6 of the best beaches in South Devon

Sun, sea and golden stretches of sand are hard to beat for a holiday destination and South Devon has no shortage of fantastic beaches for a great seaside getaway. We’ve picked 6 of the best beaches in South Devon that will accommodate visitors of all ages, whether you’re keen to laze in the sun, explore rock pools, build sandcastles or test your watersport skills.

Bantham

Sand and surfing are both in big supply at Bantham. The beach is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is one of the best places to surf in Devon. If you’re keen to learn how to surf or brush up on existing skills, Bantham Surfing Academy offers lessons for beginners to advanced surfers and caters to adults and children. The shallow and sandy waters at Bantham are suitable for young kids to swim and paddle in and the great stretch of sand is perfect for building sandcastles. Refreshments, toilets and parking are within close proximity to the beach and lifeguards are present from May to October.

Mothecombe

Mothecombe is an absolute gem of a beach, with green fields rolling down to a perfect sandy bay. This privately owned beach is hidden away down a long winding road and doesn’t get as busy as some of the other beaches in South Devon. The beach is open to the public on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays and can only be accessed via a steep and narrow path that is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The path can found in an opening in the hedge on the road down to the also very good Coastguard’s Beach (which is wheelchair accessible and open every day). There is parking and toilets for both beaches in a field just off the road. The South West Coast Path is accessible from the beach if you’re keen to do some coastal exploration on foot.

Bigbury-on-Sea and Burgh Island

Bigbury-on-Sea and Burgh Island is a great location for family beach holidays as well as people who are keen to try out a variety of watersports. The rock pools and safe swimming areas will keep youngsters entertained and sports such as windsurfing and kite-surfing will satisfy adrenaline seekers. In terms of facilities there is a local café, toilets, beach wheelchairs available for hire and lifeguards are present during the summer. Burgh Island can be accessed on foot during low tide and via sea tractor during high tide.

Wembury

Anyone keen to get a close-up view of marine animals and plants should head to Wembury which has superb rock pools to explore as well as the nearby Wembury Marine Centre which offers rock-pooling expeditions during the summer. This wild beach has suitable conditions for surfing and the island known as the Mewstone is visible across the sea from the beach. The surrounding landscape offers fantastic cliff walks and Wembury Point is a good spot for birdwatching. Toilets, parking and refreshments are available at Wembury beach.

Blackpool Sands

The gorgeous Blackpool Sands is a 2013 Blue Flag winner with plenty of attractions to satisfy visitors of all ages. The wonderfully clear and clean water is great for swimming and there are a range of facilities at the beach including a café, shop, showers, toilets, sand pits and a bathing raft. Lifeguards are present during the summer and the beach offers an excellent array of watersport equipment hire such as surf skis, kayaks, wet suits, snorkels and boogie boards.

Mill Bay

The small but stunning Mill Bay is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a wonderful choice for families thanks to the clean and safe water that is suitable for swimming, as well as the rock pools that appear during low tide. Dogs are allowed on the beach throughout the year. Facilities are limited to a car park and toilets but there is a café and shop in nearby East Portlemouth. Mill Bay can also be accessed via ferry from Salcombe.

Have a blast at the beach

No matter what kind of beach holiday you’re after, from trying out watersports to investigating the local marine life or simply lounging in the sunshine and occasionally enjoying a refreshing swim, these beaches in South Devon will satisfy all your seaside desires.