The 10 Best Beaches in Devon
Devon’s coastal region is by far one of the UK’s richest and most varied, shaped by two very different seaside landscapes. On the north coast, the crashing Atlantic swells lash against long, sandy beaches backed by big dunes and cliffs, while the south coast is more about gentle lapping tides, sheltered coves and estuaries framed by rolling farmland.
Both coasts are ideal for beach holidays, depending on how you plan to spend your time, and whether you want to spend summer in Devon or try an off-season break. The one you choose is all about lifestyle and holiday style. Are you into surfing, watersports and hikes, or would you rather chill, nature trail and enjoy a leisurely bike ride? To help you decide, here are ten of the very best beaches that Devon has to offer.
1. Woolacombe Beach, North Devon
Woolacombe Beach is one of England’s most impressive surf beaches with perfect Atlantic waves attracting surfers year-round, but its family friendly too. It stretches for over three miles, so it’s never crowded, with the kind of soft sand that makes great sandcastles and gently shelving shores guaranteeing safe paddling and bodyboarding. The beautiful dunes and grassy headlands frame it spectacularly, especially at sunset. Woolacombe Beach is also one of our favourite dog-friendly beaches in South West England as much of it remains dog friendly even in the midst of summer.
Woolacombe village sits directly behind the beach, so you’re never more than a few minutes’ walk from the sand. Everything is within easy reach and family friendly, allowing you to arrive and properly switch off. Days can start with swims and dog walks along a quiet beach, and end with sunsets on the dunes.
Beach facilities: Multiple toilet blocks, cafés, surf schools, hire shops and large car parks.
Dog-friendliness: Seasonal restrictions usually apply May–September on central sections, but the northern and southern ends remain dog-friendly all year.
Eat at: Barricane Beach Café (Sri Lankan curries served from a beach hut) and The Beachcomber Café for informal seaside dining with views.
2. Croyde Bay, North Devon
Croyde Bay is another iconic surf beach, but still family friendly and exquisitely set in a perfect crescent beneath lush green headlands. The reliable waves make it popular with surfers and surf schools, but it’s still great for families thanks to its size, pristine sand and natural shelter. The surrounding cliffs and dunes give it a wild, cinematic feel and the facilities are spot on.
Croyde village is a 5/10 minute walk to the beach depending on where you stay, and feels welcoming, surfy and rural with thatched cottages sitting alongside wetsuit hire shops, cosy pubs and yummy bakeries. In summer this is beach life heaven and off-peak it’s a blissful coastal retreat with amazing coastal paths to Baggy Point.
Beach facilities: Toilets, surf hire, cafés and nearby parking.
Dog-friendliness: Seasonal dog restrictions during summer with dog-friendly zones toward the edges.
Eat at: The Thatch (historic pub with outdoor seating) and Blue Groove for relaxed breakfasts and post-surf grub.
3. Saunton Sands, North Devon
Saunton Sands is a huge, wild beach backed by the dunes of Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Also popular with surfers, but equally with walkers and families who want to feel free. The dunes make-for dreamy picnics, while the firm, flat sand is ideal for long walks and games.
Braunton sits on the other side of the nature reserve behind the beach, which is a 10 minute drive or an hour’s walk away. Whilst you could also stay in Croyde, Braunton is ideal for longer stays because it offers more and has a great social scene. Its proximity to all the coastal towns and the Tarka Trail is brilliant for families who want variety alongside convenience.
Beach facilities: Toilets, café, seasonal surf hire and a large car park overlooking the beach.
Dog-friendliness: Dogs are welcome year-round, although summer rules restrict dogs to either ends of the beach.
Eat at: The Boatyard for modern British food and SQ Bar + Restaurant for relaxed dining.
4. Putsborough Sands, North Devon
Tucked beneath Baggy Point and located north of Westward Ho and Appledore, Putsborough Sands feels more sheltered and less commercial than its neighbours. This long, golden beach curves gently below rugged cliffs, creating a sense of intimate natural beauty. Whilst it attracts experienced surfers it is still a lovely family beach for older kids, or avid walkers. The diffused light and remoteness of this beach give it a contemplative quality.
Georgeham is a 15 min drive inland from the beach and offers a picture-perfect alternative base to Croyde, which is also near. Thatched cottages, winding lanes and excellent pub grub surrounded by ambrosia countryside offers a rural relief from summer crowds.
Beach facilities: Toilets, café and parking at the main access.
Dog-friendliness: Summer restricted zones are clearly marked but dog-friendly throughout the year.
Eat at: The Kings Arms and The Rock Inn, both known for excellent food and a relaxed atmosphere.
5. Blackpool Sands, South Devon
Blackpool Sands is a sheltered shingle beach south of Brixham and Dartmouth backed by pine-covered slopes, giving it an almost Mediterranean feel on calm days. The water here is crystal clear and the sand is gently shelving, making it one of the best swimming beaches in Devon. The setting feels enclosed and private, ideal for relaxed days by the sea.
Dartmouth is an elegant and historic harbour town a fifteen-minute drive from Blackpool Sands. It sits elegantly above the River Dart, offering stunning views, maritime heritage, boutiques and boat trips. It’s perfect for couples or families who value coastal culture with a bit of finesse.
