Best Sandy Beaches in Devon
You’re pretty spoilt for choice when it comes to looking for the best beaches in Devon. At Hirasté we would go as far as to say Devon and Cornwall have the best sandy beaches in the UK. Whether you’re heading off to ride some waves, rock-pooling with the little ones, or catching some rays, there's a beach with your name on it in Devon.
Use our rundown of the best sandy beaches to determine where you will spend a glorious day beside the seaside.
Best Beaches in North Devon
Braunton Burrows / Saunton Sands Beach
Braunton Burrows is an area of outstanding natural beauty. It's not hard to see why with it's three and a half mile stretch of sand and the largest sand dune system in the British Isles. It's a wonderful place to explore with over 470 species of flowering plants. The flowers come into their own from May to August. The Burrows was originally named such due to the wild rabbits which kept the scrub levels down and allowed the flowers to thrive. The rabbit population has sadly diminished, but cattle are now used for the job. Braunton Burrows leads to Saunton Sands beach. The long sandy beach is popular with surfers. It’s the perfect beach for nature lovers and walkers.
Fun Fact: Robbie Williams filmed the music video for Angels at Saunton Sands Beach.
Facilities at Braunton Burrows / Taunton Sands Beach:
● Toilet: Yes
● Car Park: Yes, Near the beach.
● Cafe: Yes
● Lifeguard: No
● Dogs Welcome: Yes, all year around.
● Disabled Access: Steps to the beach
Broadsands Beach
Broadsands beach is only accessible via the South West Coast Path. It is a steep walk down to the beach with steps. But it is worth the 30 minute trek. Voted Britain''s happiest view, and described as a mini Thailand, Broadsands is one of the finest beaches in the UK and takes your breath away. Since it isn’t accessible by car it is often a much quieter beach to visit if you want to escape to some tranquillity.
Facilities at Broadbands Beach:
● Toilet: No
● Car Park: No
● Cafe: No
● Lifeguard: No
● Dogs Welcome: Yes
● Disabled Access: No
Croyde Beach
Croyde beach is renowned for being one of the best surfing beaches in the world. The popular sandy beach is backed by sand dunes situated in a small bay. The beach has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with plenty of facilities and things to do such as swimming, surfing, and fishing. You can hire equipment locally too. There are rock pools at the north and south ends of the beach.
Note: The sea has strong currents in this area and inflatables are not permitted.
Facilities at Croyde Beach:
● Toilet: Yes
● Car Park: yes
● Cafe: Yes
● Lifeguard: Seasonal
● Dogs Welcome: Seasonal
● Disabled Access: At The North End
Grunta Beach
Grunta beach is a small cove only accessible at low tide via steep and uneven stairs. Access to the beach is tricky, so bring your walking boots, not your flip flops! Legend has it that a ship carrying a cargo of pigs ran aground here. The following morning the villagers were awoken by the sound of pigs in the cove. And that's how Grunta beach got its name. The beach is great for escaping the crowds of Woolacombe when it is busy. It's a fantastic place to explore rock pools which are often full of shellfish!
Facilities at Grunta Beach:
● Toilet: No
● Car Park: No
● Cafe: No
● Lifeguard: No
● Dogs Welcome: Yes
● Disabled Access: No
Lee Bay Abbey Beach
Lee bay is situated in a Devon area of outstanding natural beauty. Surrounded by the beautiful Devonshire countryside and rolling cliffs and caves. At low tide you may be able to spot the smugglers' path, steps cut through the rocks which lead to Sandy Cove where you might see the resident seals bathing in the sun. Lee bay is a quiet and secluded beach.
Facilities at Lee Bay Abbey Beach:
● Toilet: Yes
● Car Park: Yes
● Cafe: Yes
● Lifeguard: No
● Dogs Welcome: Yes
● Disabled Access: Yes
Westward Ho! Beach
Westward Ho! (Yes the explanation mark is important) is a traditional seaside town with a two mile stretch of sandy beach along the North Devon coast. This beach is perfect for families with lots of amenities nearby along the promenade, whether that's fish and chips, or ice creams, or a bucket and spade. The beach has designated areas for surfing and for fishing. Apparently sea bass enjoy the surf at Westward Ho! too. There are also plenty of rock pools to explore. You can park next to the beach and with lots of facilities close to the beach it's a great family day out.
Facilities at Westward Ho! Beach:
● Toilet: Yes
● Car Park: Yes
● Cafe: Yes
● Lifeguard: Summer Months
● Dogs Welcome: Seasonally
● Disabled Access: Yes
Woolacombe Beach
Woolacombe is an award winning large sandy beach and, according to Trip Advisor, is the best beach in England. The three mile stretch of beach is overlooked by the South West Coast Path, and edged with sand dunes. The Beach looks out towards Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel. It’s a fantastic beach for families with lots of facilities nearby. You can even rent beach huts to store your things or have some respite from the sun. The village of Woolacombe is at the north end of the beach with lots of places to eat and seaside shops, including equipment hire if you fancy surfing or kayaking.
