Top 5 Beaches in South Devon

South Devon is one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations with world-class sailing, surfing and beaches to explore. Here is just a sample of what’s on offer as we pick out top five beaches for families, couples and groups.

With views over Bigbury Bay and Burgh Island, Bantham Beach is known as one of the best beaches in Devon and attracts both keen surfers and families, especially during the summer months.

Close to Salcombe and Kingsbridge the beach is shallow and sandy making it popular with families and children. The nearby coastal paths prove popular with lovers of wildlife and although dogs are permitted throughout the year there are restrictions on the main beach during the summer months.

Bigbury Beach at Bigbury on Sea is just a short drive from Plymouth and is very popular with families and the bucket and spade brigade. At low tide the large sandy beach stretches across to Burgh Island, a popular tourist destination in itself.

Dogs are allowed throughout the year apart from certain sections of the beach from May to September and lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer months. The beach is also popular with surfers with a small wave more suited to beginners.

Blackpool Sands is a shingle beach that is patrolled by lifeguards in summer and has been awarded the prestige Blue Flag award for cleanliness. The beach is located between Torcross and Dartmouth and is close to Strete and Stoke Fleming, all popular seaside resorts offering a range of self-catering coastal cottages to rent.

The beach is dog free during the summer months and offers a range of facilities including a beach café, toilets, disabled facilities and outdoor showers perfect for a rinse after bathing.

In Hope Cove near Thurlestone you’ll find the two beaches that make up Hope Cove, known as Inner and Outer Hope. The northernmost of the two is also known as Mouthwell Sands and although the smaller of the two, is popular with families owing to the lifeguard service during summer.

The larger sandy beach is popular for rock pooling and allows dogs all year as long as they are kept on their lead. Mouthwell Sands has a seasonal ban on dogs from May to September and there are cafes and parking that serve both beaches.

In Teignmouth near Paignton and Torquay in the English Riviera is the long sandy beach known as Teignmouth Town Beach, popular with families, fishermen and rock poolers. The beach is so long that even during peak periods you shouldn’t be bothered with crowds and if you’re planning a short break out of season then dogs are allowed on the beach except between May and September.

There is ample parking near the beach; plenty of beach cafes and for those checking disabled facilities there is a beach wheelchair available for hire.