Local Beach Guide
Best Beaches
Bantham
Nestling deep within the South Hams at the mouth of the River Avon is Bantham Beach – one of Devon’s premier beaches. Not far from Salcombe and Kingsbridge, Bantham is in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Beautiful scenery and a natural haven for wildlife with stunning panoramic views over Bigbury Bay and the famous Burgh Island, great for Agatha Christie fans to see. With its shallow sandy bay, not only is it great for paddling and swimming (but do beware the rip tide*), it’s also famous for surfing and known as one of the best surf beaches on the south coast of Devon and if you’re a beginner the Bantham Surfing Academy based there is perfect for lessons.
Situated in the sandy car park behind Bantham Beach are the little Gastrobuses with a huge selection of delicious food; from yummy cakes, ice cream, milkshakes (and freakshakes) to Bantham’s best burgers made with their own secret recipe and pizza too. They also have a Gastro bar serving alcoholic beverages from pints of lager to cocktails.
o The buses are open from the Easter holidays to the end of October Half Term every day.
o Winter Opening (November-Easter) Saturday/Sunday from 10am-4pm (Open every day during February Half Term.
o NB all opening times are weather permitting.
o Accessible by an easy 20-minute drive from Malborough, TQ7 3AN. There is a large car park at the back of the beach, its approximately £5 - £6 per car in high and mid-season.
o RNLI lifeguards are on duty during summer school holidays.
o Dog restrictions apply from 1st May – 30th September.
o Closest toilets are at the back of the car park.
Blackpool Sands
Blackpool Sands, set in a sheltered bay surrounded by evergreens and pines, is one of South Devon's most beautiful natural treasures. An award-winning, privately managed 'Blue Flag' family shingle beach with turquoise blue sea giving it an exotic feel. Sitting right on the beach, The Venus Café offers fantastic views and fabulous food, specialising in Devon organic produce. Situated just three miles away from the seaside town of Dartmouth, which is worth a visit as there is a lot of history as well as great shopping, and super restaurants, especially for Rockfish fish & chips before you head back to Salcombe and Malborough.
o Accessible by car a short 35-minute drive. TQ6 0RG. There is a car park at the back of the beach.
o Lifeguards on duty during summer school holidays.
o Dogs are not permitted in the car parks or on the beach from March-November.
o Closest toilets are located at the back of the beach.
Hope Cove
Hope Cove consists of two stunning sandy beaches. Mouthwell Sands to the north is the closest beach to the car park, whilst the longer Harbour beach sits just to its south. The water quality is designated as excellent, so the ideal location for children to splash around. You may recognise Hope Cove, as it was recently used as a location for the TV series, The Coroner. The chocolate box seaside village has lovely places for food too - try the popular Lobster Pod Bistro, The Cottage Hotel, The Hope & Anchor or The Cove (Great for a Sunday Roast).
o Lifeguards are on duty during summer school holidays.
o Dogs are allowed on the bigger harbour beach all year but must be kept on leads. There is a seasonal dog ban during the day on the other beach (Mouthwell) May-September.
o Closest toilets near the car park. Accessible by car an easy 15-minute drive from Malborough, TQ7 3HQ. There is a large car park at the back of both beaches.
Limebury, The Hipple
o Limebury and the Hipple are quite well hidden, but once you find them, they are usually slightly less busy than the other beaches in the height of summer as you can only get to them by boat. They have amazing views out to sea, spectacular for watching sunsets on the horizon. They have an abundance of rock pools to explore, or perfect patches to build dams, which are popular with children. Its special attraction is the sand spit (The Bar) which is only revealed during very low tides. Waves come crashing in creating an amazing spot for body boarding and wave jumping.
o Accessible by hiring or using your own boat. (BE AWARE - The Bar (sand bar) has a least depth of 0.5 metres LAT and should not be negotiated on an ebb tide with strong onshore winds or swell. - Salcombe Harbour Authority.)
o Closest toilets are at the back of Mill Bay.
o Dogs allowed all year.