Beach facilities: Toilets, café/restaurant, parking and watersports equipment hire.
Dog-friendliness: Seasonal dog restrictions apply during summer, with dogs welcome outside restricted periods.
Eat at: The Seahorse for refined seafood and Rockfish Dartmouth for relaxed fish dishes.
6. Bigbury-on-Sea, South Devon
Bigbury-on-Sea is a gorgeous, well maintained family beach west of Thurlestone with fine sand and shallow waters, making it ideal for children, with the famous tidal causeway to Burgh Island adding adventure. This beach offers kids safe swimming and rock pools, and watersports for the grown-ups. The surrounding cliffs and headlands offer great walking and vistas.
The town of Bigbury-on-Sea is beach-focused and bang on the seaside, while Modbury is 15 mins inland offering charming shops and eateries. Bigbury-on-Sea is perfect for young families wanting immediate, fuss free swimming and sand, while Modbury’s historic streets and amenities offer evening entertainment.
Beach facilities: Well-managed toilets, cafés, parking, watersports equipment hire.
Dog-friendliness: Seasonal dog restrictions during summer, so dogs are only allowed early mornings and evenings.
Eat at: Venus Café (beachfront and family-friendly) and The Pickled Duck nearby for variety.
7. Thurlestone Sands, South Devon
Thurlestone Sands is a wide, sandy beach west of Salcombe with rocky outcrops, including an off-shore arch and tidal pools. It’s very scenic and excellent for families, budding photographers and walkers, offering stunning views across Bigbury Bay from the beach and coastal paths. It’s great for swimming and is popular with kayakers and paddleboarders, with equipment rentals available in summer.
Thurlestone village sits above its namesake beach, accessed via a 10 minute walk up the coastal path. In fact the South West Coast Path runs straight through it, adding a wholesome feel to this upmarket village. It’s ideal for families, large groups and couples seeking peace and quiet with a beach vibe.
Beach facilities: National Trust toilets, café and parking.
Dog-friendliness: Dog-friendly all year, with some zones clearly marked for nature protection purposes.
Eat at: The Village Inn and the nearby South Devon Chilli Farm Café.
8. Bantham Beach, South Devon
The very picturesque Bantham Beach lies at the mouth of the River Avon overlooking Burgh Island. Its vast unspoiled sands, dunes and surrounding South Hams farmland give it an ambrosia feel, whilst the calm estuary waters offer a haven for swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking.
Bantham village sits within metres of the sand, whilst Thurlestone is a five minute car ride or 30 min walk away. Bantham is small and peaceful overlooking estuary views, while Thurlestone is more refined and well equipped with fantastic coastal walks. Both suit families and couples looking for a restorative beach break.
Facilities: Seasonal café, toilets and National Trust car park.
Dog-friendliness: Seasonal summer restrictions on the main beach with the estuary side remaining dog-friendly all year-round.
Eat at: The Sloop Inn (classic Bantham riverside pub) and Thurlestone The Village Inn for locally sourced dishes.
9. Hope Cove, South Devon
Hope Cove offers two sheltered sandy beaches within a pretty village setting, Mouthwell Sands and Harbour Beach, both offering excellent water quality, rock pools, and safe swimming, guaranteeing fuss-free family beach holidays. Adults can enjoy paddleboarding and kayaking with local hire shops available.
Hope Cove lies metres away from both sandy beaches and is popular with young families. Here, life centres around the beach, coastal walks and seaside meals with children playing on the sand till the tide rolls in and the sun comes down.
Beach facilities: Toilets, cafés and parking.
Dog-friendliness: Harbour is dog-friendly year-round on leads, while Mouthwell Sands has seasonal summer restrictions.
Eat at: The Cove and The Hope & Anchor.
10. Beer Beach, South Devon
Beer Beach is a picturesque shingle cove beneath white chalk cliffs, with a working fishing tradition that adds real character. The beach is peaceful and scenic, ideal for quiet swims and coastal walks rather than lively beach games.
Beer village is located near Seaton and sits directly above the cove, with steep streets leading to the shoreline within a few minutes. It feels tucked away and authentic with whitewashed cottages, art galleries and tearooms. Coastal walks should include the cliff climb up to Branscombe with its thatched village. This quiet corner of Devon suits couples and families who appreciate charm and tranquillity over bustle.
Beach facilities: Toilets, cafés and village parking.
Dog-friendliness: Dogs are generally welcome year-round, though summer lead requirements may apply — check local signage.
Eat at: The Anchor Inn and Ducky’s Café.
Book a fabulous beach cottage in Devon
Devon’s beaches offer a sea of choice without compromise. Whether you’re travelling with children, dogs or simply need space and sea air, there’s a Devon beach that fits your pace of life.
For busy British families and working adults, Devon remains one of the UK’s most rewarding coastal destinations because it’s familiar, varied and totally restorative. To find the ideal self-catering accommodation check out all of the Devon beach cottages listed with us, many that are dog friendly, some with private hot tubs and sea views.