11 Beaches to Explore in Devon

A beautiful beach which is flourished with nice waves and beautiful white sands. This beach is part of the designated South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is great for families with young children who want to do a little swimming or paddling. Bantham also has a reputation as one of the best surfing beaches in South Devon.

A great picturesque cove tucked in between the rocks, famous for cowries and other exotic seashells. It is a great spot for some good old-fashioned rock pooling and its sand is perfect for those who prefer a quiet snooze in the sun. Barricane is a great place for swimmers and surfers alike but high tides restrict its usage.

Beer beach is a beautiful family friendly shingle beach surrounded by limestone cliffs. Beer Beach is close to Seaton town, and a great day out if you are based in Seaton. Once a smuggler's haven. Specially designed boats are launched from beach by skilled fishermen and mackerel fishing trips available.

Blackpool Sands is one of South Devon’s most popular family-friendly beaches. The beach is stony rather than sandy, and therefore not suitable for younger children or the building of sandcastles. It is also an ideal place to start or finish a walk along this beautiful piece of South Devon coastline.

Dawlish Warren is a beautiful Blue Flag family beach resort at the mouth of the Exe Estuary, near Exeter and Dawlish in South Devon. It offers more than just a traditional bucket and spade beach – it also boasts an internationally protected National Nature Reserve, a large grassed play area where you can enjoy a picnic, children’s amusements, shops, pubs, and cafes, all safely away from the road.

Heddon's Mouth is the rocky cove Set on the rugged North Devon coast between Combe Martin and Lynton. The beach here is made up of medium-sized rounded rocks, like super-sized pebbles. The river runs down the middle of the beach and to either side cliffs rise up. In previous times it was a popular venue for smugglers but is now a popular destination for ramblers.

Mill Bay, a privately owned sheltered sandy beach popular with families because of the very safe and clean bathing conditions, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Access to the beach is from the South West Coast Path and private access path, but public access is signposted. It was one of the iconic attraction which is suitable for family.

North Sands is a sandy beach located to the south of Salcombe and is an easy fifteen minute walk along Cliff Road from the town centre. Stunning views of the Salcombe Estuary, Sunny Cove on the East Portlemouth side and out to sea past Wolf Rock. Although North Sands is a fairly small Salcombe beach, it has the kind of golden sand that makes a holiday and it's served by several convenient facilities.

Sandy Bay Beach is a beautiful half-mile-long privately owned sandy beach set in a secluded bay. This beach offers a great location to spend some quality time making sandcastles and digging holes. Along the shore, there is rockpools ideal for searching and crabbing in. One of the iconic locations where you can spend a nice time with family.

Saunton Sands is a long straight sandy beach backed by the impressive Braunton Burrows a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This is a popular beach with surfers and families due to the long stretch of water perfect for swimmers and surfers. It is part of the Taw-Torridge estuary Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is at the centre of the UNESCO-designated North Devon's Biosphere Reserve, where Braunton Burrows lies at the heart.

Woolacombe is one of the finest beaches in the West Country, and it is easy to see why it has won numerous awards. Located on Devon’s north coast, between Croyde and Ilfracombe, the 3-mile sandy beach is popular with surfers and families looking for a traditional seaside experience. It is popular for kayaking, walking, swimming and kitesurfing as well as surfing.