Beaches

Having two coastlines which vary enormously in character means that Devon's beaches are beautiful, characterful - and numerous.

Family-friendly

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

Dog-friendly

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

Quiet & secluded

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

Active & pumping

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