Devon has one of the most varied coastlines in England, with long sandy beaches on the north coast and more sheltered coves and shingle beaches along the south coast. Conditions, scenery and accessibility vary significantly between the two.
The north coast faces the Atlantic Ocean and is known for wide sandy beaches and strong surf, particularly around Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton. The south coast is more sheltered, with calmer waters, making it more suitable for families, swimming and coastal walks.
This guide lists the best beaches in Devon, divided into north and south coast locations to help you choose based on conditions and preferences.
Google map of Devon
North Coast Beaches in Devon
Listed in order from east to west as you travel down the coast towards Cornwall
Lynmouth Beach (Blacklands Beach)
A mainly shingle beach beside Lynmouth harbour, set within a steep valley on the edge of Exmoor, with limited space and strong currents.
Heddon’s Mouth Beach
A remote pebble beach at the end of a wooded valley in Exmoor, reached by a scenic walk and known for its quiet, natural setting.
Combe Martin Beach
A sheltered cove with a mix of sand and shingle, backed by a village with facilities and suitable for families at low tide.
Broadsands Beach (near Ilfracombe)
A small, quiet sandy cove at low tide, accessed via steep steps, with rock pools and limited facilities.
Hele Bay
A small sandy cove at low tide just outside Ilfracombe, enclosed by cliffs and generally quieter than nearby beaches.
Ilfracombe (Tunnels Beaches)
A series of small sheltered beaches accessed via hand-carved tunnels, with rock pools, bathing areas and controlled access.
Barricane Beach
A small cove between Woolacombe and Mortehoe, known for rock pools and a seasonal beach café serving Sri Lankan food.
Woolacombe Beach
A long, wide sandy beach backed by dunes, known for reliable surf, lifeguards and good facilities.
Putsborough Sands
A quieter extension of Woolacombe with similar sand and surf, but fewer facilities and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Croyde Bay
A compact sandy bay with strong waves, widely regarded as one of the best surfing beaches in the UK.
Saunton Sands
A large, flat sandy beach stretching for several kilometres, suitable for walking, surfing and easy access.
Instow Beach
A sandy estuary beach on the River Torridge with calm waters, views to Appledore and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Westward Ho! Beach
A wide sandy beach backed by a pebble ridge, popular for surfing, walking and open coastal views.
Peppercombe Beach
A quiet, pebbly beach backed by red cliffs, accessed by a woodland walk and offering a more secluded setting.
Bucks Mills Beach
A small, rocky and pebbly beach reached via a steep path, with limited facilities and a quieter feel.
Clovelly Beach
A steep, rocky shoreline below Clovelly village, with a historic harbour and limited space for traditional beach use.
Hartland Quay
A rugged, rocky coastline backed by cliffs, known for dramatic scenery, rock formations and limited access at high tide.
South Coast Beaches in Devon
Listed from west to east as you travel along the coast towards Dorset
Mothecombe Beach
A large sandy beach at the mouth of the River Erme, accessed via private estate roads, with wide sands at low tide.
Bigbury Beach
A sandy beach at low tide with access to Burgh Island, suitable for families and walking, with good facilities nearby.
Bantham Beach
A sandy beach at the mouth of the River Avon, popular for surfing and offering open views across to Burgh Island.
South Milton Sands
A sandy beach backed by cliffs and farmland, known for rock pools and views towards Thurlestone Rock.
Hope Cove
Two small sandy coves within a village setting, sheltered and suitable for families, with nearby facilities.
Salcombe South Sands (Salcombe)
A sandy beach south of Salcombe town, accessible by road or coastal path, with open views and good facilities.
Salcombe North Sands (Salcombe)
A sandy beach just outside Salcombe, with shallow waters, easy access and a more sheltered setting.
East Portlemouth Beach (Salcombe)
A series of sandy beaches across the estuary from Salcombe, reached by passenger ferry, with quieter surroundings.
Small Cove (Salcombe)
A small, quiet sandy cove on the East Portlemouth side of the estuary, reached by footpaths or ferry, with limited facilities.
Mill Bay (Salcombe)
A sandy beach on the East Portlemouth side of the estuary, accessible by ferry from Salcombe and suitable for swimming at high tide.
Sunny Cove Beach (Salcombe)
A small, more secluded cove along the East Portlemouth coastline, reached by footpaths and quieter than central beaches.
Gar Rock Beach
A remote sandy and rocky beach near East Portlemouth, known for natural surroundings and limited access.
