From colourful fishing harbours and historic streets to secluded coves and breathtaking coastal views, Devon is home to some of England’s most picturesque seaside villages. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer coastal escape, these charming destinations offer a perfect blend of character, history, natural beauty and unforgettable scenery.
With its sweeping golden sands and breathtaking views towards Burgh Island, Bigbury-on-Sea is one of Devon’s most iconic coastal destinations. Popular with families, walkers and watersports enthusiasts, the beach offers plenty of space to relax while enjoying spectacular scenery. Whether you’re paddling in the shallows, exploring rock pools or simply admiring the view across the bay, it’s a wonderful place to spend a day by the sea.
A large pay-and-display car park is located just a short walk from the beach, making Bigbury-on-Sea easy to access. At low tide, you can walk across the tidal causeway to Burgh Island, while at high tide the famous sea tractor provides a unique way to reach the island. Seasonal facilities, including cafés, toilets and beach shops, are available nearby.
Regularly recognised as one of the UK’s finest beaches, Woolacombe Beach is famous for its three miles of golden sand, rolling Atlantic waves and spectacular coastal scenery. Popular with families, surfers and walkers alike, there’s plenty of space to relax even during the busiest summer months. Backed by sand dunes and overlooked by dramatic cliffs, it’s a fantastic destination for everything from paddling and swimming to long coastal walks.
A large pay-and-display car park is located just a short walk from the beach, making Bigbury-on-Sea easy to access. At low tide, you can walk across the tidal causeway to Burgh Island, while at high tide the famous sea tractor provides a unique way to reach the island. Seasonal facilities, including cafés, toilets and beach shops, are available nearby.
Stretching for over a mile along the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, Seaton Beach is a broad shingle beach offering beautiful views across Lyme Bay. Popular with walkers, swimmers and paddleboarders, it combines a relaxed seaside atmosphere with easy access to the South West Coast Path, Seaton Wetlands and the famous Seaton Tramway, making it an excellent destination for a full day out.
A large pay-and-display car park and public parking are available close to the beach, with cafés, toilets and easy step-free access from the promenade. Seasonal dog restrictions apply to the central section of the beach between 1 May and 30 September, although dogs are welcome on designated areas and outside the summer restriction period.
Stretching for over three miles along North Devon’s coastline, Saunton Sands is one of the county’s most spectacular beaches. Backed by the UNESCO-protected Braunton Burrows dune system, it offers a vast expanse of golden sand that’s popular with surfers, walkers and families alike. Even on busy summer days, there’s usually plenty of room to spread out, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing day beside the sea.
A large pay-and-display car park overlooks the beach, with a gentle walk down to the sand. Lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer months, and facilities include a beach café, toilets and surfboard hire. Dogs are welcome year-round across much of the beach, making Saunton Sands a favourite for walkers and dog owners outside peak restrictions.
Nestled within a sheltered bay surrounded by rolling pine trees and lush green countryside, Blackpool Sands is one of South Devon’s most beautiful beaches. Although it’s made up of fine shingle rather than sand, its calm, crystal-clear waters make it a favourite for swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking. Just a short drive from Dartmouth, it’s a peaceful destination with a distinctly Mediterranean feel.
A large pay-and-display car park is located directly behind the beach, providing easy access to the shore. Facilities include toilets, a beach café, equipment hire and seasonal lifeguard patrols. Dogs are not permitted during the main summer season but are welcome during the quieter months, making Blackpool Sands an excellent choice for an off-season coastal escape.
Nestled beneath striking red sandstone cliffs on the Jurassic Coast, Sandy Bay is one of East Devon’s hidden gems. Despite its name, the beach is mainly made up of pebbles, with patches of sand revealed at low tide. Its peaceful setting, dramatic scenery and clear waters make it a wonderful spot for coastal walks, paddling and escaping the crowds found at some of Devon’s busier beaches.
Sandy Bay is accessed via a walk from nearby parking or holiday parks, including Devon Cliffs, so it’s worth allowing a little extra time to reach the beach. Facilities are limited compared with larger seaside resorts, helping to preserve its unspoilt feel. The beach is best enjoyed around low tide, when larger areas of sand are exposed and there’s more space to explore.
Ladram Bay is one of East Devon’s most iconic coastal landscapes, famous for its towering red sandstone sea stacks rising dramatically from the sea. Set along the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, the sheltered pebble beach is perfect for swimming, kayaking and exploring the coastline. Whether viewed from the beach or the surrounding clifftops, Ladram Bay is one of Devon’s most unforgettable seaside destinations.
Ladram Bay is easily reached from the nearby holiday park, with parking, cafés and facilities available on site. The beach is mainly shingle, so sturdy footwear is recommended. For the best views, take time to explore the South West Coast Path above the bay, where the dramatic cliffs and sea stacks can be appreciated from every angle.
