Before you set off
Today's snapshot
Bantham is best surfed and swum two to three hours either side of low tide. At high tide the beach narrows considerably and the current at the river mouth picks up.
Plan your visit
Getting there
Bantham Beach car park is a short walk from the sand. It's pay and display and fills early on sunny weekends and through the summer holidays.
- Parking: Use the main Bantham Beach car park and arrive before 10am on busy summer days.
- Dog rules: Main beach: dogs not allowed 1 May - 30 September (Bantham Estate private management). Estuary/River Beach section north of Hams End is open to dogs year-round and is clearly signed from the car park entrance.
- Accessibility: Access is over sand and can be uneven near the dunes, but the walk from the car park is reasonably short.
Get in the water
Hire & lessons
In smaller surf from low to mid tide, Bantham offers friendlier broken waves for beginners who book a lesson.
Discovery Surf School
Lessons directly on Bantham beach, with board and wetsuit included.
Bantham Surfing Academy
A long-established local school offering group and private lessons.
Triocean Surf
Board and wetsuit hire, repairs and surf gear nearby in Churchstow.
After the beach
Eat, drink & stay
Bantham has a village pub within walking distance, with more options a short drive away.
The Sloop Inn
A traditional pub in Bantham serving Sunday roasts and fresh fish. Check kitchen times before you go.
Outside
A nearby café serving coffee and brunch, with a skate bowl on site.
Hope & Anchor
A family and dog-friendly gastropub with rooms and sea views in Hope Cove.
Local perspective
Local notes
I've been coming to Bantham for years and it's still one of my favourite spots on this stretch of coast. The river mouth gives it a different character to the beaches either side - watch the current where the Avon meets the sea, as it's stronger than it looks, especially when the tide turns.
If you're taking kids or are newer to surfing, get there on a dropping tide rather than a rising one. You'll have more sand to work with and the whitewater is friendlier. The car park fills fast in summer, so arriving before 10am can save you a walk from the overflow field.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is Bantham beach dog friendly?
Main beach: dogs not allowed 1 May - 30 September (Bantham Estate private management). Estuary/River Beach section north of Hams End is open to dogs year-round and is clearly signed from the car park entrance.
What's the best tide for Bantham?
Low to mid tide is best for surfing and gives you the most usable beach. At high tide the sand narrows and the river current is stronger.
Is Bantham good for beginner surfers?
In smaller surf from low to mid tide, Bantham's broken waves can give beginners room to practise. Book a lesson and stay well away from the stronger current at the River Avon mouth.
Is it safe to swim at Bantham today?
Check the Environment Agency Swimfo profile and Safer Seas & Rivers Service before swimming for the latest water-quality information.
Can you hire surfboards at Bantham?
Yes. Discovery Surf School operates on the beach, while Triocean Surf in nearby Churchstow offers board and wetsuit hire.
Is Bantham beach pram or buggy friendly?
Only partly. The walk from the car park is reasonably short, but access is over sand and can be uneven near the dunes, so a pram is hard work once you leave the path.
What facilities are available at Bantham?
Bantham has public toilets, including accessible facilities, near the beach end of the large car park. RNLI lifeguards patrol through the main summer season, and seasonal refreshments are available near the car park, with a pub and shop in the village.
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