10 best beaches in Devon

Discover Devon’s coastline

Devon’s 500-mile coastline is a haven of outstanding natural beauty, with its unique combination of sandy beaches, shingle coves and dramatic cliffs. When it comes to the best beaches in the county, both North Devon and South Devon offer a plethora of stunning coastal spots. However, each region has its own distinct charm and character, making them unique in their own right.

North Devon beaches are known for their rugged beauty and vast expanses of golden sand. Catching more of the Atlantic swell than in the south, the beaches here are great for surfing and watersports, with their rolling waves and impressive surf breaks. The dramatic cliffs and rock formations also add to the wild and untamed feel of North Devon's coastline, making it a prime destination for those seeking a more adventurous seaside experience.

On the other hand, South Devon beaches are characterised by their sheltered coves, tranquil waters and quaint seaside villages. The gentle sloping sands and crystal-clear waters of South Devon's beaches make them ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and simply soaking up the sun.

Join us as we journey through the 10 best beaches in Devon - 5 in North Devon and 5 in South Devon - and discover the beauty that awaits along the coast!

Looking for the perfect place to stay for your UK beach break? Explore our lodges and holiday parks in Devon.

Travelling with your pooch? Check out our guide to the best dog-friendly beaches in Devon or book one of our furbulous dog-friendly beach holidays.

Best Beaches in North Devon

1. Woolacombe Beach

If you're looking for a beach that offers stunning scenery, great facilities and a wide range of activities, Woolacombe Beach has it all. This award-winning beach is consistently rated as one of the best in the UK, and it's easy to see why. Stretching for over three miles along the North Devon coast, Woolacombe Beach boasts soft golden sand, clear waters and impressive waves - making it a popular spot for surfers and watersports enthusiasts. The beach is also surrounded by picturesque sand dunes and cliffs, providing the perfect backdrop for a day of relaxation and fun.

Postcode: EX34 7DJ
Facilities: Toilets, beachfront cafés, surf school and equipment hire, beach huts for hire
Parking: There are three main pay-and-display car parks a short walk from the beach.
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5 from over 3,500 reviews
Lifeguards: RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach on a seasonal basis
Dogs: The beach is dog-friendly all year round, however, there are some restrictions in place during peak seasons depending on which part of the beach you visit. From April-September, no dogs are allowed on the north end of the beach from The Esplanade to the stream. From May-September, dogs must be kept on leads from the stream to Mill Rock. After this point, there are no restrictions

Stay nearby: Cleavewood or Golden Coast Holiday Park

2. Saunton Sands

Backed by Braunton Burrows, the largest sand dune system in England, Saunton Sands is a beautiful beach known for its long stretches of golden sands and stunning views of the surrounding coastline. Many people consider it to be one of the best beaches in North Devon, as it offers excellent surfing conditions, plenty of space for sunbathing and beach activities, and a picturesque setting. It's also one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Devon, as your furry friends are welcome all year round.

Fun fact: Saunton Sands features in the music video for Robbie Williams "Angels".

Postcode: EX33 2NU
Facilities: Beach shop, beach hut and deckchair hire, surf school and equipment hire, beachside restaurant
Parking: There is a pay-and-display car park right by the beach
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5 from over 1,000 reviews
Lifeguards: There is no lifeguard patrol
Dogs: The beach is dog-friendly all year round

3. Croyde Bay

The beach at Croyde Bay is surrounded by rugged cliffs and rolling sand dunes, creating a picturesque backdrop for a day at the seaside. The waves here are perfect for surfing, making it a hotspot for surfers of all levels. In terms of facilities, Croyde Bay boasts a range of amenities including public toilets, beachside cafés and plenty of parking nearby. Overall, Croyde Bay is a must-visit beach in North Devon, offering a perfect mix of natural beauty, water sports and facilities to make for a fantastic day out by the sea.

Postcode: EX33 1NZ
Facilities: Toilets, beach cafés and ice cream parlours
Parking: There are pay-and-display car parks at the north end and south end of the beach
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5 from over 350 reviews
Lifeguards: RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach on a seasonal basis
Dogs: dogs are not allowed on the main section of Croyde Bay beach between May and September, but there is a designated dog-friendly area to the right of the beach where dogs are welcome all year round

Stay nearby: Ruda Holiday Park

4. Westward Ho! Beach

Westward Ho! is a Blue Flag beach that offers great facilities and a lively atmosphere, making it popular with visitors from near and far. The beach is known for its pebble ridge, vast sandy shoreline and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, and is a great spot for swimming, surfing and sunbathing - take your pick! The beach is backed by a charming seaside town of the same name, which offers a range of cafes, restaurants and shops for visitors to enjoy.