Facilities at Woolacombe Beach:
● Toilet: Yes
● Car Park: Yes
● Cafe: Yes
● Lifeguard: Seasonal
● Dogs Welcome: Seasonal
● Disabled Access: Yes
Best Beaches in South Devon
Bantham Beach
Bantham beach is a lovely beach looking out to Burgh Island. The perfect spot to watch the boats come and go. Although swimming is permitted, there are strong undercurrents and boat lanes marked by buoys. A gastrobus serves delicious food right by the beach. Bantham is one of the most beautiful beaches in Devon.
Facilities at Bentham Beach:
● Toilet: Yes
● Car Park: Yes
● Cafe: No
● Lifeguard: Seasonal
● Dogs Welcome: Seasonal
● Disabled Access: Short Mostly Level Walk
Bovisand Beach
Bovisand beach slopes gently towards the water, making the shallow water quite warm in the Summer months. This sheltered bay is home to lots of rock pools. The bay is also a great spot for snorkelling. It's a five minute walk to the beach which gets very steep. This beach is very popular with locals, and can get busy. Pay attention to tide times as the beach is much larger when the tide is out.
Facilities at Bovisand Beach:
● Toilet: No
● Car Park: Yes
● Cafe: Yes
● Lifeguard: No
● Dogs Welcome: Yes
● Disabled Access: No
Exmouth Beach
Exmouth beach is a large popular beach in a seaside town. Along the promenade there are traditional places to eat, crazy golf, and swing boats.
The two miles of sandy beach are ideal for water sports. This includes boat trips, kayaking, kite surfing, stand-up paddle-boarding, swimming, and windsurfing. The coastline is also part of the South West Coast Path, and the gateway to the UNESCO Jurassic Coast World Heritage site. The cliffs to the beach provide excellent short and long walks in the surrounding countryside.
Facilities at Exmouth Beach:
● Toilet: Yes
● Car Park: Yes
● Cafe: Yes
● Lifeguard: Yes
● Dogs Welcome: Seasonal
● Disabled Access: yes
Hope Cove Beach
Hope Cove is situated in a charming fishing village and consists of not one, but two sandy beaches. Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty the water quality is rated as excellent. Hope Cove is a picturesque sandy cove with a harbour wall. The wall provides shelter. Just to the north of the harbour is another sandy beach with rock pools called Mouthwell Beach. The beaches are very popular for water sports including wild swimming.
Facilities and Hope Cover Beach:
● Toilet: Yes
● Car Park: Yes
● Cafe: Yes
● Lifeguard: Seasonal
● Dogs Welcome: Yes
● Disabled Access: Yes
Oddicombe Beach
Near Babacombe, Oddicombe is a blue flag beach and one of South Devon's most beautiful beaches. Access to the beach is via Babbacombe railway, or alternatively it is quite a steep walk. The Babcombe railway has been running for 100 years and is a lovely little adventure before arriving at the beach. Boats and pedalos are available for hire as well as beach huts and deck chairs. The sheltered bay is perfect for more relaxed activities and it is a lovely safe and clean beach for kids.
Facilities at Oddicombe Beach:
● Toilet: Yes
● Car Park: No
● Cafe: Yes
● Lifeguard: No
● Dogs Welcome: No
● Disabled Access: Yes (Via the train)
Soar Mill Cove Beach
If you are looking for adventure then Soar Mill Cove might be for you. The small sandy beach is only accessible at low tide. At low tide there is also a small stream and rock pools. Access to Soar Mill Cove is via the South West Coast Path from Salcombe. There is no road to the beach and the path is steep. But this remote beach is an idyllic find.
Note: There are no facilities here and a phone signal is unlikely. Please be aware of the tide as you are at risk of being cut off.
Facilities at Soar Mill Cove Beach:
● Toilet: No
● Car Park: No
● Cafe: No
● Lifeguard: No
● Dogs Welcome: Yes
● Disabled Access: No
Teignmouth Town Beach
This is a golden sandy beach perfect for beach games and sandcastles. You could even do some dolphin watching as they are occasionally spotted offshore! Teignmouth town beach has a Victorian pier with an amusement park. The promenade along the beach has an award winning children's play area, and crazy golf. Teignmouth town beach is a lovely family day out.
Facilities at Teignmouth Town Beach:
● Toilet: Yes
● Car Park: Yes
● Cafe: Yes
● Lifeguard: Seasonal
● Dogs Welcome: Seasonal
● Disabled Access: Yes
Way to go Devon Beaches!!!
Devon has an abundance of beautiful beaches for you to visit, whether you are looking to explore away from the beaten track, or whether you want everything at your fingertips for a day at the beach. With some of the best beaches in the UK, Devon is a great place to holiday.
Note: Devon has lots of dog-friendly beaches, although times they are permitted on the beach can vary seasonally. Please check before you go.