The Best Beaches in Devon

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Golden Sands, Hidden Coves, and Rockpools Coasts to Ancient Moors

 

Woolacombe Beach

This is the big one. Three miles of golden sand that regularly wins “Best Beach in the UK” awards. It is massive enough that even in August, you can always find a spot to lay your towel. The waves are perfect for learning to surf, and the village right behind the dunes has plenty of places to grab a pasty or a pint.

  • Best For: Families, Surfers, and long walks.

  • Dog Friendly: Yes (restrictions apply in summer).

  • Parking: Two large car parks right next to the beach.

 

Bantham Beach

f you want the classic South Devon experience, this is it. Looking out towards Bigbury and Burgh Island, the water here is often clearer and calmer than the North coast, though it still holds a great wave for surfers. It’s backed by dunes and has a massive tidal range, revealing huge stretches of sand at low tide.

  • Best For: Families, Surfers, and views of Burgh Island.

  • Dog Friendly: Yes (River end only in summer).

  • Parking: Large paid car park (gets full by 11 AM in August)

Devon is the only county in England with two separate coastlines, and they are completely different animals. The North is wild, with huge Atlantic waves and miles of golden sand. The South is gentler, with hidden coves and calm water for swimming. You don’t need to visit them all, but you do need to know the heavy hitters. Here is the cheat sheet.

North Devon (Wild & Sandy)

  • Woolacombe: Three miles of deep sand that swallows crowds; even in August, you can find a quiet spot.

  • Saunton Sands: Endless flat sands backed by huge dunes; it is the best place in the county for a long dog walk.

  • Croyde Bay: The heavyweight champion of surfing beaches, with powerful waves and a cool, youthful vibe.

  • Putsborough: Woolacombe’s quieter sister at the other end of the bay; great for wind protection and rock pooling.

  • Westward Ho!: A massive stretch of sand with a unique pebble ridge; famous for safe swimming and kite surfing.

  • Barricane Beach: A tiny, shell-covered cove near Woolacombe; famous for serving Sri Lankan curry on the beach in summer.

  • Tunnels Beaches (Ilfracombe): A Victorian bathing pool hand-carved into the cliffs; unique, private, and steeped in history.

  • Instow: A calm, riverside beach where the rivers Taw and Torridge meet; perfect for sunsets, not for swimming.

South Devon (Sheltered & Scenic)

  • Bantham: The jewel of the South Hams; look out at Burgh Island while the kids play in the shallow river lagoon.

  • Bigbury-on-Sea: Walk across the sand causeway to the hotel at low tide, or take the sea tractor when the water rises.

  • Blackpool Sands: A pine-backed cove that looks like the Mediterranean; the water is deep, clear, and cold.

  • Slapton Sands: A vast shingle bar with the sea on one side and a freshwater ley on the other; historic and haunting.

  • Hope Cove: Two sheltered sandy bays tucked into the cliffs; an old-school fishing village feel with calm waters.

  • Salcombe North Sands: A small, dog-friendly bay right near the town; disappears completely at high tide, so check the clock.

  • Salcombe South Sands: A ferry ride from town brings you here; golden sand, calm water, and a great beach cafe.

  • Beer Beach: A steep shingle beach still working as a fishing port; buy fresh crab and watch the boats launch.

  • Sidmouth Town Beach: A classic regency promenade with red cliffs and pebbles; climb Jacob’s Ladder to the sandy patch at the end.

  • Thurlestone (Leas Foot): A quieter sandy curve with the iconic Thurlestone Rock arch standing in the water.

 

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