Devon, located in the southwest of England, is a treasure trove of sandy beaches, rocky coves, and picturesque coastal landscapes. With its two coastlines – one along the English Channel and the other bordering the Bristol Channel – there’s no shortage of amazing seaside spots to discover.
In this guide, we’ve compiled the 23 best beaches in Devon, perfect for families, surfers, and anyone who loves a good coastal adventure. So, let’s dive in and explore these beautiful shores!
Best Beaches In Devon
23 Best Beaches In Devon
Woolacombe Beach
Woolacombe Beach, a three-mile stretch of golden sand, is one of North Devon’s most popular and award-winning beaches.
With its stunning scenery and fantastic surf, it’s perfect for families and surfers alike.
The Blue Flag awarded beach is known for its cleanliness and water quality, making it a top choice for beachgoers.
Croyde Bay
Surfers, pack your boards and head to Croyde Bay, a beautiful sandy beach with fantastic waves.
This beach is well-known among the UK’s surfing community and hosts annual surfing competitions.
With lifeguards on duty during the summer months, it’s a safe and fun destination for families too.
Blackpool Sands
Nestled in a sheltered bay surrounded by pine trees in South Devon, Blackpool Sands is a beautiful crescent-shaped beach boasting turquoise waters and soft golden sands.
It’s the perfect spot for a family day out, with amenities such as a beach shop, café, and watersports equipment rentals.
Bantham Beach
Bantham Beach is a popular spot for surfers and families due to its sandy shores and consistent waves.
With the backdrop of the stunning Burgh Island, it’s also perfect for a picturesque coastal walk.
The beach is dog-friendly during the off-peak season, so your furry friends can join in the fun.
Saunton Sands
Saunton Sands is a vast, three-mile-long beach backed by the impressive Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The beach is ideal for long walks, sunbathing, and watersports, such as surfing and kiteboarding.
It’s also dog-friendly, so your canine companions can run free all year round.
Bigbury-on-Sea Beach
Bigbury-on-Sea Beach is a large, sandy beach with shallow waters, making it a great choice for families with young children.
The iconic Burgh Island is accessible during low tide, either by walking across the sand or hitching a ride on the unique sea tractor.
Northam Burrows Beach
Located within the Northam Burrows Country Park, this spacious beach offers a mix of sand and pebbles.
It’s an excellent spot for wildlife enthusiasts, as the park is home to diverse flora and fauna.
The beach is also dog-friendly, making it perfect for a day out with your four-legged friends.
Sidmouth Beach
Sidmouth Beach, a charming pebble and sand beach, offers stunning views of the Jurassic Coast.
It’s an excellent spot for rock pooling, sunbathing, and swimming, with lifeguards on duty during the summer months.
The Sidmouth town centre is just a short stroll away, providing easy access to shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Dawlish Warren Beach
Dawlish Warren Beach, a Blue Flag awarded beach, is a popular destination for families due to its safe swimming conditions, clean sands, and excellent facilities.
The beach also boasts a nature reserve, perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
With plenty of entertainment options, such as amusement arcades and mini-golf, there’s something for everyone at Dawlish Warren Beach.
Beer Beach
This picturesque pebble beach, nestled in a small fishing village, offers visitors a unique experience.
Surrounded by limestone cliffs, Beer Beach is a great spot for kayaking, fishing, or simply relaxing and taking in the scenery.
The village itself is full of charm, with traditional pubs and quaint shops.
Exmouth Beach
Exmouth Beach, a two-mile stretch of golden sand, is a family-friendly destination with plenty of activities on offer.
The beach is a watersports haven, popular for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding.
There are also plenty of facilities, including a play area, cafes, and beach huts available for hire.
Bovisand Beach
Hidden away in a sheltered cove, Bovisand Beach is a peaceful, sandy beach perfect for a tranquil day by the sea.
With calm, clear waters, it’s a popular spot for swimming, snorkelling, and diving.
The beach is also part of the South West Coast Path, making it a great starting point for coastal walks.
Hope Cove Beach
Hope Cove is made up of two sandy beaches, Inner and Outer Hope, both offering safe swimming and picturesque surroundings.
The charming village of Hope Cove is worth exploring, with its thatched cottages and welcoming pubs.
This beach is an idyllic spot for a peaceful day by the sea.
Barricane Beach
Tucked between Woolacombe and Mortehoe, Barricane Beach is a secluded, shell-covered cove perfect for rock pooling and snorkelling.
The beach is also famous for its summer evening beach barbecues, where you can enjoy Sri Lankan curries while watching the sunset.
Oddicombe Beach
Accessible by the historic Babbacombe Cliff Railway, Oddicombe Beach is a delightful mix of sand and shingle, set beneath dramatic red cliffs.
The beach offers a range of facilities, such as a café, beach huts, and watersports equipment hire.
It’s a great destination for families, with safe swimming and plenty of space to play.
Broadsands Beach
Broadsands Beach, located between Paignton and Brixham, is a large, sandy beach backed by grassy hills.
With calm, shallow waters, it’s ideal for families with young children.
The beach is also home to a popular pitch-and-putt golf course, perfect for some friendly competition.
Strete Gate Beach
Strete Gate Beach is a long, pebble beach situated near the village of Strete and a few minutes from Dartmouth.
With its peaceful atmosphere and stunning views, it’s an excellent choice for a relaxed day at the beach.
The beach is also dog-friendly, so your furry friends can enjoy the day with you.
Challaborough Beach
Challaborough Beach is a small, sheltered cove with soft sands and calm waters, perfect for families and watersports enthusiasts.
The beach is also popular among bodyboarders, with consistent waves providing plenty of fun.
Wembury Beach
Wembury Beach, a Marine Conservation Area, is famous for its rock pools, making it a great destination for nature lovers and families.
The beach is also part of the South West Coast Path, offering stunning coastal walks with breathtaking views.
Shaldon Beach
Shaldon Beach, a mix of sand and shingle, is a charming spot located across the estuary from Teignmouth.
The beach is a great spot for swimming and boating, and there’s even a small zoo nearby for added entertainment.
The picturesque village of Shaldon offers a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing day by the sea.
Soar Mill Cove
Soar Mill Cove, a hidden gem on Devon’s South Coast, is a secluded, sandy beach accessible only by foot or boat.
Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, the beach is perfect for those seeking tranquillity and natural beauty.
It’s also a great spot for wildlife watching, with seals often spotted in the area.
Sandy Bay
Located near Exmouth, Sandy Bay is a private, Blue Flag awarded beach that boasts golden sands and crystal-clear waters.
The beach is part of the Devon Cliffs Holiday Park, offering visitors access to a range of facilities, such as a swimming pool, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Anstey’s Cove
Anstey’s Cove, a peaceful, shingle beach near Torquay, is known for its clear waters and lush surroundings.
The beach is a popular spot for kayaking, snorkelling, and fishing.
It’s also part of the Agatha Christie Mile, a series of locations connected to the famous author’s life and works.
Final Thoughts
From the surfing hotspots of Woolacombe and Croyde Bay to the tranquil coves of Soar Mill and Anstey’s Cove, Devon’s beaches offer something for everyone.
Whether you’re seeking family fun, water sports, or simply a relaxing day by the sea, these 23 best beaches in Devon are sure to provide unforgettable experiences.
So, pack your beach essentials, and get ready to explore the stunning coastline that this beautiful region has to offer.
Founder, Editor
Ed is the founder and editor at Lifes Beaches. He’s lived near a beach his whole life and loves exploring other great places to enjoy the sun and the sea. He’s a keen surfer and enjoys finding hidden beach spots to catch the best waves.
