Devon, along with Cornwall, is the most popular county for domestic visitors visiting England during the summer. Thanks in great part to its pleasant summer climate and abundance of beautiful beaches. Whether you want to sunbathe or surf, the county has plenty to offer. Here are 10 of the greatest beaches to explore during your time in Devon, ranging from renowned beaches like those in Exmouth and Woolacombe to hidden treasures like Soar Mill Cove.
Beach at Croyde Bay
Croyde Bay Beach, consistently voted one of Devon’s most beautiful beaches by locals and visitors alike, is a must-see on any vacation to the county. Croyde Bay, located between Woolacombe and Saunton Sands, is a sandy beach with consistent surf that is ideal for sunbathers and surfers both.
Kids will enjoy a day trip to Croyde Beach in Devon, where they can hunt for crabs in the rock pools or construct sandcastles, while ramblers will like the adjacent walking paths up to Baggy Point. Baggy’s Surf Café is a fantastic location and great to relax to stop for a drink and take in the view of the bay, while The Thatch is a great bar just off the beach that serves a wide range of food and drink to tourists.
Warren Beach in Dawlish
The Devon beach of Dawlish Warren is famed for its classic amusement arcades. The Exe Estuary is home to this beach resort, which is constructed on a spit of land apart from the mainland. Near Exeter and Dawlish, this lovely Blue Flag family beach town is famed for its surrounding nature, with a 500-acre National Nature Reserve and a golf course designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Dawlish Warren has a number of camping and caravanning sites, so it’s a fantastic spot to stay for a few days or even a week. Dawlish Warren Beach offers a variety of carnivals and events throughout the year, making it an ideal Devon destination.
Beer, England’s Beach
Beer, a Devon town that was a finalist in Channel 4’s Village of the Year award, is one of the finest locations to visit in England. The beach in the area plays a big role in these awards. The beautiful white limestone cliffs surround the shingle beach, and the lovely collection of traditional fishing boats further adds to the attraction.
The cliffs shield the beach from the breeze, keeping it several degrees warmer than other beaches, making it ideal for a day of sunbathing. The hamlet also has a number of bars and eateries to explore. The Anchor Inn is the best of the lot; it offers a wide choice of traditional home-cooked meals and drinks, as well as a big beer garden with views of the shore.
Barricane Beach in Woolacombe
Barricane Beach, a lesser-known and less-popular neighbor of Woolacombe Beach, is a good option for those seeking to avoid the summer crowds. Barricane Beach is much smaller than Woolacombe, yet it is nestled in a charming cove and protected from the wind by the neighboring rocks. This combo is popular with both swimmers and cliff jumpers, and you’ll likely encounter a few adrenaline seekers attempting to leap off the cliff sides.
Barricane Beach has one of Devon’s most stunning, couple, lovely and romantic sunsets, and the Barricane Beach Café is known for its South Asian dishes, making it a perfect way to end of the day.
Exmouth Beach
With a population of about 35,000 people, Exmouth is one of Devon’s major towns. The old coastal town is a favorite destination for visitors to the region, and its two-mile-long sandy beach contributes to its allure.
Because of its size, the beach rarely seems crowded, even on hot summer days, and there are plenty of local facilities if you take the short stroll into town. Dogs are welcome, and the exposed beach is ideal for kite flying; however, if the wind is very strong, you may want to bring a sweater.
Beach at Hope Cove
Hope Cove Beach is a wonderful sandy cove in South Devon that exhibits an outstandingly stunning natural ecosystem. Wander down to the beach for a peaceful sun session via the rocky cliffs from the picture-perfect hamlet of Hope. Or, since this is England, a chilly rainy stroll.
Hope Cove Village is regarded as one of England’s most beautiful settlements and would be an excellent base for exploring Devon’s beaches. The thatched homes here provide for wonderful photo opportunities; pose in front of them with a melting ice cream in hand for a genuine British beach experience!
