The best beaches in Devon
Devon’s best beaches make up a coastline fringed with clear-as-can-be water, fine shingle Blue Flag stretches and hard-to-find bays that stay quiet even on the UK’s balmiest afternoons. These are eight of the best beaches in Devon to seek out when the sun is shining in the southwest, with insider tips on where to grab an ice cream, the places to head to for the best sunsets and where to take seafaring dogs, too.
What is the best seaside town in Devon?
Devon is spoilt for choice when it comes to the best seaside towns in England. However, our travel experts have a lot to say for Salcombe, a picturesque town composed of stone and pastel-coloured homes that line the sloping hills of South Devon's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Indulge in a Salcombe Dairy ice cream or pick up a picnic of crab tarts to enjoy while meandering the South West Coast Path between South Sands and Bolt Head. And last but not least, Salcombe boasts not one but three beautiful beaches for you to enjoy (accessible by boat) – Fishermans Cove, Smalls Cove and Mill Bay.
The best beaches in Devon
Getty ImagesHeddon's Mouth
This is one for the hikers – Heddon's Mouth is renowned as one of the UK's most beautiful walking routes. Start at the National Trust shop by the Hunter's Inn, and follow the River Heddon. Cross over stone bridges, across wild meadows, past tree-lined orchards, and through ancient woodlands until you see the vast valleys open up in front of you. It's a circular route, stopping where the river opens up into the beach for a refreshing swim or a picnic pit stop before continuing.
Alamy Stock PhotoWoody Bay
A frequent stop-off point for those trekking along the South West Coast Path, this dramatic beach is perfect for days spent away from the crowds. Beach-goers can access the shore via a very narrow, steep lane that weaves its way down to the waterfront – keep your eyes peeled for otters playing and rare butterflies floating on the breeze.
Getty ImagesGrunta Beach
Despite once being infamous as a smuggling hotspot and frequent shipwrecks (nearby Morte Point literally means death point), this peaceful pocket is now a popular dog-walking spot, with rugged grasslands, rocky outcrops and secluded coves to discover. Make sure to check when low tide is – the sandy shore isn't accessible otherwise.
Getty ImagesBantham
A lovely Blue Flag spot (awarded to beaches with crystal-clear waters, good public access and the highest environmental standards), Bantham is a top choice for surfers hunting for the area’s gnarliest waves. The namesake beach town here has been drawing a cool crowd since 1960, when Bantham Surf Lifesaving Club opened. There are also beautiful views of Burgh Island, a tidel islet with Art Deco hotels reached by walking across a strip of sand at low tide.
Blackpool Sands
A drive through knotted woodland brings you to south Devon’s confusingly named, pine-tree-backed Blackpool Sands (it's nowhere near Blackpool): a crescent sweep of tiny pebbles that makes up one of the area’s cleanest stretches and one of the best beaches in the UK. The sea here is remarkably clear, and there’s a little pontoon for diving off when the sun is shining. Refresh at Blackpool Sands Beach Shack, which serves hot drinks, cakes and small dishes.
Getty ImagesBeer Beach
Beer Beach is situated in the chocolate box village of Beer; no surprises there. The town is protected by rolling hills and homes peppering the slopes down to the fishing village, making for a lovely stroll to the beach from the convenient car park. Limestone cliffs hug both sides of this shingle beach, and crystal-clear water laps on the stones, creating a perfectly peaceful atmosphere. The water is calm and ideal for families, and it’s undoubtedly a bonus getting to explore the fishing boats that launch from the beach. I’d recommend taking a mackerel fishing trip and making a day of it. Amber Port
Getty ImagesSoar Mill Cove
Accessing this beach isn’t easy – it can only be reached on foot from the South West Coast Path, which puts plenty of visitors off. Persevere and you’ll discover a bay that’s more peaceful than most of the nearby coves. At low tide, clamber across the rocks and look out for the wildlife that flocks here thanks to the secluded nature of the spot – you might see seals or local birds such as Dartford warblers.
Getty ImagesSouth Milton Sands
This family-friendly, sheltered bay is overseen by the National Trust. The fine, buttery sand is lapped by iridescent waves and dotted with shallow rock pools which make for perfect paddling territory. The beach looks out over Thurlestone Rock, an arch stone formation that rises from the water, and there are amazing sunsets here. Grab ice creams from the Beachhouse, a little hut behind the sands.
Getty ImagesSlapton Sands
A three-mile stretch of shingle beach set on the South West Coast Path, Slapton Sands gives way to Torcross Beach, popular with swimmers and fishermen, on its southern tip. A narrow road separates Slapton Sands from the south-west’s biggest natural lake, which draws birders and wildlife lovers.
AlamyMattiscombe
Another corner of the Devonshire coast that’s relatively hard to access – the walk here from the car park takes about 10 minutes. Mattiscombe is wonderfully unspoilt by overtourism. There are dramatic rock formations, and the sea turns a beautiful turquoise in the sunshine. And when the sun sets, the rocks cast intriguing shadows on the sand...
AlamyMothecombe
This sweep draws more in-the-know locals than tourists. The beach sits at the mouth of the River Erme, which is shallow enough for all-ages stress-free swimming, and the sand is mill-fine. Once you’ve had your fill of bucket-and-spade fun, head to Schoolhouse, a brilliant restaurant next to the car park.
Getty ImagesEast Portlemouth
In one of Devon’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this trio of beaches – Fishermans Cove, Smalls Cove and Mill Bay – sit opposite buzzing Salcombe, but are normally much quieter than their better-known neighbours. You can only reach this stretch of sand by boat (hop on at Salcombe). The cove is a dog-friendly beach year round and backed by rugged countryside, plus the water is a pull for eager kayakers and paddle boarders.