Slapton and Torcross are the perfect villages for Your Devon Escape by the beach, with three miles of coastline on the doorstep. But if you want to explore the surrounding area, there are lots of excellent beaches to choose from, a short walk or drive away. Whether you want dog-friendly, lifeguards or a beach with a café, we have our recommendations for beaches Near Slapton and Torcross below!
A shingle beach backed by fields and rolling hills. The village and beach are reached down an old country lane. Beesands is family- and dog-friendly, with a children’s playground and dogs welcome throughout the year. There are two delicious restaurants located in Beesands with sea views. If you are heading down that way, be sure to check out Britannia @ The Beach and The Cricket Inn. There are sadly no lifeguards at this beach throughout the year but there are toilets available and can be accessed by disabled users via one of the two slipways.
A popular and privately owned beach with fine shingle sand. There is easy access from the car park or can join the coast path and walk over from Slapton and Torcross. Wheelchair access is possible via a ramp. There is a café with indoor and outdoor seating, a beach shop, water sports hire, and toilets with showers and baby changing facilities. Lifeguards are present on the beach between July and September. Parking charges apply throughout the summer months. Dogs are allowed on the beach from October to May.
If you are looking for beaches near Slapton and Torcross that can offer you peace and quiet, then this should be one of them. To locals, this is known as the secret beach because it cannot be seen from the road. However, it is a glorious inlet that is flanked by grassy cliffs and backed with rolling hills. There is a steep climb down to the beach, but you will be rewarded with peace, beauty, and tranquillity. There are no facilities at this beach so make sure you walk down prepared because it is a steep climb back up! There are no lifeguards present at this beach, but dogs are welcome throughout the year.
This is one of the quieter beaches within Start Bay, located at the north end of Hallsands. This is the perfect spot for peace and space, even through those busy summer months. It is dog-friendly throughout the year; however, there are sadly no lifeguards present throughout the year. Turn the day out into a walk too and walk over from Slapton and Torcross along the coast path, or drive and pack at the car park located twenty metres from the beach. Walk the extra 500m of the coast path to reach the ruined South Hallsands viewing platform and learn of its history. There are no facilities at this beach so come prepared!
If you are looking for beaches near Slapton and Torcross, then why not start with the one on your doorstep. Despite the name, this stretch of beach is mostly shingle and pebble. However, this does not affect its popularity and beautiful scenery. Slapton Sands also sits across from the Ley which is a haven of beauty and wildlife. The beach is also a point of historic interest, as it was used in the D-Day Landing practices of 1943. Dogs are welcome throughout the year and the beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months. There are also local restaurants and cafés located at the Torcross end of the beach if you are looking for a bite to eat.
At the very start of the long coastal bar that stretches to Torcross and beyond is this beautiful beach of fine shingle. The beach has level access from the road. Toilets and picnic tables are available, alongside a delightful seasonal shack (Lime Coffee Co.) selling coffees, teas, and tasty treats. There are no lifeguards present on the beach, but plenty of parking, with charges applying. It is an ideal spot for a dip or picnic, and dogs are welcome throughout the year.
This popular shingle beach offers views of Slapton Ley, Slapton Sands and out to sea. There are cafés and pubs located along the promenade, twenty metres from the beach. Be sure to check out The Billy Can for a coffee or The Start Bay Inn for delicious fish and chips. It is a popular spot for water sports; however, no hire is available so feel free to bring your own. There is parking across the road with toilets, and disabled access is available from a ramp.
For more ideas for what to do on Your Devon Escape, why not check out our journal for recommendations. Or make us all jealous on Your Devon Escape by sharing your adventures with #yourdevonescape or tag us on Facebook @YourDevonEscape, on Instagram @your_devon_escape or TikTok @yourdevonescapeltd.