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Hidden beaches and secluded coves of South Devon

20th January 2020

Categories: Visitor News

Our friends at Luxury Coastal have put together their favourite hidden beaches and secluded coves of South Devon for you to explore!

It’s no surprise that Devon, with its reputation for being one of the country’s most loved holiday destinations, boasts some of the best beaches in the UK.
From popular blue flag bays that are perfect for family days out to its vast dog-friendly sandy stretches; Devon has it all.
But hidden within the nooks and crannies of its gorgeous coastline are a plethora of lesser-known sparkling bays, pebble-strewn coves and secret beaches just waiting to be discovered.

We’ve listed five of our favourites that can be found in South Devon, and we hope that you’ll seek them out on your next coastal adventure.

Fishcombe Cove, Brixham

If you’re not a fan of crowds, this little shingle cove in Brixham is the ideal choice for a quieter day out. Situated just below Battery Gardens down a steep path, it’s surrounded by the recognisable red cliffs of the area, making its sheltered waters a safe place to swim. Popular with the boating fraternity in the summer, you may need to share your little retreat with a number of large yachts that regularly drop anchor in its bay.

Elberry Cove, Paignton
The beach of Broadsands near Paignton is a favourite for locals and visitors, which can during the summer months, become a little crowded.

But tucked away on the other side of the grassy headland is the wonderful Elberry Cove. Accessed via a long track that can be found a little way on from behind the car park, it’s a relatively easy fifteen-minute walk down to the cove. Smooth white pebbles hide ocean-worn shards of sea glass, and clear, calm water that invites you in for a dip, make the cove a secluded delight for any intrepid beachcomber.

Landscombe Cove, Dartmouth

Not the easiest to get to but so worth the effort. High cliffs backing the cove lend to the seclusion of the location, and a combination of sand and shingle make the beach an excellent spot to visit with your four-legged companions. During the summer months it’s not unusual for yachts and boats to moor up in the cove, and with turquoise waters contrasting the bright shoreline, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were lying on a beach somewhere in the Mediterranean.

Langstone Rock Beach, Dawlish

Situated at the northern end of Red Rock in the coastal town of Dawlish, Langstone Rock beach is one of the more sheltered and lesser known in the area. With its iconic local landmark and deep red cliffs that form a dramatic backdrop to its long sandy stretch, it offers visitors safe swimming conditions and loads of space to enjoy.

Institute Beach, Torquay

Hidden in plain sight, this little cove is tucked away behind the Livermead Cliff Hotel on Torquay’s seafront road and looks across to Abbey Sands.
Made up of sand and shingle and backed by red sandstone cliffs, it all but disappears at super high tide, only to reappear once the waters have retreated, exposing a wealth of interesting little rock pools.

If you’d love to explore these gorgeous places on your next trip to South Devon, Luxury Coastal has plenty of fantastic accommodation in the area. We hope you’ll enjoy discovering everything that this beautiful corner of the UK has to offer.