The sensation of stepping onto that golden sand, with the smell of that salty sea air, is what the beach is all about. A perfect day for lounging in the summer or a walk to see the waves and white horses in the winter. With lots of beaches to choose from in the area, how do you know which one to go to? Below we discuss some of the beaches in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to help you decide which is the best option for you on Your Devon Escape.
This popular sandy beach can be reached via steep steps or a concrete slipway, making it accessible for all. The car park is open 24 hours with charges applied. There is a beach shop, café, pub (on Burgh Island), and toilets with baby changing facilities and showers. Lifeguards are present from the 4th of May to 29th September, with dogs allowed on the beach outside of these dates. It is a perfect beach for relaxing, rockpooling, or trying a new water sport (with equipment for hire and lessons available).
A remote beach accessible only by a bridleway. Owned by The National Trust with a car park located 1km from the beach. Charges apply for non-members. Sadly, there are no lifeguards present on this beach, but dogs are allowed all year round. A beautiful secret and sandy beach with shingles and pebbles.
A popular, privately owned, sandy beach. It is easily accessible from the car park through the sand dunes. There is a private car park where charges apply. Lifeguards are present on the beach from 4th May to 30th September with dogs permitted outside of these dates. It is the perfect beach for paddling, kitesurfing, and surfing. From the main road, it is quite a narrow passage when driving down to the beach so be prepared to do some reversing.
THURLESTONE/SOUTH MILTON SANDS
This long beach with a mixture of coarse sand and fine shingle is easily accessible from the National Trust car park. You can access the beach via steps or a wooden ramp. Lifeguards are present on the beach from 6th July to 8th September.
This sandy and pebbly cove is backed by rocky cliffs. You can access the beach via the slipway from the road or down concrete steps. Lifeguards are present on the beach from 6th July to 8th September with dogs permitted between 1st October and 30th April. There is a car park, with charges applied.
A remote, quiet, sandy beach owned by the National Trust. With a 1km walk down a steep path or along the circular walk from Salcombe. Sadly, there is no disabled access. Parking is available at the hotel, charges apply. There are no lifeguards present at this beach.
A popular sandy beach which is sheltered from westerly winds. There is the option of steps or a ramp down to the beach, enabling disabled access. There are toilets, a beach café, and water sports and equipment hire. There is limited parking available and sadly no lifeguards. Dogs are permitted on the beach between 1st October and 30th May.
A popular sandy beach which is sheltered from westerly winds. Entry via a steep ramp makes it accessible for all. A car park is located across the road, charges apply. There is a café (The Winking Prawn), beach shop and toilets all located within 50m of the beach. No lifeguards are present at this beach.
This beach is accessible by the South West Coast Path or a private access path from the car park. A National Trust car park is located 100m from the beach, with charges applying to non-members. There are toilets and a seasonal café but sadly no lifeguards. Dogs are permitted all year round. It is just asked that they are kept on the lead between May and September. Access the ferry to Salcombe from here.