Best Beaches & Secret Coves in Devon
Devon has some of the UK’s most stunning coastline, with dramatic Atlantic surf beaches in the north and gentler, sheltered bays in the south and east.
Whether you are seeking golden surfing sands, hidden rocky coves for rock pooling, romantic sunset spots, or year-round dog-friendly beaches, this handpicked guide covers Devon’s finest coastal locations, postcodes, and local rules.
North Devon Atlantic Surf & Sandy Bays
🏄 Woolacombe Beach
Woolacombe (EX34 7DL)A multi-award-winning, lively beach with three miles of golden sand. Perfect for families and surfers alike, offering excellent water quality, lifeguards, and gentle slopes for safe paddling.
🏖️ Saunton Sands
Near Braunton (EX33 1LG)Over three miles of flat, wide sand backed by the UNESCO-listed Braunton Burrows dunes. Famous for longboard surfing and spacious walking, with zero seasonal dog restrictions.
🌊 Croyde Bay
Croyde (EX33 1QE)Surrounded by scenic headlands, Croyde Bay is famous for its world-class A-frame surf. At low tide, discover pristine sand and rock pools, ideal for families and surfers year-round.
🐚 Barricane Beach
North Woolacombe (EX34 7DJ)A secluded rocky cove famed for Caribbean cowrie shells washed up on the shore. A romantic sunset spot known for delicious Sri Lankan curries served from a seasonal beach shack.
🦀 Hele Bay
Ilfracombe (EX34 9QZ)A sheltered sand-and-shingle cove, great for rock pooling and gentle swims. Hele Bay welcomes dogs year-round and offers a quieter alternative to the larger surfing beaches.
South & East Devon Sheltered Bays & Estuaries
🏝️ Bigbury Beach
Bigbury-on-Sea (TQ7 4BG)Overlooking iconic Burgh Island, this beach features a tidal causeway and shallow, family-friendly waters. At high tide, a unique sea tractor shuttles visitors across to the island.
🏄♂️ Bantham Beach
Near Kingsbridge (TQ7 3AN)South Devon’s premier surfing beach, set in a National Landscape. The sandy Avon estuary is safe for young children, with rock pools and excellent surf breaks.
🌲 Blackpool Sands
Near Dartmouth (TQ6 0RG)A Blue Flag fine-shingle crescent framed by evergreen pine trees. Clear, calm waters make it ideal for paddleboarding and swimming, with an eco-café on site (dogs banned in summer).
🦕 Exmouth Beach
Exmouth Esplanade (EX8 2AZ)At the western gateway to the UNESCO Jurassic Coast, this two-mile golden sand beach is famous for kitesurfing at Sideshore, traditional seaside promenades, and calm waters.
🪨 South Milton Sands
Near Thurlestone (TQ7 3BD)National Trust-managed sandy beach with striking views of Thurlestone Rock. Excellent for rock pooling, swimming, and year-round dog walking.
🐟 Beesands Beach
Near Kingsbridge (TQ7 2EH)A peaceful, mile-long shingle beach backed by freshwater fields and a lake. Dogs are welcome year-round, with fresh seafood shacks right on the beach edge.
🌅 Teignmouth Back Beach
Teignmouth (TQ14 8XZ)A sheltered estuary beach facing the River Teign, dog-friendly year-round, perfect for relaxed paddling, watching fishing boats, and catching stunning sunsets.
🚃 Babbacombe Beach
Torquay (TQ1 3LX)A historic shingle cove below wooded cliffs. Accessible via a scenic steep winding road or the funicular Babbacombe Cliff Railway, welcoming dogs 365 days a year.
Dog-Friendly Beach Highlights & Local Bylaws
🐕 Year-Round Dog-Friendly Beaches (365 Days Off-Lead)
- Saunton Sands: No seasonal restrictions—dogs can roam off-lead across miles of sand and dunes.
- Hele Bay (Ilfracombe): Quiet, sheltered cove with year-round dog access.
- South Milton Sands: National Trust beach welcoming dogs 365 days a year.
- Beesands, Teignmouth Back Beach & Babbacombe: Completely dog-friendly all year.
- Local Tip: Most major commercial beaches (like Woolacombe & Blackpool Sands) lift summer dog bans from October 1st to April 30th every year.
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