worth visiting for excellent dog-friendly walks and beautiful views.

Stokenham
Kingsbridge

Beesands

The traditional seaside fishing village of Beesands is home to a 1.5 mile fine shingle beach, beloved by dog walkers, anglers and other beachgoers. South of Slapton Sands in Start Bay, Beesands is an ideal place to stop on the coast path for a hearty bite at Britannia @ The Beach or the Cricket Inn.

Bantham Beach

Bantham Beach is Devon’s top surfing spot, but its wide expanse of sand, the great food at the Gastro Bus and stunning views of Burgh Island mean it’s not only beloved by surfers. You’re sure to love Bantham beach whether you want to swim, surf, sunbathe or build sandcastles with the kids.

Slapton Sands

A mile from Blackpool Sands, this three-mile shingle beach is a must visit, particularly for dog owners since four-legged friends are welcome all year. Right by the beach is the Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve, a haven for birdwatchers, a popular pub-restaurant and two enticing cafés.

Castle Cove, Sugary Cove and Compass Cove

Next to Dartmouth Castle are two little beaches, ideal for rockpooling, beachcombing or taking a break from your walk along the South West Coast Path. Another ‘secret’ beach, Compass Cove, is just half a mile further on foot.

Bigbury-On-Sea

Across the River Avon from Bantham Beach is Bigbury-On-Sea, another fantastic sandy beach, which is linked via a tidal land bridge to Burgh Island. Home to a Venus Café & Takeaway plus Discovery Surf School offering tuition and board hire, Bigbury-On-Sea rivals Bantham as a top surfing location.

Blackpool Sands

This Blue Flag-awarded fine shingle beach, just four miles from Dartmouth, offers stunning views, a pristine environment and fantastic facilities. These include the excellent beachside Venus Café, watersports equipment hire, children’s sandpits and outdoor showers for washing wetsuits.