Beaches

Devon has two coastlines, and each and every beach, cove and bay in the region is diverse. The two coastlines vary enormously in character, meaning that Devon's beaches are beautiful, characterful - and numerous.

Great Family-friendly beaches

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 beaches

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

See the full list of dog-friendly beaches in Devon here.

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