The Call of the Coast
Have you ever longed for the sound of waves and the feel of warm sand beneath your feet? Picture yourself watching the tide roll in while the salty air fills your lungs. If that idea makes you smile, then South Devon is the place to be. The region’s coastline is filled with scenic beauty, seaside charm, and some of the finest sandy beaches in the country. Whether you want an active day of swimming and surfing or a quiet spot to unwind, Sandy Beaches South Devon delivers a perfect balance of both.
Why South Devon Wins Hearts
South Devon is not just another place to go to the beach. Gentle waves meet dramatic cliffs and rolling green hills in this landscape. From Torbay all the way down to Plymouth, the South Devon coastline is full of endless bays and coves. It stands out because it is so simple to locate sandy beaches that are ideal for strolling, sunbathing, and family outings. It’s the sort of place that makes you slow down and breathe a little deeper.
Sandy Beaches South Devon Map
When planning your trip, a Sandy Beaches South Devon map is the best way to explore the coast efficiently. The route takes you from the busy shores of Exmouth to the tranquil beauty of Hope Cove. Each beach offers something unique, some ideal for children and others for long, peaceful walks. The roads along this stretch are scenic too, winding through picturesque villages and farmlands with stunning sea views at every turn.
Best Sandy Beaches South Devon
Finding a great beach here doesn’t take much effort. There are many spots worth visiting, each with its own charm. Sandy Bay Beach in Exmouth is a family favourite and a Blue Flag Winner 2019. Known for its golden stretch and clean surroundings, it’s perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. Blackpool Sands near Dartmouth offers clear waters and fine sand framed by evergreens. It’s also a safe beach with lifeguards and a café serving fresh local dishes. Bantham Beach in Kingsbridge, one of the best sandy beaches in Devon, combines gentle waves with breathtaking views of Burgh Island. It’s ideal for surfing or simply relaxing on the shore.
The Beauty of Bantham Beach
Bantham deserves special mention. It’s one of South Devon’s most loved beaches because it has something for everyone. Families come for the safe swimming areas, surfers come for the waves, and nature lovers come for the views. When the tide goes out, the estuary reveals a huge stretch of golden sand, perfect for walking and beach games. After a long day by the water, stop by the local inn for a drink and watch the sunset paint the horizon.
Sandy Beaches South Devon and Cornwall
What makes this region even more appealing is how close it sits to Cornwall. You can easily visit both areas in one trip, each with its own flavour of coastal life. Devon brings the calm, wide beaches, while Cornwall adds a rugged charm and dramatic cliffs. If you’re planning to explore across the border, consider staying at Luxury and Views at Omaze Cornwall House. It’s a place where you can wake up to ocean views and enjoy the tranquillity that defines this part of England.
Sandy Beaches South Devon Near Me
If you’re already in Devon and searching “sandy beaches South Devon near me”, you’re in luck. The region has an abundance of accessible beaches within a short drive. Paignton Sands is great for families, while Broadsands Beach nearby offers a relaxed setting with calm, shallow waters. Salcombe and Torquay also have lovely sandy spots that are easy to reach and filled with character. No matter where you are, there’s always a beach just around the corner.
Dog-Friendly Sandy Beaches in South Devon
For visitors who can’t picture a day at the beach without their dogs, South Devon is certainly a great part of the country to visit. Its sandy beaches are, by and large, pet-friendly beaches all year round, which you can even take to South Milton Sands, Beesands and East Portlemouth. These beaches have plenty of space for dogs to run free and to play in the surf, where you can spend the day. Just make sure to take some water, a towel, and a few snacks, and you’ll have a joyful day together!
The South Devon Coastline
Travelling the South Devon coast feels like you’ve entered a postcard. The drive will take you through cliff-top roads, tiny fishing towns and overlooks that you’ll want to stop at to take pictures every few minutes. You’ll find cafes with homemade ice cream, and you may even find seafood fresh off the boat. Whether you ride a bike, drive a car or travel on foot, it is the sort of journey that reminds you why we all love coastal England.
Beyond the Beach
The beaches may draw you in, but South Devon’s charm doesn’t stop there. The South West Coast Path offers miles of walking trails with panoramic sea views. Along the way, you’ll spot hidden coves, seabirds, and the occasional seal. Towns like Dartmouth and Salcombe are worth exploring too, with boutique shops, cosy pubs, and a friendly, easygoing atmosphere.
