South Devon Beaches

Apart from it's Cream Teas, Devon is famous for it's stunning coast line and the beaches that surround it. Listed below are some of my favourite ones:

  • Bigbury:

    Turn off along the Modbury - Kingsbridge road. Sandy, parking and cafes. Lifeguards in summer. Ideal for windsurfing and surfing when the wind is blowing in the right direction. When the tide is in, take the sea tractor to Bigbury Island, or you can walk.

  • Challaborough:

    Turn off along the Modbury - Kingsbridge road (same raod as above). Sandy, limitied parking and Cafes. Holiday park. Lifeguards in summer. Ideal for surfing when the wind is blowing in the right direction. Quite a small beach - can get busy in the summer. You can walk along the coast path to Bigbury. Limited boat lauching facilities

  • Bantham:

    Turn off along the Modbury - Kingsbridge road. Sandy, parking and cafes. Lifeguards in summer. Ideal for windsurfing and surfing when the wind is blowing in the right direction. Just the other side of the Esturay from Bigbury. Narrow roads lead down to this beach - be warned!

  • Wembury:

    Located near Plymouth. Sandy and Rocky, parking and cafes. Lifeguards in summer. Ideal for surfing when the wind is blowing in the right direction. Popular with school parties.

  • Thurlestone:

    Turn off along the Modbury - Kingsbridge road. It is quite close Bantham. Sandy and rocky, parking and cafes. Lifeguards in summer. Narrow roads lead down to this beach - and it gets quite popular in the summer.

  • Hope Cove:

    Quite near Salcombe, a very small and quite beach - away from the tourists. Sandy, parking, shops close. Popular for boat owners dropping anchor and coming ashore. Some boating facilities.

  • Salcombe:

    Fairly small town located on the edge of the esturay. Quite expensive - favoured by the rich. Beaches are limited, but there are frequent boat trips to sand beaches. Parking and Shops are abound. Very nice local ice-creams!
  • Broadsands:

  • Just around the corner from Brixham, Broadsands has a mixture of sand and rockpools for your pleasure. Car parking and Cafe. I think there is a boating lake and park there as well. (If not, then it's at Goodrington - below)

  • Goodrington:

    Close to Broadsands, you can watch the steam trains from here.

  • Paignton:

    Large sandy beach very close to the town centre. Complete with Pier, this beach gets very busy in the summer. Ample car parking. Theatre and Parks very close to the sea. 'Crazy Golf' and deck-chair hire available. Usual facilties that are found at a large commercial resort.

  • Torquay:

    Similar to Paignton. Located in the 'English Riveria'.

  • Oddicombe:

    Accessed down a very step hill - although there is a cable railway to take you to the bottom and back up again. The beach is quite small and mainly stoney. The hill is used twice a year for hillclimbing. Worth watching - especially if it is raining!

  • Dawlish:

    Quite a small(ish) beach. Located very near the main railway line. Very close to the town centre, so all the usual facilities offered.

  • Dawlish Warren:

    Large sandy beach, further along the coast from the main town. Better for sun-bathing and relaxation. Some facilities offered. Certain areas are restricted due to environmental damage.

  • Exmouth:

    Very long beach running alomst from one end of the town to the other. Very popular with windsurfers. Lifeboat station. Cafes and shops. Arrive early for the best parking spots. Harbour facilities for launching boats etc. Lifeguard in the summer months. Makes a great kite flying beach in the winter!

    General Notes

    All beaches are dangerous - even in the summer. They are also very popular with tourists - be prepared for queues in the car parks. This gudie is only meant to give a very brief overview - you can find more information at a local tourist information centre. In winter local beaches make some of the best surfing sites in the country. Respect the sea and you will have a good day.

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