Fun fact: Westward Ho! Beach gets its name from the famous novel by Charles Kingsley, and is the only UK town with an exclamation mark in its name.

Postcode: EX39 1LH
Facilities: Toilets, beach shops and cafés. The town centre is right behind the beach and has plenty of amenities
Parking: There are two small pay-and-display car parks by the beach and a large pay-and-display car park at nearby Northam Burrows Country Park
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5 from over 1,500 reviews
Lifeguards: RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach on a seasonal basis
Dogs: Seasonal restrictions are in place from May-September, where dogs are not allowed on the central and southern sections of the beach. The beach is dog-friendly at all other times

5. Combe Martin Beach

Combe Martin Beach is a hidden gem tucked away on the stunning North Devon coastline, in the quaint village of Combe Martin. This is a smaller beach than most of the others on our list, but it's still a firm favourite among locals and visitors alike thanks to its golden sand, clear blue waters and rugged cliffs that surround it. One of the highlights of Combe Martin Beach is its peaceful atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing day by the sea. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun, explore rock pools with the kids or go for a refreshing swim, this beach has something for everyone. After a day of fun in the sun, why not treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the charming cafés or restaurants that line the beachfront? Indulge in fresh seafood, traditional cream teas or a refreshing ice cream - the choice is yours.

Tip: For those who enjoy exploring, Combe Martin Beach is also a great starting point for coastal walks along the South West Coast Path. The views from the cliffs overlooking the beach are simply breathtaking, and you may even spot some wildlife along the way.

Postcode: EX34 0AW
Facilities: Toilets, shops, cafés, the Combe Martin Museum and a Tourist Information Point
Parking: There is a pay-and-display car park right by the beach
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5 from over 50 reviews
Lifeguards: There is no lifeguard patrol
Dogs: There is a seasonal dog ban in place from May-September. The beach is dog-friendly at all other times

Stay nearby: Sandaway Beach Holiday Park (direct beach access) or Combe Martin Beach Holiday Park

Best Beaches in South Devon

6. Bantham Beach

Located on the stunning west coast of South Devon, Bantham Beach is often regarded as one of the best beaches in the region. It's not only a great spot for sunbathing and swimming, but it's also considered one of the best surfing beaches in South Devon, with mellow waves for beginners and challenging rips for the more experienced. For those looking to explore the area, Bantham Beach is situated within close proximity to the South West Coast Path, which offers stunning coastal walks with panoramic views of the sea and cliffs. The beach is also a great spot for birdwatching, with a variety of seabirds and wading birds often spotted along the shore. With its natural beauty and range of activities on offer, it's no wonder why this beach is considered one of the best in South Devon

Postcode: TQ7 3AN
Facilities: Toilets, showers, beach café, beach shop, surf school and a pub nearby
Parking: Large pay-and-display car park right by the beach
Tripadvisor rating: 4/5 from over 300 reviews
Lifeguards: RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach on a seasonal basis
Dogs: There is a seasonal dog ban in place from May-September on the main beach. The beach is dog-friendly at all other times

Stay nearby: Swallow Barn

7. Blackpool Sands

Sheltered by a lush green hillside just south of Dartmouth, one of South Devon's most popular towns, Blackpool Sands is a Blue Flag-awarded beach well-known for its fine shingle shores and crystal-clear waters, making it a great spot for swimming and paddling. The surrounding cliffs provide a picturesque backdrop, adding to the beauty of the area, while the calm waters are great for beginner surfers, kayakers and paddleboarders. Families will also appreciate the safe swimming conditions and the presence of lifeguards on duty during the summer months.

