How to enter our 2024 Children’s Christmas Card Competition
At Coast and Country Cottages, we’re thrilled to announce the return of our annual art competition, giving children throughout...
by Sarah Howard / News
Dartmouth and the surrounding area is well reputed for its stunning beaches. You will find an array of Dartmouth beaches situated both in and around the town, and with so much on offer you really are spoilt for choice!
Two popular coves are within walking distance from the town centre itself, and the fifteen mile stretch of Start Bay is easily accessed by foot, car or bus.
From small coves with crystal clear waters to large expanses of shingle and golden sands, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to discovering Dartmouth beaches. Use our quick links below to help navigate the content, or read on for a comprehensive guide to our favourite Dartmouth beaches…
Sugary Cove and Castle Cove are close neighbours, and when conditions allow you can swim between the two. Situated just beyond Dartmouth Castle, the secluded coves take in a stunning outlook across the mouth of the River Dart. Best of all, they are backed by steep cliffs and trees that are jam packed with wildlife. Popular with those keen on fishing, in the summer months mackerel is found in abundance and perfect for cooking on a beach barbecue!
Nestled in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Leonards Cove overlooks the breadth of Start Bay and is accessed directly from the quintessential village of Stoke Fleming. Small and secluded in its size, Leonards Cove is a hidden gem and is a wonderful place to escape the summer crowds.
Referred to as the golden crescent of South Devon, Blackpool Sands occupies the northern end of Start Bay. A proud recipient of the Blue Flag Award, its excellent facilities and safe environment make it a popular family beach. Privately owned, the beach is well managed and enjoys a well-stocked shop, toilet facilities, cafe, kayak/paddleboard hire, plentiful parking, and in the colder months, a beach sauna! The beach is backed by evergreens and towering scented pines, and on a sizzling summer’s day you could mistake it for the med!
Slapton Sands is an expansive three mile shingle beach occupying the central stretch of Start Bay. Taking in views that reach as far as Start Point and Dartmouth, Slapton Sands accommodates three separate beaches. To the South is Torcross, with the other two ‘zones’ of the beach situated to the centre and North (Strete Gate Beach).
Another popular fishing spot, the beach is scattered with anglers throughout the entirety of the year. You will also find people with rumbling tummies tucking into locally caught fish and chips from the popular Start Bay Inn.
Torcross Beach is located at the southern tip of Slapton Sands, and is a popular spot with water enthusiasts. From kayakers and paddleboarders to those simply enjoying a salty swim, it’s a hive of activity. A great time to get out on the water is at sunrise or sunset when the wildlife is most active – you will often come up close to friendly seals and if you’re really lucky, you might see a pod of dolphins enjoying a shoal of mackerel.
Occupying the northern end of Slapton Sands, Strete Gate Beach is a wide shingle beach enjoying ample parking, toilet facilities and a popular coffee cart serving hot beverages and cake. The far northern end of the beach is popular with naturists, particularly in the summer months.
This isolated cove nestled between Slapton Sands and Blackpool Sands is a magical beach that is home to towering caves and a wonderful waterfall. Well hidden, the walk down is steep and strenuous and as such you will often find people reaching this cove by boat. Regardless of how you journey there, it is well worth the effort and adventure.
Beesands Beach is an award winning ‘Blue Flag’ shingle beach that stretches over a mile long. Backed by the freshwater nature reserve of Widdicombe Ley, it’s a popular spot with wildlife enthusiasts – be sure to keep your eyes peeled for rare seabirds. Also a popular destination for foodies, be sure to visit both Britannia @ The Beach and The Cricket Inn for a delicious meal.
Hallsands Beach is one of the quieter beaches in Start Bay and is the perfect spot for those in search of solitude and space. Despite its size, the calm, clean and crystal clear waters are expansive. This makes it a popular spot for swimmers, sea kayakers and snorkelers that are keen to explore the dramatic underwater ruins of the lost village.
Another hidden gem, Mattiscombe Sands is one of the wildest and most remote beaches in the South Hams. Neighbouring Start Point, Mattiscombe is a sandy beach with rocky outcrops and is backed by rolling countryside and low-rise cliffs rich in flora and fauna. The rock formations are spectacular, as is the natural waterfall and surrounding rockpools, all of which are accessible on a low tide.
Lannacombe Beach is one of South Devon’s most secret beaches, and as such, it is small, quiet and secluded. At low tide, the exposed rock pools are rich in marine life and as you would expect, they are very popular with families. Lannacombe is an ideal beach if you want to escape the crowds, but be warned, the carpark is small and only accommodates fifteen cars, so be sure to get to the beach early to avoid disappointment!
Man Sands is another one of South Devon’s lesser known beaches, located between Kingswear and Brixham. Large in its size, on a low tide the beach stretches for nearly 500m, so there is plenty of space to play! Mostly sand, the beach is peppered with a few rock formations and backed by natural alcoves which provide seclusion for those who want it.
Our Dartmouth holiday cottages are perfect for those looking for a coastal retreat that provides easy access to both the town and the surrounding area. With a wealth of holiday cottages throughout Dartmouth, Start Bay and the villages of Stoke Fleming, Torcross, Beesands and Hallsands, you are spoilt for choice.
Want to bring your four legged friend with you? Our dog-friendly cottages in Dartmouth are absolutely paw-fect, so be sure to check them out!
Book your holiday cottage near your favourite beach today!
Start your South Devon holiday
by Sarah Howard / News
Sign up to receive exclusive offers, competitions and the latest news to your inbox, and you'll be entered into our monthly prize-draw 3 times!
At Coast and Country Cottages, we’re thrilled to announce the return of our annual art competition, giving children throughout...
Find out more about artisan bag manufacturer Will Bees Bespoke, and the exclusive deal available to Coast & Country...
Coast & Country Cottages have been nominated for a prestigious British Travel Award, for the 10th year in a...
