Top 5 South Devon Beaches: Sun, Sea and Sand

Blackpool Sands, Stoke Fleming

When you think of holidays in South Devon, we bet that golden beaches and sparkling water instantly come to mind. Perhaps clifftop walks to secret smugglers hideouts, kayaking to a hidden cove, or a day hitting the surf in a wetsuit? Of course, it’s often easier said than done finding the incredible beaches that you see on Instagram or splashed across magazine spreads. Exactly where ARE these idyllic spots, these unspoilt sands, these spectacular vistas?!

Fortunately, we’ve done all the hard work for you. We’ve built the sandcastles, we’ve swum through the waves, we’ve rented the surfboards, we’ve hiked the cliff paths and we’ve popped open a bottle of something cold and fizzy (it was tough, but someone had to do it…!) - and all to make sure that our guests at Studio Cottage find EXACTLY the beach they’ve been dreaming of this summer…

In a series of posts, we’ll explore the best beaches for sun, sea and sand, the best hidden coves and secret spots, the best beaches for watersports, the best beaches for wild swimming and the best dog-friendly beaches that South Devon has to offer.

So without further ado: Part 1: Sun, Sea and Sand…

1. Blackpool Sands

We always say that the best beach is the beach right on your doorstep, and we’re so lucky that one of South Devon’s very best beaches is right on ours!

Just a 15 minute walk away from Studio Cottage is Blackpool Sands, an unspoilt cove of golden shingle. It’s Blue Ribbon status means it’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding, and the superb facilities at the Venus Beach Cafe make Blackpool Sands the kind of beach you can really make a day of.

The beach might not be the fine sand you find further round the coast, but the shingle (not quite sand - more like very, very tiny pebbles!) means no sandy shoes or cars or sandwiches - which, in our book, is an unexpected win. For younger members of the family, there’s a sandy area that means any urges to build sandcastles can be easily satisfied!

There is plentiful parking here - though charges apply in peak season. Fortunately for guests at Studio Cottage, the beach is so close by there’s no need to bring the car! Our favourite time of day to wander down to Blackpool Sands in first thing in the morning or as the sun dips below the cliffs in the late afternoon: that’s when the beach belongs only to the village, and more often than not, you might find you have it entirely to yourself.

There are also some wonderful walks between the village of Stoke Fleming and Blackpool Sands, and for a rambler up for a challenge, there’s a steep but rewarding hike along the South West Coast Path towards the village of Strete.

Best for: Location - Facilities - Swimming - Watersports - Parking - Dogs (September-May only)

2. South Milton Sands

So you like a beach, eh? The kind with golden sand and turquoise sea? The kind that’s big on sandcastles for the kids, and has a great cafe-bar-restaurant? That kind of beach? Well, look no further than South Milton Sands, cos it just checked all your boxes.

South Milton Sands is all kinds of classic: it’s long stretch of unspoilt golden sand, calm waters and glorious views towards the iconic natural arch of Thurlestone Rock make it an instant favourite with almost everyone who visits.

It has excellent facilities, notably the fabulous Beach House Cafe which is cool, classy and relaxed. Ideal for brunch or lunch - or even a glass of wine as the sun goes down (top tip: book ahead in peak season!). For the more adventurous, it’s a great spot to try paddle-boarding or kayaking (watersport equipment available to hire).

There’s excellent parking (free for National Trust Members) and welcomes well-behaved dogs all year round.

Best for: Sandy shores - Dog-friendly - Facilities - Swimming - Watersports - Parking

3. Bantham Beach

Bantham Beach is South Devon’s answer to the California coast. It’s the area’s best surfing beach, and has gorgeous golden sands, clockwork waves and stunning views of Burgh Island.

From beginner boarders to experienced surfers, this is the place to catch a wave. There are wetsuits and boards available to hire, and surf lessons for those who want to learn the basics or sharpen their skills. The nature of Bantham’s topography means that there are both gentle waves on the beach itself for beginners, as well as more challenging surf at the mouth of the river Avon.

It’s not only the surf crowd that flock to this beach, though: the gorgeous setting and perfect waters make it ideal for everyone, with shallow waters, safe swimming and excellent opportunities for a sandcastle competition. When the tide is out, there are also brilliant rockpools to explore.

Parking is plentiful (again, free for National Trust members), and there’s even a pub a short walk away. Heaven.

Best for: Sandy shores - Facilities - Swimming - Watersports - Parking

4. Bigbury-on-Sea

Just along the coast from Bantham is the glorious Bigbury-on-Sea. It’s yet another idyllic sandy spot, but the real draw here is the famous Burgh Island with it’s Art Deco hotel which inspired Agatha Christie’s “Evil Under The Sun” and “And Then There Were None”.

Burgh island is cut off from the mainland each high tide, when can be reached by possibly the most eccentric mode of transport in the UK - the Burgh Island Sea Tractor! At low tide, a dramatic sweep of sand is revealed and it’s a short walk across to the iconic hotel made famous by guests including Noel Coward, Agatha Christie, Winston Churchill and The Beatles. Whilst the hotel is not open to non-residents, there are some lovely walking trails around the island, and the fabulous 13th Century Tavern - The Pilchard Inn.

Back on the beach, the safe and shallow waters mean there’s plenty to entertain the whole family - and for the thrillseekers, it’s the top spot in the area to try windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Parking facilities are reasonable, but due to the beach’s popularity, it’s a good idea to set out early in peak season. There’s another branch of the brilliant Venus Beach Cafe here, too, and the beach is dog-friendly all year round - though in the summer months dogs are limited to particular areas of the beach.

Best for: Sandy shores - Facilities - Swimming - Watersports - Dogs - Grand day out

5. East Portlemouth Beach: Mill Bay, Fisherman’s Cove and Small’s Cove

The lovely secluded shores of the beach at East Portlemouth are in fact made up of three connected coves - Mill Bay, Fisherman’s Cove and Small’s Cove - making sure you’re certain to find a quiet spot to while away an afternoon. With white sand and sparkling water, it’s no wonder this is one of South Devon’s favourite spots for families.

The facilities here are excellent - though the drive takes in some very narrow lanes! There’s parking (including a National Trust car park, free for members), another branch of the brilliant Venus Beach Cafe, and excellent disabled access to the beach itself. One of the most popular ways of reaching the beach is via the direct ferry connection from the bustling seaside town of Salcombe. The ferry runs every day of the year (from the Jubilee Ferry Pier in the summer months, and the Whitestrand Pontoon in the winter).

East Portlemouth is also right on the South West Coast Path, meaning that there are some fantastic, dramatic walks to keep any hikers happy. There really is something for everyone at this wonderful sunny spot (even the canine members of the family, as the beach is dog-friendly year round) - and being just a stone’s throw from Salcombe, it’s really worth making a day of it.

Best for: Sandy shores - Facilities - Dogs - Walking - Grand day out

Wherever you choose to soak up the sun, sea and sand, we know it’s going to be a perfect choice!

Happy holidays!

Studio Cottage x