Located on the South West Coast Path, with stunning clifftop views, you will find lots of beaches close by. Either access them by foot on the coast path or drive the short journeys to enjoy a day on the beach. For our favourites nearby, keep reading.
Bantham
A popular, privately owned, sandy beach. It is easily accessible from the car park through the sand dunes. 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. Be prepared to do some reversing! The car park is private, and charges apply.
Beesands
A shingle beach backed by fields and rolling hills near Stoke Fleming. Beesands is family- and dog-friendly. There is a children’s playground just behind the beach, and dogs are welcome on and off the beach throughout the year. There are two delicious restaurants located in Beesands, with both offering stunning 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; however, there are toilets available. The beach can be accessed by disabled users via one of the two slipways. Be aware that the only access to the village and beach is via an old country lane.
Bigbury-On-Sea
This popular sandy beach is a short drive from Stoke Fleming. It can be reached via steep steps or a concrete slipway. The car park is open 24 hours with charges. 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. Dogs allowed on the beach outside of these dates. It is a perfect beach for relaxing, rockpooling, or trying a new water sport. You can also hire equipment and lessons are available.
Blackpool Sands
A popular and privately owned beach with fine shingle sand located down the road from the village. There is easy access from the car park or simply wander down from the village by foot. 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 welcome on the beach from October to May.
Forest Cove
If you are looking for a beach near Stoke Fleming that can offer you peace and quiet, then this is the spot. To locals this beach is known as ‘Secret Beach’ because its not visible from the road. However, it is well worth the steep descent down. It is a glorious inlet, flanked by grassy cliffs and backed with rolling hills. No facilities are available at this beach so make sure you walk down prepared because it is a steep climb back up! And, sadly, there are no lifeguards present at this beach, but dogs are welcome throughout the year.
Slapton Sands
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. Used in the D-Day Landing practices of 1943, stop by to see the memorial in the car park. Dogs are welcome throughout the year and the beach provides 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.
Torcross Beach
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 by sharing your adventures with #yourdevonescape. Tag us on Facebook @YourDevonEscape, on Instagram @your_devon_escape or TikTok @yourdevonescapeltd.