Postcode: TQ6 0RG
Facilities: Toilets, café and restaurant, beach shop, kayak and paddleboard hire
Parking: There is a large pay-and-display car park right by the beach
Tripadvisor rating: 4/5 from over 1,000 reviews
Lifeguards: RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach on a seasonal basis
Dogs: There is a seasonal dog ban in place from May-September on the main beach. The beach is dog-friendly at all other times

Stay nearby: Leonards Cove Holiday Park

8. Bigbury-on-Sea

Bigbury-on-Sea is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Devon, offering soft golden sands, clear blue waters and stunning views of Burgh Island. This ruggedly beautiful stretch of coast is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, rock pooling, and watersports such as surfing and paddleboarding. One of the highlights of Bigbury-on-Sea is the unique tidal sea tractor, which transports visitors across the shallow waters to Burgh Island at high tide. This quirky mode of transportation adds to the charm and character of the beach, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a truly memorable experience. The beach is also popular with families, thanks to its gently sloping shoreline and calm waters, which are perfect for children to paddle and play in. There are also plenty of facilities nearby, including cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it easy to spend a full day enjoying all that Bigbury-on-Sea has to offer.

Postcode: TQ7 4AZ
Facilities: Toilets, café, beach shop
Parking: There is a large pay-and-display car park right by the beach
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5 from over 500 reviews
Lifeguards: RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach on a seasonal basis
Dogs: There is a seasonal dog ban in place from May-September on the main beach. The beach is dog-friendly at all other times

Stay nearby: 4 Coastguards (house) or Tarifa 7 (apartment)

9. Salcombe North Sands

Salcombe North Sands is a picturesque sandy beach nestled within the charming seaside town of Salcombe, in South Devon. This sheltered beach is popular with families and watersports enthusiasts alike, offering calm waters for swimming, and plenty of opportunities for paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing. With stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and estuary, Salcombe North Sands is the perfect spot for a relaxing day by the sea. Visitors can explore the rock pools, go for a leisurely stroll along the shore or simply soak up the sun on the soft sand. For those looking to refuel after a day at the beach, there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars in the town of Salcombe just a short walk away. Whether you fancy a traditional cream tea or fresh seafood straight from the sea, there are plenty of options to satisfy your appetite. With its stunning views, calm waters, and vibrant town nearby, it's no wonder why this beach is such a hotspot along the South Devon coast.

Tip: The beach is completely submerged at high tide, so check tide times before you visit. If you have more time to explore the area, we suggest another beach day at the nearby Salcombe South Sands.

Postcode: TQ8 8LD
Facilities: Toilets, café, beach shop
Parking: There is a pay-and-display car park right by the beach and limited on-street parking
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5 from over 35 reviews
Lifeguards: There is no lifeguard patrol
Dogs: The beach is dog-friendly all year round

10. Slapton Sands

Last, but certainly not least, we have the enchanting South Devon beach of Slapton Sands, a shingle beach renowned for its natural beauty and tranquillity. One of the reasons why Slapton Sands is praised as one of the best beaches in Devon is its peaceful and unspoiled setting. Unlike some of the more popular and crowded beaches in the region, Slapton Sands offers a more relaxed and secluded atmosphere, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. At the southern end of the beach, you can see a restored Sherman tank, and Exercise Tiger Memorial from D-day rehearsas. The beach itself is perfect for a variety of activities, including sunbathing, swimming and watersports. The calm waters of Slapton Sands make it ideal for families with young children, while the expansive shoreline provides plenty of space for beach games and picnics.

Tip: The pebble beach stretches for 3 miles and there are 3 main access points: Torcross at the southern end, the Memorial car park near the middle and Strete Gate car park at the northern end.

Postcode: TQ7 2EA
Facilities: Toilets at Torcross (southern end) and Strete Gate (northern end). Beachside café and a pub at Torcross (southern end)
Parking: There are two main pay-and-display car parks right by the beach: Slapton Sands Memorial Car Park (middle stretch) and Strete Gate (northern end)
Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5 from over 450 reviews
Lifeguards: RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach on a seasonal basis
Dogs: The beach is dog-friendly all year round

Stay nearby: Seacliff Cottage or Waterfront (cottage)

Plan your Devon beach break

Both North Devon and South Devon have their own unique appeal, offering something for every type of beachgoer. Whether you prefer the rugged beauty of North Devon or the peaceful charm of South Devon, there's no shortage of incredible beaches to explore in this stunning coastal region.

Browse our Devon holiday homes and start planning your beach break now!

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