Limebury, The Hipple
Mill Bay
o One of the largest beaches Salcombe has to offer, with a huge expanse of dry sand. There is a stream running down one side of the beach, which is the perfect playground for children building moats around castles or dams. During high season there is a food bus parked near the National Trust car park (free to members), selling delicious snacks and drinks.
o Accessible by: Jumping onto the Salcombe to East Portlemouth passenger ferry and then a short and beautiful walk along past Smalls beach at low tide or take the coastal lanes. Alternatively, hire or use your own boat to access this beach.
o Closest toilets are at the back of Mill Bay.
o Dogs allowed all year.
Mothecombe
The perfect beach, Mothecombe, is at the mouth of the Erme estuary. It is owned and maintained by the Flete Estate and has remained completely unspoilt, with the only buildings being an old boathouse and the lime kiln. With its soft golden sand, a little stream, rock pools and small secluded coves revealed at low tide, the beach slopes gently into the sea.
o The Schoolhouse adjacent to the car park, styles itself as an Italian influenced restaurant serving an assortment of salads, sandwiches, brunch items and barbecues. Cocktails are also available in the evening. Open 11am- 5pm daily from March-November (open until 10pm on Saturdays in the summer).
o Public toilets are provided at the Tea House. There are none on the beach.
o Accessible by car a short 40-minute drive from Salcombe and Malborough, PL8 1JZ. The car park is open daily with FREE parking until Easter. Mothecombe is open to the public on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays between 1st May- 30th September, and daily outside these dates. Access to the beach is via a narrow woodland path and is unsuitable for wheelchairs.
o Dogs are not permitted on Mothecombe beach between 1st May and 30th September.
Mothecombe/Coastguards Beach
Coastguards beach is open every day, all year round. It is reached via a narrow road and slipway with bollards, giving access for wheelchairs, horse riders, wind surfers, kayaks, paddleboards, and surfboards, but there is only turning room and no parking available at the slipway. There is half a mile of firm sand at low tide, but a small beach at high tide.
For those old enough to remember, the film International Velvet was filmed on and around the beach (also in nearby Holbeton village), and the film Sense and Sensibility starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet was also filmed nearby.
o Dogs are welcome all year round.
o Public toilets are provided at the Tea House. There are none on the beach.
o Accessible by car a short 40-minute drive from Malborough, PL8 1LB.
Mothecombe/Wonwell Beach
Wonwell beach, on the opposite side of the Erme, is reached by driving towards Kingston and then along single track (with a few passing places) fairly potholed lanes, and is especially popular with dog owners. There is limited free parking on the road, but it becomes congested at peak times.
o Dogs are welcome all year round.
o There are no toilets nor refreshments on the beach. The nearest are in the village of Kingston (about 2 miles away).
o Accessible by car a short 40-minute drive from Salcombe, PL8 1LD.
North Sands
North Sands
A huge flat sandy beach, which is almost completely covered at high tide, so be sure to check your tide table. Beautiful views of Sunny Cove on the East Portlemouth side and out to sea, past Wolf Rock and beyond. Fantastic for swimming in a safe bay and perfect rock pools at low tide, there is also a lovely stream that runs down the centre of the beach, all creating a perfect haven for children.
o There are picnic benches behind the beach. Along with the ever-popular Winking Prawn cafe and restaurant - a Salcombe classic!
o Accessible by: North Sands is an easy 15-minute walk from Salcombe town, just keep the sea on your left, along Cliff Road with Spectacular views of the Salcombe Estuary. Its easily accessible by car (TQ8 8LD), there is a large car park at the back of the beach.
o Dogs allowed all year round.
o Closest toilets are above the beach, to the left of the road, leading back to Cliff Road.
Slapton Sands
The famous sandy spit at Slapton Sands is a haven not only for holiday makers but historians, scientists, and geographers alike. Slapton Ley Nature Reserve is the largest fresh water lake in the South West, bursting with rare wildlife of all shapes and sizes. The vernacular architecture of the 14th century Tower Inn and its irresistible pub cuisine will complete your day out. Otherwise Tor Cross Village has two good eateries, The Boat House, and The Start Bay Inn – very popular for its fish and chips.
o Accessible by car a short 30-minute drive from Malborough, TQ7 2TQ. There are multiple car parks along the back of the beach.
o Lifeguards May-September.
o Dogs allowed all year round.
o Closest toilets are located behind the beach.