Beach at Moor Sands
Devon’s most beautiful beaches Moor Sands is also known as Venerick’s Cove, so you’ll recognize the location if you see either word. This Devon beach is located on a rocky promontory that is more secluded than the others, therefore the nudity.
Despite its name, Moor Sands Beach is quartz rock rather than sand or shingle. It looks wonderful when the seashore catches the light just right. This is one of Devon’s most challenging beaches to reach, but it’s also one of the most tranquil. This is the beach you go to if you want some peace and quiet away from the throng.
Crow Point
Crow Point is one of Devon’s best-kept secrets for those who want to avoid the throng. Crow Point, which is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and located at the confluence of two rivers, has magnificent sand dunes and a diverse range of animals.
These estuaries are usually fantastic for wildlife, and there are many of unique plant and animal species to see alongside England’s biggest sand dune environment. There are lots of walking paths around the biosphere reserve once you’ve finished visiting the coastline. You’ll be walking through some of Devon’s most beautiful countryside, which is a great way to spend an afternoon.
Fishcombe Cove
Fishcombe Cove, hidden up under towering red cliffs, is another of Devon’s quieter, more isolated beaches. It’s a shingle beach with surrounding rock faces protecting it from the weather. There are no facilities on the beach itself, and it’s a hard trek down several stairs carved into the rock face.
The view from the top is worth it, as is the seclusion granted to anybody who makes it down. You could even see an inquisitive seal or two if you’re lucky; they’re known to frequent the calm seas and it’s not uncommon to see one sunning itself on the rocks. Just keep an eye out for these friendly giants. The Fishcombe Cove Café, located on the clifftop, provides a variety of food and drink, which you’ll be hankering for by the time you’ve climbed back up the stairs.
Woolacombe Beach
Woolacombe has long been a famous vacation destination in North Devon, with its magnificent three-mile-long sandy beach being one of the primary attractions. This beach may get crowded in the summer, but it’s a family favorite that’s guarded by RNLI lifeguards and ideal for first-time surf training, with numerous surf schools positioned along the beach’s length.
It also offers a number of amenities, such as beach huts, outdoor showers, and public restrooms. During the calmer winter months, you may walk the dogs on the beach and take advantage of the lesser crowds. Woolacombe itself has a lot to offer in terms of things to see and do, with a variety of pubs, restaurants, nightclubs, and coastal walks to keep everyone occupied during their visit.
Blackpool Sands
Blackpool Sands is likely to win the title for most deceptive beach name in Devon. This shingle beach in south Devon is not in Blackpool, nor is it sandy, but it is a real idyll. Native woods stretches right up to the edge of the beach, giving it a natural appearance that is uncommon in a nation where beaches are typically exploited for human habitation.
However, the beach’s remote appearance does not imply that it is inaccessible; it is only a 15-minute drive from Dartmouth.
The clean sea is best explored by kayak or paddleboard, both of which may be rented at the beach’s watersports equipment rental store, while the Venus Café on the beach provides refreshments.
Beach in Bantham, England
Bantham Beach, popular with surfers, extends along the Bigbury Bay shoreline and is easily accessible from South Devon’s main towns and villages. The beach is located near the mouth of the River Avon and is kept in a naturalistic manner, so there is usually lots of wildlife to view.
This technique also makes the beach visually appealing – it was the sole English spot on Lonely Planet’s list of the 10 Best Beaches in Europe in 2015. You should go to the Gastrobus if you’re becoming hungry. The converted bus is permanently parked at the beach, serving beverages, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, brownies, cookies, and more, with picnic tables providing a lovely setting to sit and enjoy your meal.
If you’re visiting Devon, there’s a good chance you’ll be spending a lot of time at the beach. Devon’s beaches provide a wide range of experiences. Sand and shingle beaches, small and big beaches, quiet beaches, and beaches that back onto some of the county’s most popular towns and villages are all available.
Whatever your dream beach day entails, you’ll be able to find it here. Devon offers several fantastic beaches to visit, whether it’s for sunbathing, surfing, wildlife viewing, or drinking a refreshing pint while admiring a breathtaking vista.