Hallsands North Beach
A shingle beach below the ruins of Hallsands village, with limited access and a remote feel.
Torcross Beach
A shingle beach at the southern end of Slapton Sands, backed by a village and overlooking Slapton Ley.
Slapton Sands
A long shingle barrier beach separating the sea from a freshwater lagoon, exposed and scenic.
Blackpool Sands
A sheltered shingle beach backed by trees, known for clear water and good facilities.
Goodrington Sands
A sandy beach divided into sections, with calm waters, easy access and family-friendly facilities.
Paignton Beach
A long sandy beach with a promenade and pier, offering extensive facilities and traditional seaside attractions.
Meadfoot Beach (Torquay)
A quieter shingle beach close to Torquay, popular for swimming and water sports.
Babbacombe Beach
A small shingle beach below high cliffs, accessed via a steep path or cliff railway.
Teignmouth Beach
A long sandy beach with a promenade, pier and easy access from the town.
Dawlish Warren Beach
A sandy beach backed by dunes and a nature reserve, popular with families and wildlife interest.
Exmouth Beach
A long sandy beach forming part of the Exe Estuary, with a mix of open coast and calmer waters.
Sandy Bay Beach
A quieter sandy beach east of Exmouth, backed by cliffs and accessible via coastal paths or holiday park access.
Budleigh Salterton Beach
A long pebble beach on the Jurassic Coast, known for its natural setting and strong waves.
Ladram Bay
A pebble beach backed by distinctive red sandstone stacks, located within a holiday park setting.
Sidmouth Beach
A pebble beach with a promenade and town access, backed by cliffs and forming part of the Jurassic Coast.
Branscombe Beach
A wide pebble beach at the end of a valley, with a rural setting and limited development.
Beer Beach
A working fishing beach with pebbles, surrounded by white cliffs and traditional fishing boats.
Seaton Beach
A long pebble beach with a promenade and estuary at one end, forming part of the Jurassic Coast.
Best Sandy Beaches in Devon
These beaches offer the largest areas of sand and are generally best for walking, sunbathing and traditional beach use.
- Woolacombe Beach – Long, wide sandy beach with good facilities and consistent surf.
- Saunton Sands – Expansive flat sands ideal for walking and beginner surfers.
- Croyde Bay – Sandy bay known for strong surf conditions.
- Bantham Beach – Sandy beach with river access and scenic surroundings.
- Bigbury Beach – Wide sands at low tide with access to Burgh Island.
- Dawlish Warren Beach – Sandy beach backed by dunes and open space.
- Paignton Beach – Traditional sandy beach with promenade and pier.
Most Beautiful Beaches in Devon
These beaches stand out for scenery, setting or distinctive landscapes.
- Hartland Quay – Rugged cliffs and rock formations on a dramatic stretch of coastline.
- Blackpool Sands – Tree-lined shingle beach with clear water and a sheltered setting.
- Hope Cove – Attractive village setting with small sandy coves.
- Beer Beach – Traditional fishing beach framed by white cliffs.
- Salcombe North Sands and South Sands – Estuary views and sheltered surroundings.
- Barricane Beach – Small cove known for rock formations and seasonal beach café.
Best Beaches for Families in Devon
These beaches offer easier access, facilities and generally safer swimming conditions during the summer months.
- Woolacombe Beach – Lifeguarded with plenty of space and facilities.
- Saunton Sands – Large, accessible beach suitable for all ages.
- Dawlish Warren Beach – Sandy, flat and backed by amenities.
- Paignton Beach – Traditional seaside beach with nearby attractions.
- Goodrington Sands – Calm waters and family-friendly layout.
- Bigbury Beach – Safe, sandy and ideal for exploring at low tide.
Quieter Beaches in Devon
These beaches tend to be less crowded, often with fewer facilities and more limited access.
- Bucks Mills Beach – Remote and rocky, reached via a steep path.
- Hele Bay – Small cove away from larger tourist beaches.
- Beesands – Quiet village beach with fewer visitors than nearby Slapton.
- Strete Gate Beach – Open and less developed section of coastline.
- Combe Martin Beach – Quieter outside peak summer periods.
- Instow Beach – Calm estuary setting with a more relaxed atmosphere.
Devon offers a wide range of beaches, from exposed Atlantic surf beaches to sheltered south coast coves. The best choice depends on conditions, facilities and personal preference, with the north coast generally better for surfing and the south coast better for calmer water and accessibility.