Devon has some of Britain's most beautiful beaches, where you can do everything from romantic walks to surfing.
The north coast is lined with wild and windswept stretches of sand, some as long as three miles, but there are secluded treasures here too, including Victorian tide pools and hidden coves accessible to those who dare. The south coast has calmer seas, chic seaside resorts, turquoise waters and a good choice of beach cafes serving fresh fish, just-baked cakes and locally produced ice cream. Here's our pick of the best places in Devon to take a dip.
For more Devon inspiration, check out our guides to the best hotels, restaurants, pubs, cream teas and things to do in the region.
Find a beach by area
North Devon
Woolacombe
Rated by TripAdvisor travelers as one of the best beaches in the world, this three-mile stretch of golden sand has plenty of room to spread out, even in mid-summer. It is supervised by RNLI lifeguards from Easter to September. It is the ideal place to learn to surf, paddle board or kayak safely. There is a wide choice of shops, pubs and cafes, especially The Captain's Table, which is located at the top of the beach and offers extensive views of the coastline. The parking is reasonably priced and the showers and toilets are always spotless. Dogs are welcome - with some restrictions - between April and November.
How do you get there: There are parking spaces at various points along the beach.
Saunton Sands
This three-mile stretch of sand has been the setting for several films such as Edge of Tomorrow and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, plus music videos including Robbie Williams' Angels. Just behind Saunton Sands is Braunton Burrows, the largest sand dune system in England and home to over 400 unique dune plant species, with 1,500 hectares of dunes to play, hide or nap in. For consistently good fish and chips, try Squires Fish Restaurant.
How do you get there: There is a parking lot at the beach.
Tunnels Beaches, Ilfracombe
Accessed via a network of four tunnels hand-carved into the rock in the 1820s, these pebbly beaches offer tranquil bathing and sunbathing on an otherwise exposed coastline. Don't miss a dip in the renovated Victorian tide pool built into the rocks, and there's great rock pooling for kids at low tide. Information boards provide a colorful history of the site, including guides to Victorian bathing etiquette. Sun worshipers should note that these beaches are shaded by cliffs for most of the day. There are no lifeguards and a small entrance fee is charged.
How do you get there: There is a parking lot close to the beach.
Broadsands Beach
This deep, double bay is only accessible via 220 uneven steps carved into a steep wooded cliff face. Only the intrepid reach this deep, double bay. Clear turquoise waters and elusive sea caves are hidden behind lush greenery, making it feel like your own secret, well-deserved discovery. Explore sea arches, caves, islands and tunnels west of the bay and swim to an island viewpoint. Plan your visit at low tide, as there isn't much sand at high tide.
How do you get there: Park at Napps Caravan Park or at Sawmills Pub and walk up.
South Devon
Wembury
Conservationist Bill Oddie's favorite beach and one of the best places in the country for rock pooling, Wembury is teeming with aquatic life. If you visit at low tide, you are likely to encounter sea snails, anemones, shore crabs, pipefish, sea scorpions, spiny starfish, Cornish sucker fish and edible crabs. A maritime information center on the beach has interactive displays and critter-filled tanks, and organizes regular rock walks. The website has a downloadable identification scheme.
How do you get there: There is a National Trust car park at the beach.
Blackpool sand
Nestled beneath forested cliffs, this mile-long, private crescent can't be far from the sky. Safe, sheltered swimming, a floating dock, lifeguards in the summer, clean sea, shops selling beach supplies. Although the name can be somewhat misleading - the beach is actually gravel - the claim that this is 'South Devon's most picturesque beach' is certainly true.
How do you get there: Go to the large parking lot on the beach.
South sand
It's hard to choose from the many beach beauties that surround the yachting town of Salcombe, but South Sands, a short ferry ride or a short walk from town, tops our list as it is sheltered, seaweed-free and is sunny. . It's small - and even smaller at low tide - but has soft sand, safe, shallow swimming, blue seas and several excellent dining options, including the South Sands Hotel and rustic beach cafe The Winking Prawn nearby. A quick ferry ride across the other side of the estuary takes you to Mill Bay and Sunny Cove, where there's more room to spread out.
How do you get there: South Sands has its own parking lot.
Bantham
One of South Devon's few surfing beaches. Bantham has gentle waves for beginners (known in surfing parlance as 'ankle slappers') and plenty of rips and breaks for more advanced surfers. Look out for stand-up paddle surfers, a low-key take on the sport. The beach overlooks Bigbury Bay and the iconic Burgh Island and offers beautiful coastal walks towards Thurlestone and South Milton Sands. Gastrobus in the parking lot serves gourmet burgers, hot dogs and exceptional coffee and cream teas.
How do you get there: Motorists will find a large parking lot on the beach.
Ness Cove
Reaching this red sand and pebble beach - via what is believed to be an old smuggling tunnel - is an adventure in itself. Hidden from view, the bay was once the haunt of nefarious types moving contraband into and out of the country. It's a spectacular place, with towering red sandstone cliffs. At the entrance is Shaldon Zoo, home to a collection of critically endangered primates, including lemurs, marmosets and monkeys. Café Ode, at the top of the car park, is not to be missed, with its selection of cakes worth a trip in itself.
How do you get there: There is a parking lot at the top of the hill.
Slapton sand
This is a beach steeped in history - more than 600 American soldiers sadly lost their lives on the three-mile stretch of gravel when German E-boats attacked their D-Day rehearsals. A Sherman tank on the sand commemorates the lives lost. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months and there is a flag system in place that tells you when and where it is safe to swim. Just across the road is Slapton Ley Nature Reserve, a swampy freshwater lake with wildflowers, rare birds, badgers and otters.
How do you get there: Discover a parking space on the beach.
How we choose
Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to bring you their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks - to best suit every type of traveler. We update this list regularly to stay informed of the latest vacancies and to provide current recommendations.
