Did you know that Devon is the only English county with two coastlines? That means there are hundreds of beaches to choose from, so whether you just want to laze away a hot summer’s day or fancy something a little more active, there’s sure to be one that’s perfect for you! Five of the best Devon beaches are listed below – dogs are not allowed on all of them, and some restrict access to certain areas during May–September, so please check before you visit.
Woolacombe
OS Grid ref: SS 4561 4370
Woolacombe is probably the most popular beach in Devon and it can certainly get very crowded in the summer months. However, if you visit this award-winning beach, you’ll soon see that it deserves its reputation as one of the best in the UK. Located between Croyde and Ilfracombe, it’s perfect for those seeking a traditional seaside holiday experience. The beach is cleaned daily and a lifeguard service operates during the summer. Beach huts are also available to rent. The beach is overlooked by the South West Coast Path and has a dune system behind it, if you wish to go exploring. There are stunning views over to Lundy Island.
Saunton Sands
OS Grid ref: SS 4463 3755
This atmospheric 3.5-mile stretch of sand is backed by one of the most impressive dune systems in the UK. It’s popular with surfers and families during the summer, but is also worth a visit out of season, as it makes a great place for a bracing winter walk. If the weather is bad, you can retreat to the nearby Saunton Sands Hotel and look out over the beach from their restaurant. You might recognise this beach even if you’ve never visited it before, as it has been the location for numerous film and video shoots, including ‘The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society’ and Robbie Williams’ ‘Angels’.
Blackpool Sands
OS Grid ref: SX 8558 4778
The name might be slightly misleading – the beach itself is fine shingle, rather than sand, and it’s nowhere near Blackpool, but this crescent-shaped beach’s claim to have one of the most beautiful settings in South Devon is probably true. It is situated just a few miles from the town of Dartmouth and nestles below rolling woodland, which comes right down to the beach. Facilities include a café serving local organic food. Water sports equipment is available to hire so that you can make the most of the beautifully clear water.
Bigbury on Sea
OS Grid ref: SX 6503 4423
Located between the rivers Avon and Erme, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this large, sandy beach offers safe swimming and rock pools to explore. If you want something a little more exciting, as well as the usual surfing and bodyboarding, windsurfing and kite-surfing equipment is available for hire. There’s a beach café, serving local produce – its ‘Surf and Turf’ is reputed to be the best in the area. Just offshore is Burgh Island, which can be reached by a causeway if the tide is low. At high tide, the unique ‘sea tractor’ ferries passengers between the beach and the island.
Westward Ho!
OS Grid ref: SS 4321 2946
The only town in the UK with an exclamation mark in its name, Westward Ho! was named after the Charles Kingsley novel. The beach itself is a two-mile stretch of golden sand, backed by a vast pebble ridge, behind which lies the Northam Burrows Country Park. Due to its north-facing position, the waves here are impressive and it’s a popular location for surfers. If you want to swim, there is a lifeguard service during the summer months. Low tide reveals some huge rock pools, which are great for younger children to explore. After winter storms, the locals replace the pebbles back into the ridge in a quaint local custom known as ‘potwalloping’. Be sure to have a Hocking’s ice cream when you visit this beach – it’s a local institution!
