Devon, a county on the southwest coast of England, is renowned for its stunning beaches. Whether you're seeking beautiful sandy shores, tranquil coves, or exciting surf spots, Devon has it all. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through the best beaches in Devon, divided into different regions. So grab your sunscreen, pack your favorite beach accessories, and get ready to explore the idyllic coastal beauty that Devon has to offer.

Exploring North Devon's Coastline

When it comes to North Devon, hidden gems await as you venture along its coastline. Here are some of the most charming and lesser-known beaches you can find:

  • Combe Martin Beach: Nestled in a secluded bay, this beach offers breathtaking views and rock pools to explore.
  • Woody Bay: Surrounded by cliffs, this pebble beach is perfect for a peaceful retreat and stunning photographic opportunities.
  • Barricane Beach: Famous for its exotic seashells, this sheltered beach is ideal for families and rock pooling enthusiasts.
  • Broad Sands: Accessible only by foot, this hidden gem unfolds a small sandy beach, dramatic cliffs, and serene surroundings.
  • Hele Bay: A picturesque beach with rock pools, beach huts, and glorious sunsets - a true slice of North Devon heaven.

If you're looking for family-friendly beaches in North Devon, you won't be disappointed. Here are some great options:

  • Woolacombe Beach: Voted as one of the best beaches in the UK, Woolacombe offers pristine sands and fantastic water quality, making it perfect for families.
  • Saunton Sands: With its vast stretch of golden sands and shallow waters, Saunton Sands is an excellent choice for families with young children.
  • Croyde Bay: Widely known for its surfing culture, Croyde Bay is not only a surfer's paradise, but it also boasts rock pools and exciting sand dunes for the whole family to enjoy.
  • Putsborough Sands: A quieter alternative to Woolacombe, Putsborough Sands offers plenty of space to build sandcastles, fly kites, and enjoy picnics by the sea.
  • Westward Ho! Beach: With its long sandy beach, rock pools, and unusual pebble ridge, Westward Ho! is a great spot for family fun.

Discovering South Devon's Beaches

Heading further south, South Devon unravels a plethora of stunning beaches. If you're seeking a tranquil retreat, here are some peaceful beaches to visit:

  • Blackpool Sands: With its turquoise waters, fine shingle beach, and surrounded by verdant hills, Blackpool Sands offers a truly idyllic coastal scene.
  • Slapton Sands: Stretching for miles, Slapton Sands is a peaceful beach flanked by a freshwater lake and nature reserve, creating a haven for wildlife lovers.
  • Mothecombe Beach: Tucked away on the Flete Estate, Mothecombe Beach boasts golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and unspoiled natural beauty.
  • Gara Rock Beach: Accessible by foot or boat, Gara Rock Beach mesmerizes visitors with its secluded cove, stunning cliffs, and hidden charm.
  • Hope Cove: Consisting of two picturesque sandy beaches, Inner Hope and Outer Hope, this charming village offers stunning coastal walks and breathtaking views.

If you're planning a beach day with your four-legged friend, South Devon also offers dog-friendly beaches. Here are some spots where your furry companion is welcome:

  • Babbacombe Beach: A small sandy cove surrounded by cliffs, Babbacombe Beach is dog-friendly year-round, allowing your pooch to frolic in the waves.
  • Dawlish Warren Beach: Stretching for miles, this Blue Flag beach is perfect for long walks with your furry friend, and dogs are welcome in certain areas.
  • Teignmouth Beach: This beautiful sandy beach welcomes dogs during certain times of the year, offering them the chance to enjoy a splash in the sea.
  • Beer Beach: A charming pebble beach where dogs are welcome year-round, Beer Beach also provides easy access to coastal paths with stunning views.
  • East Portlemouth Beach: Accessible only by a short ferry ride, this secluded beach allows dogs year-round, making it a great choice for a peaceful day out.

For those who prefer popular and lively beaches, South Devon has some fantastic options:

  • Torquay Beach: With its vibrant waterfront, Torquay Beach offers a perfect blend of seaside entertainment, water sports, and a buzzing promenade.
  • Paignton Beach: Boasting a long sandy beach, traditional beach huts, and a pier with amusement arcades, Paignton Beach is a favorite for families seeking a fun-filled day.
  • Exmouth Beach: A long sandy beach that stretches for miles, Exmouth Beach offers excellent water sports facilities, beautiful gardens, and a lively town center.
  • Salcombe Beach: Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Salcombe Beach captivates visitors with its crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and breathtaking coastline.
  • Bigbury-on-Sea: Famous for its landmark, Burgh Island, this sandy beach is a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts and those seeking stunning views.

East Devon's Unspoiled Beaches

Heading east, Devon's coast in East Devon is dotted with unspoiled beaches and nature reserves. Here are some hidden gems waiting to be explored:

  • Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs: A stretch of unspoiled Jurassic Coastline, this pebble beach offers a glimpse into ancient geological history and stunning cliff formations.
  • Branscombe Beach: Nestled within Branscombe Village, this shingle beach is surrounded by lush green cliffs, making it a tranquil and picturesque retreat.
  • Beer Quarry Caves Beach: This secluded shingle beach is perfect for those who love rock pooling, fossil hunting, and exploring hidden caves.
  • Jurassic Coast Seaton: Offering a mix of shingle and sandy areas, Seaton Beach allows visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast and the picturesque Seaton Wetlands.
  • Weston Mouth Beach: A small, secluded pebble beach, Weston Mouth Beach is the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy some peaceful coastal scenery.

