The Best Beaches in Devon for Your Next Coastal Getaway

Explore the Best Beaches in Devon

Exmouth Beach

Situated at the start of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, Exmouth Beach offers two miles of golden sand and a vibrant seaside atmosphere. The beach is a popular destination for water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. Its long esplanade is perfect for leisurely walks, while families will appreciate the safe swimming conditions and designated play areas.

Dawlish Warren Beach

Just a short walk from the Langstone Cliff Hotel, Dawlish Warren Beach is a Blue Flag-awarded stretch of sand backed by dunes and a national nature reserve. It is a haven for wildlife and birdwatchers, while also offering excellent facilities for families. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the nature trails that offer stunning views across the Exe Estuary.

Teignmouth Beach

Teignmouth Beach provides a classic British seaside experience, complete with a traditional Victorian pier and a bustling promenade. The beach features long stretches of sand, perfect for building sandcastles, and is popular for paddleboarding and sailing. With its colourful Georgian architecture and rich maritime history, Teignmouth is a delightful spot for both relaxation and exploration.

Dawlish Town Beach & Coryton Cove

Dawlish Town Beach offers beautiful golden sands and a family-friendly environment right in the heart of the town. A short stroll away lies Coryton Cove, a secluded spot known for its striking rock formations and rock pools. The famous Dawlish railway line runs right along the coast here, providing a unique and memorable backdrop as trains pass by the sea.

Broadsands Beach

Nestled between Paignton and Brixham, Broadsands Beach is a serene, family-friendly bay with calm, clean waters. Its gentle slope makes it safe for young children to paddle, while the surrounding green headlands offer a picturesque setting. The beach is also a great starting point for coastal walks along the South West Coast Path.

Oddicombe Beach

Oddicombe Beach in Babbacombe is famous for its striking red cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Access to the beach is an adventure in itself, with the historic Babbacombe Cliff Railway offering a scenic ride down to the pebble shore. The sheltered bay is ideal for swimming, kayaking, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Shaldon Beach

Located just across the estuary from Teignmouth, Shaldon Beach offers a more tranquil and traditional seaside setting. The soft sands and clear waters are perfect for a relaxing day, while the nearby rock pools provide endless entertainment for children. Visitors can also explore the historic village of Shaldon and its charming cafes and boutiques.

Maidencombe Beach

For those seeking a quiet escape, Maidencombe Beach is a hidden gem tucked away along the South Devon coast. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush greenery, this secluded cove features a mix of sand and shingle. It is a fantastic spot for swimming, snorkelling, and enjoying the unspoiled natural beauty of the area.

Bigbury-on-Sea Beach

Bigbury-on-Sea is a stunning sandy beach famous for its connection to Burgh Island. At low tide, visitors can walk across the causeway to the island, while at high tide, a unique sea tractor provides transport. The beach is highly popular with surfers and windsurfers, offering excellent conditions for water sports alongside beautiful coastal views.

Bantham Beach

Bantham Beach is widely regarded as one of the best surfing beaches in South Devon. Set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it boasts a long sandy stretch, rolling dunes, and panoramic views of Burgh Island. The gently shelving sands and rock pools also make it a fantastic destination for families.

Blackpool Sands

Despite its name, Blackpool Sands is a beautiful crescent of golden shingle set against a backdrop of fragrant pine trees. This Blue Flag beach has a distinctly Mediterranean feel and is renowned for its exceptionally clean, clear waters. It is a superb location for swimming, kayaking, and relaxing in a sheltered, picturesque environment.

Slapton Sands

Slapton Sands is a striking pebble beach with a unique geography, flanked by the sea on one side and the freshwater lake of Slapton Ley on the other. The beach holds significant historical importance as a practice ground for the D-Day landings, marked by a Sherman tank memorial. It is a peaceful destination, perfect for nature spotting and long coastal walks.

Beer Beach

Nestled on the Jurassic Coast, Beer Beach is a picturesque pebble cove surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. The beach has a rich maritime and smuggling history, and visitors can still see local fishing boats pulled up on the shore. It is a wonderful spot for a relaxing afternoon, coastal walks, and enjoying fresh seafood in the charming village.

Budleigh Salterton Beach

Budleigh Salterton Beach is a tranquil stretch of large pebbles set against iconic red cliffs. Part of the Jurassic Coast, the beach is known for its unspoiled natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. It is a popular destination for swimming, fishing, and birdwatching, offering a relaxing retreat away from the busier tourist spots.

Woolacombe Beach

Located in North Devon, Woolacombe Beach is a spectacular three-mile stretch of golden sand that regularly wins awards as one of the best beaches in the UK. Renowned for its excellent surf, the beach attracts water sports enthusiasts of all levels. With its pristine dunes, clean waters, and vibrant seaside village, it offers an unforgettable coastal experience.

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