Overlooked beaches to visit in South Devon

You all know that South Devon is full of incredible beaches, but some of the best ones are those that are often overlooked because of their size or because they have been overshadowed by those located in better known areas of the county. Here are a couple that we think you should visit, especially if you’re planning to stay around the Torbay.

The Torbay is more than just Torquay and the rest of the English Riviera. One place with a host of fabulous places to stay, a quaint town centre and even some resident black swans is Dawlish. A stay here will put you in the perfect place for exploring some of our favourite quieter beaches, from the town’s main beach at Dawlish Warren to the peaceful Ness Cove in nearby Shaldon, you’ll be sure to find a beach that feels like uncovering treasure.

Here are a couple of suggestions for beaches to visit while staying in and around Dawlish.

Dawlish Warren

Dawlish Warren’s mile-long beach allows everyone plenty of space to enjoy their beach holiday, it might not be as well known as the beach at Torquay, but it is a popular destination for locals and those who have been visiting Dawlish for years. It truly is the perfect beach for a quintessential British seaside holiday. It is also a good option for nature loves as thousands of birds visit the beach each year and the town’s nature reserve is just next door. On top of that, Dawlish Warren is also home to over 600 types of flowering plants and is recognised as a protected ecological site.  A walk through the town on the way down to the seafront will also give you the chance to engage in a host of amusements and family friendly activities.

Teignmouth Back Beach

Like Dawlish, neighbouring town Teignmouth is often forgotten over places like Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. Teignmouth Back Beach features a quaint, sandy harbour which hosts working boats and fishermen. The surrounding town is also well worth a visit, especially if you’re a food lover, it is the place to go to get great fresh seafood.

Coryton Cove

The place to be for searching the rockpools, this cove is the perfect hideaway for people looking for a more secluded beach and like the more well-known beaches across south Devon, is somewhere you can often spot dolphins in the summer months.  If you’re not a fan of the hustle and bustle of a classic beach holiday, this one is the perfect hidden gem.

Ness Cove

Though it is small, this peaceful cove is full of historical significance – back in the day it was used by smugglers and even now, it is only accessible via a Smugglers’ Tunnel, so every visit is an adventure! It is a tranquil spot to while away the hours and has lots of dramatic landscapes for the whole family to explore.

Watcombe Beach

This one is accessed via a steep path, so it isn’t for everyone but if you are up for leaving the beaten track, it is a good one for anyone looking for somewhere they can spend some time relaxing. With crystal blue water and spectacular scenery, you can expect to see plenty of cliffs and wooded hillsides when visiting this hidden gem.

If you like the sound of visiting these beaches when in Dawlish, why not stay right near the sea at Lady’s Mile Holiday Park? Located just off Exeter Road, Lady’s Mile Holiday Park is an award-winning holiday park in South Devon that is open 365 days a year and has a huge range of multi-award-winning activities. Or alternatively, Oakcliff, the sister site to Lady’s Mile, is a mere hop, skip and jump away from the beach. Oakcliff is centrally located in Dawlish Warren, so you can easily explore the whole town and take advantage of the shops, attractions and railway station to visit other areas in South Devon.