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You are here > Things To Do > Attractions > Beaches
Having two coastlines which vary enormously in character means that Devon's beaches are beautiful, characterful - and numerous.
Many of Devon's beaches have won awards for being great 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.
Recommended family-friendly beaches
Woolacombe: miles of soft sand, with attractions on the beach including great old-school swing boats. Facilities nearby includes food and drink, ice creams and toilets
Dawlish Warren: a sand-dune backed beach with entertainment and facilities for people of all ages
Paignton: a sandy beach with safe swimming and lots of activities to enjoy
Westward Ho!: this long sandy beach is right next to the village, with attractions, kiosks, food and drink and toilets within easy reach
Dogs are welcome on most of Devon's beaches, some totally without restriction, and some with a few requirements in terms of area or time of year - just check out the rules before you go.
Recommended dog-friendly beaches
Beesands Beach: welcomes pets all year round. Free car parking nearby
Salcombe North Sands: welcomes pets all year round. Good, safe swimming
Saunton Sands: welcomes pets all year round. Dogs enjoy exploring the dunes
Instow: welcomes pets all year round. Also has dunes, which dogs love
For every large popular beach there are 10 'secret' ones just around the headland ... tucked away and peaceful, you can be the only one on a beautiful Devon beach if you're lucky.
Recommended secluded Devon beaches
Greencliffs: this pebbly beach just round the headland from Westward Ho! in North Devon isn’t accessible by car – but is well worth the walk along the South West Coast Path
Crow Point: head towards Braunton then follow the signs to this secluded beach that’s backed by dunes
Ness Cove Beach: nestled between beautiful red cliffs, this beach is reached via an old smugglers’ tunnel
Fishcombe Cove: a small shingle beach in a peaceful little cove that’s protected on all sides by tall red cliffs
Devon's also known for its great surf and watersports - some of our beaches are known for being great for beginners, whilst others are best for those with more experience.
Recommended surfing beaches
Bantham: picks up any available Atlantic swell travelling up the English Channel and is a spectacular setting
Croyde: this famous surfing beach is very popular, but some experience is needed as the waves can be big
Woolacombe: a good surfing beach for beginners
Putsborough Beach: in a sheltered spot, Putsborough can offer fun waves when it’s too windy or rough elsewhere
Number of results: 32
, currently showing 21 to 32.
Kingsbridge
Burgh Island is an iconic landmark on the South Devon coast, located directly opposite Bigbury on Sea beach. Burgh Island is separated from the mainland by a tidal beach,…
Nr Salcombe
Opposite the town of Salcombe on the eastern side of the estuary is a long sandy stretch skirting round the coast from East Portlemouth almost to the open sea. East…
Exmouth
Exmouth Beach is well celebrated for its two miles of golden sand, rare on this coast and fascinating rock pools it's a paradise for children and adults alike.
Exmouth…
Dawlish
Dawlish Warren prides itself on being one of South Devon's top family beaches. Distinctive sand dunes and an internationally recognised nature reserve add uniqueness to this…
Sidmouth
Between Sidmouth and Beer the geology is strongly influenced by a gentle easterly dip in the layers of the rocks that are present. The result is that as you travel east the…
Beer
Set in the beautiful picturesque fishing village of Beer, Beer beach is a beautiful family friendly shingle beach surrounded by limestone cliffs. Beer Beach is close to…
Dawlish
Within a short walk from the town centre, Dawlish Beach is ideal to escape the hustle and bustle of the town. The beach is a mixture of sand and shingle, and follows the…
Teignmouth
A long sandy beach stretching all the way from the mouth of the River Teign east towards Dawlish. Free summer entertainment, with the added attraction of the grand Victorian…
Branscombe
Branscombe beach is a long shingle beach, an ideal place to relax and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery. The beach is set below the beautiful village of Branscombe, and…
Sidmouth
Sidmouth Beach is a beautiful expanse of sand and shingle beach, clean, accessible, and surrounded by awe inspring cliffs that make the beach feel very secluded. Sidmouth is…
Nr Kingsbridge
Hope Cove is made up of two sandy beaches in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Mouthwell Sands to the north is the nearest beach to the car park…
Seaton
Overlooking Lyme Bay and surrounded by beautiful countryside, Seaton Beach is a large pebble beach stetchching over a mile long. Gently sloping, the beach is an ideal spot…
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