Small’s Cove & Fisherman’s Cove
Small’s Cove & Fisherman’s Cove
Soft, yellow, sandy beaches can be accessed by crossing the estuary.
o Turn left off the ferry to get to Fisherman’s Cove. Turn right to be on Small’s (with sailing dinghies nestled at the back). This is the perfect viewing point to watch all the action on the harbour, especially the dinghy sailors preparing for racing. Great for families taking children to play in the sand and sea, sunshine until late in the day and perfect picnic spots. The long sandy stretches of coastline are ideal for cricket,’ bat & ball’, or rounders.
o There is the Venus Café and the closest toilets above the ferry steps.
o Accessible by: Jumping onto the Salcombe to East Portlemouth passenger ferry and then a short walk along the beach. Small’s Cove is inaccessible other than via the beach; it is cut off at high tide, so you need to plan your visit or stay on the beach until the tide recedes provided you won’t need the loo. Alternatively, hire or use your own boat to access this beach.
o Dogs allowed all year.
Soar Mill Cove
Beautiful little beach, check tide times.
o Drive to Soar Mill, TQ7 3DS follow the foot path down to the isolated picturesque beach. Soar Mill Hotel (01548 561566) welcomes non-residents and has several dog-friendly dining options available. Booking in advance is advisable if you want to eat, but you can just drop in for drinks or coffee and cake … or even a spa treatment.
South Milton Sands
South Milton Sands
The most beautiful sunset spot, on a long sweep of golden sand and rock pools bursting with sea life, with crystal clear waters and iconic rock archway. This is the most perfect spot for a barbecue on a summer evening. We recommend booking The Beach House just behind the beach; the sizzling prawns or the crispy squid are just divine. If your children are keen to do watersports, then Surfin’ Sam is great, and he is based in the car park just behind the beach.
RNLI lifeguards are on duty during summer school holidays.
Accessible by car an easy 10-minute drive from Malborough, TQ7 3JY. There is a large car park at the back of the beach, which is free for National Trust Members otherwise, its £5 per car for non-members in high and mid-season.
Dogs are welcome all year round.
Closest toilets are at the back of the beach next to the Beach House Restaurant.
You need to try the Rockbox too, for fabulous burgers, pizzas, dirty fries, and beers with funky vibes and a rural setting – often with live music. This mobile venue has recently moved to a field near Thurlestone, and you’ll need the What3Words app to find it, unless you just happen upon it. Open from 11am-10pm daily in the summer.
A - What3words - preheated.straying.random
T -07731 437238
Surfin’ Sam Watersports – Kayaks, Stand Up Paddle Boards, Wind Surfs & Wetsuits.
A – South Milton Sands, Thurlestone, TQ7 3JY
M – 07974101374
South Sands
A popular flat sandy beach situated next to South Sands Boutique Hotel, a beach café, and water sports centre.
o The beach is an ideal base for trying water sports. The South Sands Ferry is another unique form of transport with its iconic red, blue, and yellow colours, decorated in flag bunting. The boat trip is a round trip from Normandy Pier up the estuary to South Sands beach where you will be met by a Sea Tractor ferrying passengers between the boat and the South Sands beach. You can equally start from South Sands, take the ferry to Salcombe and either return by ferry or walk back along the coastal road enjoying the views at your leisure. You’re in for a memorable journey either way!
o By car (with limited parking, TQ8 8LL) or walking from Salcombe town, just keep the sea on your left, along Cliff Road with spectacular views of the Salcombe Estuary. When you get to North Sands, follow the road along the beach front, round the corner and up the steep hill. Follow the road over the top of the hill and down the other side to South Sands.
o (25-30 minutes).
o Dog restrictions apply from 1st May – 30th September.
o Closest toilets are across the road at the back of the beach, behind The Boat House.
South Sands Ferry
Sunny Cove
Sunny Cove
A sheltered soft yellow sandy beach with beautiful views of the harbour entrance and across to North and South Sands. Sunny is nestled down some steep rocky steps in the cliff and is usually quieter than the beaches close to the ferry pontoon. There are all sorts of treasures to be found when rock-pooling here.
o Accessible by: Jumping onto the Salcombe to East Portlemouth passenger ferry and then a beautiful walk along the coastal path (takes around 15 minutes). Alternatively, hire or use your own boat to access this beach. NB - this beach sometimes has large waves so take care landing your boat!
o Closest toilets are at Mill Bay.
o Dogs allowed all year.
