Beaches in Devon

With two coastlines, one of them being a UNESCO world heritage site and another one falling within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you are never too far from one of Devon's incredible beaches. With a lovely mix of sand, pebbles, hidden coves, miles of space and small private beaches - there is something for everyone here. 

Family friendly beaches

Having a British beach holiday is such a quintessential part of growing up and Devon's safe and clean beaches is one of the reasons why it is such a popular destination for families. Devon is home to a host of Blue Flag beaches and many of them have won awards for being great places for kids to do what kids do - muck about and have fun! With long stretches of sand, sheltered clean waters, good facilities and often rock pools a-plenty, they're a great place to spend a day. Several of them are manned by lifeguards during the peak month too, so you can relax and just let them enjoy themselves. Paignton, Westward Ho!, Woolacombe and Dawlish Warren beaches are all popular beaches for families as they have lots of nearby facilities, including toilets and kiosks full of refreshments! 

Dog-friendly beaches

One of the most frequently asked questions is whether dogs are allowed on beaches, the simple answer is yes - most of them! Places like Saunton Sands, Instow, Beesands Beach and Salcombe North Sands welcome dogs all year around, while many of the others have restrictions at certain times of the year or areas that are dog friendly. Just make sure to check the signs dotted around the beach before stepping onto the sand! You can also find a full list of dog-friendly beaches in Devon here.

Get active

One thing that sets Devon's beaches apart from others is the array of watersports available at them. North Devon is part of the UK's first ever surf reserve because it has the perfect conditions for surfing and other similar sports. During the summer months, you'll find plenty of organisations along the seafront offering everything from tuition to equipment hire, so whether you're a seasoned pro or want to give yourself a fun new challenge, everyone can get involved! Croyde Bay in North Devon is one of the most used beaches by watersports enthusiasts, while Woolacombe is better for beginners as the surf is a little calmer. You don't have to be in North Devon though, you can enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking and a host of others in the English Riviera, South Devon and East Devon too! 

Whether you want to chill out on the sand, indulge in some watersports, explore the South West Coast Path or just discover some creatures in the rockpools, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Devon's beaches.