Best Beaches in South Devon

From Soar Mill Cove to Bigbury-On-Sea...

Alongside the beautiful beaches of Cornwall and the golden stretches of Welsh coastline, South Devon is also home to some of the best beaches in Great Britain. Soft sands, dazzling blue waters and plenty of other sights and attractions to enjoy once you're there; take a read through our guide to the best beaches in Devon, then set your sights on a self-catering stay to remember!

When it comes to self-catering holidays in Devon and outdoor adventure, together, we've got you covered...

 

SOAR MILL COVE

Parking: Accessible only on foot from the South West Coastal Path
Pet-FriendlyDogs allowed due to isolated location
Facilities: Nothing but the fresh air (bring your own picnic!)
Distance from Gitcombe Estate: 40 minutes
Activities: Amazing to canoe or sail too, but care must be taken amongst the jagged rocks
Best For: True Explorers looking to escape everyday life...
Shingle, Rocks or Sand?: Rocks & Sand!

BIGBURY-ON-SEA

ParkingOn-site with easy access to the beach
Pet-Friendly: All year round, but are kept in certain 'zones' during the summer
Facilities: Toilets, Disabled Access, First Aid, Showers, Organic Cafe & Restaurants
Distance from Gitcombe Estate33 minutes
Activities: Ideal for wind-surfing and kite-surfing if you want to try something new - don't worry, there are plenty of lifeguards on duty from May to September!
Tide Times: Find Tide Times for Bigbury-On-Sea
Best For: Families with little ones, due to the gentle waters and soft sands...
Shingle, Rocks or Sand?: Sand!

MOOR SANDS (VENERICK'S COVE)

Parking: Accessible only on foot, with the aid of a rope ladder
Pet-Friendly: Dogs welcome all-year round
Facilities: None!
Distance from Gitcombe Estate: 55 minutes
Activities: With crystal clear waters and a rocky outcrop, there are loads of opportunities to snorkel and swim in peace
Best ForEven more adventurous explorers, who don't mind a hike...
Shingle, Rocks or Sand?: A bit of everything!

BROADSANDS BEACH

Parking: Available, leading straight onto the promenade
Pet-Friendly: Only in the off-season months, but there is an exercise area for dogs behind the beach (granted that they stay on leads)
Facilities: Disabled toilets, Adjacent Parkland, First Aid, Showers, On-Site Cafe
Distance from Gitcombe Estate: 55 minutes
Activities: From sandcastle building to splashing in the surf, this is the perfect beach for laidback travellers (take a closer look here)
Tide Times: Find Tide Times for Broadsands Beach
Best For: Families, friends and those with mobility restrictions as beach wheelchairs are available...
Shingle, Rocks or Sand?: Sand!

BEER BEACH

Parking: Small space adjacent to the beach, but head into the village (15 minute walk) for more availability
Pet-Friendly: Yes, but beach is split into pet-friendly sections
Facilities: Public Toilets, Tea Shop, Deck Chairs, Boat Hire
Distance from Gitcombe Estate: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Activities: Just a hop and a skip from the village of Beer, the shingle beach is ideal for rock-pooling, crabbing, coastal walks and fishing trips
Tide Times: Find Tide Times for Beer Beach
Best For: Families (with unrestricted mobility) and those looking to combine a beach visit with a little sightseeing and photography...
Shingle, Rocks or Sand?: Shingle!

MOTHECOMBE BEACH

Parking: Available all-year round, with easy access to the beach and charges applying from March to September
Pet-Friendly: Dogs are not permitted between May and September
Facilities: The iconic 'School House' offering toilets and snacks
Distance from Gitcombe Estate: 5 minutes
Activities: Let your little ones splash in the rock pools and amongst the gentle waves, or try your hand at bodyboarding in the calm conditions
Best For: Those looking for peace and privacy, on large and unspoilt sands...
Shingle, Rocks or Sand?: Sand!

CELLARS BEACH

Parking: The closest free parking (and toilets) are in Noss Mayo village (30 minute walk along the South West Coastal Path)
Pet-Friendly: Welcome all-year round
Facilities: Nothing to speak of, so pack up your favourite beach gear and plenty of refreshments!
Distance from Gitcombe Estate20 minutes
ActivitiesGreat for walking, paddling in the gentle waters and rock-pooling
Best For: Those looking for a remote space to unwind, and are happy to walk the distance...
Shingle, Rocks or Sand?: Sand!

HOPE COVE

Parking: Adjacent to Mouthwell Sands (the smaller beach at Hope Cove)
Pet-Friendly: Dogs are welcome on Harbour Beach all year round, and from September-May on Mouthwell Sands
Facilities: Disabled Access, Toilets, On-Site Cafe, Lifeguards
Distance from Gitcombe Estate: 40 minutes
Activities: The incredible water quality allows for great swimming and rock-pooling, as well as sunbathing
Tide Times: Find Tide Times for Hope Cove Beach
Best For: A fun-filled, full, family day out...
Shingle, Rocks or Sand?: Sand!

 

Useful Links for Visitors to South Devon:
Visit South Devon | National Trust | TripAdvisor | VisitEngland

Loading...

Stay in South Devon

Where rolling countryside meets the coast...

Wishlist