If you prefer pebble beaches, East Devon has its fair share of them. Here are some beautiful pebble beaches to visit:

  • Budleigh Salterton Beach: Known for its impressive red cliffs and stunning geological formations, Budleigh Salterton Beach is the perfect location for fossil hunting and peaceful walks.
  • Charmouth Beach: Famous for its fossil-rich cliffs, Charmouth Beach is a paradise for fossil enthusiasts and offers breathtaking views of the Jurassic Coast.
  • Seaton Hole Beach: Accessible by steep wooden steps, Seaton Hole Beach is a hidden gem nestled at the foot of towering cliffs, offering a peaceful and secluded atmosphere.
  • Axmouth Beach: Located at the mouth of the River Axe, this pebble beach is perfect for enjoying the peaceful surroundings and exploring the nearby Jurassic Coastline.
  • Ladram Bay: Although primarily known for its holiday park, Ladram Bay offers a stunning pebble beach sheltered by majestic red cliffs.

If you prefer more secluded beaches, East Devon also has something to offer. Here are some hidden coves worth venturing to:

  • Beer Head: Accessible by a scenic walk, Beer Head reveals a hidden cove with impressive cliffs, stunning views, and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Shelley Beach: Nestled between dramatic cliffs, Shelley Beach is a little slice of paradise, perfect for a quiet escape and a dip in the crystal-clear waters.
  • Axmouth to Seaton Undercliffs: An enchanting stretch of coastline rich in wildlife and geological wonders, this hidden gem is perfect for those who seek solitude and natural beauty.
  • Musbury Castle Beach: Tucked away within a Nature Reserve, Musbury Castle Beach offers a tranquil escape surrounded by stunning cliffs and pristine nature.
  • Lyme Regis: With its famous Cobb Harbour and charming town, Lyme Regis offers a mix of vibrant energy and hidden coves where you can unwind and enjoy the serenity of the Jurassic Coast.

West Devon's Coastal Charm

Finally, we venture to West Devon, where sandy beaches and stunning cliff views await. Here are some of the best sandy beaches you can find:

  • Westward Ho! Beach: With its pristine sands, rolling waves, and Blue Flag status, Westward Ho! Beach is a favorite destination for families and water sports enthusiasts.
  • Bude's Beaches: Just across the border into Cornwall, the seaside town of Bude offers a range of beautiful sandy beaches, including Summerleaze Beach, Crooklets Beach, and Widemouth Bay.
  • Woolacombe Beach: Although previously mentioned in North Devon, it's worth noting that this iconic beach stretches beyond the boundary into West Devon, where its beauty continues to captivate visitors.
  • Instow Beach: Located on the estuary of the River Torridge, Instow Beach offers stunning views across the water and a delightful spot for a beach stroll or picnic.
  • Clovelly Beach: Nestled within the charming village of Clovelly, this pebble beach offers a unique setting with its traditional cobbled streets and picturesque harbor.

If you're looking for beaches with stunning cliff views, West Devon won't disappoint. Here are some recommended spots:

  • Hartland Quay Beach: Surrounded by towering cliffs and amazing rock formations, Hartland Quay Beach is a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
  • Morte Point: An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Morte Point boasts dramatic cliffs, breathtaking views, and an abundance of wildlife, offering a perfect exploration opportunity.
  • Berry Head National Nature Reserve: This beautiful reserve features rugged cliffs, outstanding views, and a fascinating mix of wildlife and history, including a Napoleonic fort.
  • Chapel Porth Beach: Located on Cornwall's border, Chapel Porth Beach is known for its spectacular cliffs, underground caves, and a natural sea pool - a true hidden gem.
  • Tintagel Castle Beach: The legendary birthplace of King Arthur, Tintagel Castle Beach boasts breathtaking cliff views, dramatic scenery, and fascinating historical ruins.

For those seeking accessible beaches in West Devon, here are some recommendations:

  • Bossington Beach: Backed by rolling hills and accessed via a short walk, Bossington Beach offers both a pebble and sandy area, and it's close to the charming village of Porlock.
  • Putsborough Sands: Although previously mentioned in North Devon, it's worth noting that Putsborough Sands is known for its accessible facilities and won a Blue Flag award for its cleanliness and water quality.
  • Widemouth Bay: Another previously mentioned beach in Bude, Widemouth Bay provides a range of accessible amenities, including access ramps, accessible toilets, and disabled parking areas.
  • Exmouth Beach: Known for its accessibility, Exmouth Beach offers disabled access ramps, beach wheelchairs, and a range of accessible facilities to ensure everyone can enjoy the beautiful sandy shores.
  • Breakwater Beach: Located in Brixham, Breakwater Beach offers accessible facilities, including disabled access ramps and disabled parking, allowing everyone to appreciate its beauty.

When visiting Devon's spectacular beaches, be sure to check out GetMyBoat for any boating activities or water sport adventures you may be interested in. They offer a wide range of options such as boat rentals, charters, and thrilling experiences that will make your beach trip even more memorable.

So embrace the coastal charm of Devon, from the hidden gems of North Devon to the tranquil shores of South Devon, the unspoiled beaches of East Devon, and the sandy delights of West Devon. With its diverse range of beaches, Devon truly has something for everyone's beach-loving soul.

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