Where to locate Devon's most picturesque coastal stretches
Devon's best beaches are along a coast with clear water, fine shingle Blue Flag stretches, and hard-to-find bays that stay quiet even on the UK's warmest afternoons. Here are the top eight beaches in Devon to visit when the sun is in the southwest, along with expert advice on where to have an ice cream, where to see the most beautiful sunsets, and where to take seagoing dogs.
Summer is an amazing time to explore North Devon. Enjoy an early and late summer wine and dine break while sampling some of the best sandy beaches in the UK, stunning coastal views and miles of moorland. Read more: https://t.co/kCzB0Ahrrm pic.twitter.com/HyNL7ZBdsQ
— Carlton Ilfracombe (@CarltonIlfy) February 22, 2023
What Devon coastal city is the best?
Devon has a wide selection of the top coastal towns in England. Salcombe, a charming town made up of stone and pastel-colored buildings that border the undulating hills of South Devon's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has much to recommend, according to our travel experts. Have an ice cream treat from Salcombe Dairy or pick up crab tarts for your picnic as you stroll the South West Coast Path between South Sands and Bolt Head. Last but not least, you may enjoy Fishermans Cove, Smalls Cove, and Mill Bay, three gorgeous beaches in Salcombe that are only accessible by boat.
Made any plans for the weekend?
— Devon County Council (@DevonCC) February 17, 2023
There's lots to explore in Devon, including Woolacombe - the beach frequently tops polls as the best beach in Britain!
📸 Laura Hookes pic.twitter.com/hu5XhHmQQx
The top Devon beaches
Bantham
Bantham is a beautiful Blue Flag beach (given to beaches with pure seas, easy access for the public, and the highest environmental requirements) and a favorite choice for surfers looking for the region's giant waves. When the Bantham Surf Lifesaving Club first opened its doors in 1960, the town's eponymous beach attracted a hip population. Also, there are stunning views of Burgh Island, a tidal islet with Art Deco hotels that may be accessed by strolling across a narrow spit of sand at low tide.
The Blackpool Sands
One of the cleanest portions in the region and one of the greatest beaches in the Nation is south Devon's Blackpool Sands, which has pine trees along its backside and the puzzling moniker of Blackpool (despite being nowhere near Blackpool). Here, the water is clean, and there is a little pontoon where you may dive when the sun is out. Venus Café serves locally sourced, sustainably caught fish.
Soar Mill Cove
This beach is difficult to get to since you can only get there on foot from the South West Coast Path, which deters many tourists. If you keep going, you'll come upon a bay that is quieter than most of the adjacent coves. Climb across the rocks at low tide and keep an eye out for the fauna that frequents this area since it is so remote; you could see seals or native birds like Dartford warblers.
South Milton Sands
The National Trust is in charge of this protected bay is ideal for families. Shallow rock pools dot the soft, buttery sand, which is caressed by iridescent waves and makes for ideal paddling terrain. Spectacular sunsets may be seen from the beach, which overlooks Thurlestone Rock, an arch-shaped rock structure that rises from the lake. In a little shack beyond the sands, the Beachhouse sells ice cream.
A Slapton Sands
Slapton Sands, a three-mile length of shingle beach along the South West Coast Path, ends with Torcross Beach, a well-liked swimming and fishing destination. The largest natural lake in the southwest, which attracts birders and other wildlife enthusiasts, is separated from Slapton Beach by a little road.
Mattiscombe
In another remote area of the Devonshire coast, it takes around 10 minutes to get there from the parking lot. Overtourism has done a tremendous disservice to Mattiscombe. There are some impressive rock formations, and when the sun is shining, the water takes on a stunning blue color. Then when dusk falls, the pebbles create fascinating shadow patterns on the sand.
Mothecombe
In-the-know locals are more drawn to this sweep than visitors. The beach, which is mill-fine and located at the mouth of the River Erme, is shallow enough for swimming by people of all ages without strain. After having your fill of bucket and spade fun, visit Schoolhouse, a fantastic restaurant near the parking lot.
East Portlemouth
Fishermans Cove, Smalls Cove, and Mill Bay are a trio of beaches in one of Devon's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty that are next to bustling Salcombe but are typically quieter than their more well-known neighbors. This sandbar is only accessible by boat (hop on at Salcombe). The cove is a year-round dog-friendly beach surrounded by untamed terrain, and the water draws enthusiastic kayakers and paddle boarders.