South Devon family beach days

FAMILY-FRIENDLY BEACHES IN SOUTH DEVON

Compare practical family beach options around Bigbury, Blackpool Sands and Hope Cove.

Plan the practical details

Family beach days with fewer surprises

These beaches combine toilets, food nearby, a straightforward place to park, seasonal RNLI patrols and an approach that is manageable for many families. That does not guarantee suitable sea conditions - check the tide, weather, flags and current patrol dates before anyone enters the water.

3 family beach guides

Family-friendly beaches in South Hams

Practical family beach in South Hams

Bigbury-on-Sea

The car park is close to the sand. Reaching Burgh Island on foot requires crossing open beach at low tide.

Parking: Use the large Bigbury-on-Sea car park above the beach and arrive early during summer holidays.
Access: The car park is close to the sand. Reaching Burgh Island on foot requires crossing open beach at low tide.
Toilets: Bigbury-on-Sea has public toilets near the main car park, seasonal showers, and a first-aid station during the main season.
Food nearby: The Pilchard Inn - A historic 14th-century pub on Burgh Island, reached on foot at low tide or by sea tractor at high tide.
Seasonal lifeguards: RNLI lifeguards patrol through the summer, and a café and beach shops are close to the sand.
Full beach guide: Check facilities, tide advice and current patrol dates

Practical family beach in South Hams

Blackpool Sands

Level access from the car park, though the beach itself is shingle.

Parking: Large on-site car park, with an all-day charge.
Access: Level access from the car park, though the beach itself is shingle.
Toilets: The bay is sheltered and toilets, food and hire facilities are all on site.
Food nearby: Blackpool Sands Café - A sit-down café and restaurant overlooking the bay.
Seasonal lifeguards: RNLI lifeguards patrol for a shorter summer season than at many nearby beaches, so check current dates before swimming.
Full beach guide: Check facilities, tide advice and current patrol dates

Practical family beach in South Hams

Hope Cove

The short, flat route from the car parks makes Hope Cove one of the easier South Hams beaches to access.

Parking: Use either village car park and arrive early if you want to stay close to the beach.
Access: The short, flat route from the car parks makes Hope Cove one of the easier South Hams beaches to access.
Toilets: Hope Cove has public toilets open 24 hours all year, with cafés, pubs, restaurants, and shops in the village.
Food nearby: Hope & Anchor - A large gastropub right by the beach, serving food with rooms available upstairs.
Seasonal lifeguards: RNLI lifeguards patrol Outer Hope for a short summer season only; Inner Hope is not lifeguarded.
Full beach guide: Check facilities, tide advice and current patrol dates