Beaches in Devon

South Devon is an Area of Outstanding Natural beauty and features some of the UK's most stunning beaches and small coves, just waiting to be explored.

South Devon’s Beautiful Beaches

You’ll be hard pushed to find better beaches than along this stunning stretch of coastline. Award-winning, safe and spectacular, there’s a beach to suit everyone. We’ve picked out a few of our favourites that are within easy reach of Thatches.

Bigbury-on-Sea

Inspiration for two of Agatha Christie’s novels, Bigbury-on-Sea, is a short drive away from Thatches. This vast unspoiled stretch of beach is really popular with families. Part of the beach is open to dogs, and the shallow waters make it a great choice for paddling and rock-pooling.

From here, walk across the tidal sandy causeway to the Burgh island. Grab a drink at the famous 700-year old ale house, The Pilchard Inn and when the tide comes in, catch the sea tractor back to dry land!

Dogs are welcome, all year to the left of the small slipway before the main car park.

Bantham

Just along the coast from Bigbury you’ll find Bantham, a long stretch of sandy beach popular with visitors all year round. Bantham is a great spot for watersports and is one of the best surfing beaches in the area. If you’re a beginner, why not try a lesson at the Bantham Surfing Academy.

Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 1st May and 30th September (they are allowed on the Estuary all year though)

South Milton Sands & Hope Cove

The popular National Trust South Milton Sands is a long stretch of sandy beach that is home to the famous Thurleston Rock archway. Enjoy breath-taking sea views and fresh crab sandwiches at the Beach House Café before heading along the coastal path to the beautiful, sheltered Hope Cove. Here you’ll find two stunning beaches which are great for family days out – after building sandcastles and rock pooling, take a walk into the village for a glass of wine.

Dogs are welcome on a lead on the main beach.

Thurlestone, Kingsbridge

Salcombe

There are so many wonderful Salcombe beaches to choose from its hard to know where to start!

North Sands is a short walk from Salcombe and is popular with families, dogs, and foodies The Winking Prawn is a South Devon institution!

South Sands is great for watersports – jump on the ferry from Salcombe town. The smaller and more secluded beaches of Smalls, Mill Bay, Fisherman’s Cove and Sunny are worth an explore – they’re a little harder to get to which means you’ll have more of the beach to yourselves!

Dogs welcome all year round on the north sands beach.

Blackpool Sands

Set in an unspoilt, sheltered bay amongst evergreens and pines is Blue Flag awarded Blackpool Sands, a shingle beach located near Dartmouth. While there, why not sample the delights on offer at the Venus Café.

Dogs allowed from November to the end of March