Staying by the Shore
When it comes to places to stay near Sandy Beaches South Devon, the options fit every style and budget. Families often choose hotels near Paignton or holiday parks in Dawlish. Couples might prefer a romantic cottage in Hope Cove or a boutique hotel in Dartmouth. There are also campsites right by the beach if you want to wake up to the sound of waves. The variety of choices makes it easy to tailor your trip just how you like it.
Planning Your Visit
The best time to visit South Devon’s sandy beaches is from late spring through early autumn. The weather is mild, the sea is inviting, and most facilities are open. Try to arrive early in the day during peak summer to find parking more easily. If you enjoy quieter moments, plan your trip in June or September, when the beaches are less crowded but still warm enough for swimming.
Beaches You Shouldn’t Miss
To make the most of your trip, add these to your must-visit list: Bantham Beach for its versatility, Blackpool Sands for postcard-worthy scenery, Sandy Bay Beach for family fun, Hope Cove for peaceful evenings, and South Milton Sands for pet-friendly walks. For a broader view of local favourites, check out THE 10 BEST South Devon Beaches (2025).
Best Sandy Beaches in Devon for Every Type of Traveller
Families often love Paignton Sands and Bantham Beach for their safety and facilities. Couples looking for a romantic day out enjoy Blackpool Sands or Thurlestone Beach for their calm settings. Adventurers head to Bigbury-on-Sea and Challaborough Bay to catch waves or try paddleboarding. For peace, East Portlemouth and Mattiscombe Sands are hidden gems away from the main crowds.
Results for Devon, UK
Travellers consistently rate these beaches among the best in the region: Sandy Bay Beach, Blue Flag Winner 2019 in Exmouth – “Beautiful large sandy beach, very clean.” Blackpool Sands in Dartmouth – “A very nice beach, lots of sand, and a beautiful landscape.” “Stunning beach, sandy, shallow, lots to look at, just lovely” is the description of Kingsbridge’s Bantham Beach. The combination of local hospitality and natural beauty in each one is distinctive.
A Day on the South Devon Coast
Imagine how wonderful it would be to go for a stroll along the beach first thing in the morning before breakfast, when the air is crisp, the tide is out, and the sand beneath your feet is as soft as it can be. Shortly after, you might grab a nice coffee from a nearby café by the sea and settle in for a swim or for a little bit of paddleboarding. You can spend the whole afternoon exploring local villages or hiking just a little bit of the coastal path. After the day spent, you could grab a portion of fish and chips, find a quiet area on the sand, and sit and watch the sky turn pink as the day draws towards an end. That is South Devon coastal living as I know it—easy, simple, and unforgettable.
The Magic of South Devon’s Sands
What sets sandy beaches in South Devon apart and makes them unforgettable is much more than aesthetic beauty; it is the felt experience. Something is soothing about the combination of sea air, the expanse of sky and the constant ebb and flow of the waves. If you’re here for a short break or long summer holiday, the beaches of South Devon will restore you. It is the kind of place that encourages lethargy, that invites you to slow down, sit in the moment, and remember how good it feels to just be by the sea.
FAQs
Does South Devon have sandy beaches?
Yes, South Devon is famous for its sandy beaches, especially around Bantham, Blackpool Sands, and Paignton.
What are the nicest beaches in Devon?
Some of the nicest beaches include Bantham Beach, Blackpool Sands, and Sandy Bay Beach, all known for their clean water and golden sands.
What are the best secluded beaches in South Devon?
Mattiscombe Sands, Soar Mill Cove, and Lannacombe Beach are perfect if you prefer a quiet, unspoiled setting.
Is Torquay a sandy beach?
Yes, Torquay has several sandy beaches, including Torre Abbey Sands, which is very popular with families.
Which is nicer, North or South Devon?
Both are beautiful, but South Devon is known for its softer sands, gentle waters, and picturesque coves, while North Devon attracts surfers with its wilder waves.
Bottom line: if you want sunshine, sea views, and the kind of golden sands that make summer unforgettable, Sandy Beaches South Devon is exactly where you should go next.
