South Devon beaches
South Devon beaches are among some of the most spectacular – and the cleanest – in the country. With over 20 beaches to choose from, whether you wish to bathe, paddle or simply soak up the sunshine you’re sure to find your perfect spot on the sand or shingle.
Along the 22-mile stretch of the English Riviera coast there is a wide variety of beaches, from those with sandy stretches to others with hidden coves.
Beaches in Brixham
Fishcombe Cove
Just 150 yards from our holiday park, Fishcombe Cove is a dog-friendly beach with both sand and shingle. It is a quiet, peaceful cove. The tall red cliffs surrounding the cove make it safe for a swim. There are also toilets, a café and deckchair/sunbed hire available during the season.
Shoalstone Beach
This dog-friendly beach is located next to Brixham’s outdoor seawater pool. At low tide the rock pools are exposed to be explored. There is limited parking available but there are toilets, a café and deckchair/sunbed hire available during the season. Lifeguards are on duty at the pool during the summer season. Along with first aid, a lost child centre and warning flags, making this beach extremely safe.
St Mary’s Bay
This quiet sand and shingle beach is a great little escape. There is footpath access from the car park, but it has no toilets or café. Although there is no lifeguard, the beach is popular for swimming and snorkelling. It is also a great spot to search for fossils. There is a beautiful viewpoint from Sharkham Point, above the beach.
Find out moreBeaches in Torquay
Babbacombe Beach
One of the most popular South Devon beaches, Babbacombe is a mix of sand and shingle beach and is ideal for water sports fans, with sailing and fishing off the breakwater. It is a popular area for scuba-diving for both beginners and more advanced divers. It is dog friendly and there are toilets, a café and deckchair/sunbed hire available. Behind the beach is Babbacombe Downs and gardens, easily accessible via the Babbacombe Cliff Railway!
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Oddicombe Beach
Access by foot to this beach may be steep, but there is another way… Try the popular cliff railway. This beach also has a café, beach shop and toilets. If you're feeling more adventurous motorboat, pedalo and kayak hire is also available. The top of the cliffs have regressed over time, leaving some dramatic cliff geology.
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Meadfoot Beach
This is a long pebble and sand beach with plenty of parking available. It is also dog friendly at the Kilmorie end and there’s a toilet and popular café too. Agatha Christie’s mile isn’t far from this beach, where you can follow in the steps of the Queen on Crime and see where she used to swim and explore.
Find out moreBeaches in Paignton
Goodrington Sands
Welcome to a sandy beach lover’s paradise! This extremely popular beach has a long stretch of sand with close access to Splashdown Waterpark and the Seashore Centre nearby along with toilets, cafes and kiosks. There are plenty of different hire options such as paddle boards and windsurfing to keep the whole family happy.
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Paignton Beach
This beach has a long stretch of sand – ideal for long walks on a summer’s afternoon. Paignton pier sits in the middle of the beach so if you’ve had enough of sunbathing, come and have a wander around the amusement arcades and cafes. There is easy access to the promenades and to the harbour with ramps that provide easier access for the disabled. There’s plenty of amenities nearby with amusements, cafes, kiosks and toilets. Dogs are not allowed, however.
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Broadsands
This long sandy beach benefits from plenty of parking however, access to the beach is not very easy due to steps. Dogs are banned during the summer season, but it is swimming safe, there is a cafe, toilets, a beach shop and plenty of rock pools to discover next to the rocky headlands. You can also hire boats and pedaloes from here.
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