Low to mid tide
Bantham
A broad sandy river-mouth beach popular with surfers, swimmers and families.
- Type
- Sandy river mouth
- Best for
- Surf & space
- Parking
- Busy early
Devon, England
South Hams beaches
Local guides to sandy river mouths, sheltered coves and coastal villages between the River Avon and Start Bay.
Choose your beach
Explore the coast
Compare twelve beaches by character, best tide and local details before choosing where to spend the day.
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Low to mid tide
Thurlestone
A wide sandy beach with rockpools and its famous natural stone arch offshore.
- Type
- Sand & rockpools
- Best for
- Families
- Parking
- Village walk
Low tide
Bigbury-on-Sea
A broad sandy beach facing Burgh Island and its famous tidal sea-tractor crossing.
- Type
- Wide sand
- Best for
- Surf & families
- Parking
- Large car park
Mid to high tide
Hope Cove
A sheltered harbour beach suited to calmer swims, kayaking and paddleboarding.
- Type
- Sheltered cove
- Best for
- Calmer water
- Parking
- Village parking
Any tide
Slapton Sands
A long, wild shingle beach backed by Slapton Ley, with a striking wartime history.
- Type
- Long shingle
- Best for
- Walks
- Parking
- Roadside areas
Any tide
Blackpool Sands
A sheltered, well-equipped bay near Dartmouth with clear water and easy access.
- Type
- Shingle bay
- Best for
- Easy beach days
- Parking
- On site
Any tide
South Sands, Salcombe
A sheltered estuary beach with calm water, hotels and a beach café.
- Type
- Sheltered sand
- Best for
- Swimming
- Parking
- Limited nearby
Low to mid tide
North Sands, Salcombe
A small, quieter sandy beach within walking distance of Salcombe town.
- Type
- Small sand beach
- Best for
- Short swims
- Parking
- Close but limited
Any tide
East Portlemouth
A string of quiet estuary beaches reached by passenger ferry from Salcombe.
- Type
- Estuary sands
- Best for
- Quiet swims
- Access
- Passenger ferry
Low to mid tide
Soar Mill Cove
A remote sandy cove reached by a steep valley walk, with no beach facilities.
- Type
- Remote cove
- Best for
- Quiet walks
- Access
- Steep path
Low tide
Mothecombe
A remote estuary beach with limited public access and wide sand at low tide.
- Type
- Estuary sand
- Best for
- Low tide
- Access
- Limited days
Any tide
Beesands
A low-key fishing hamlet with a long shingle beach and seafood beside the water.
- Type
- Shingle village
- Best for
- Seafood walks
- Parking
- Village edge