Top 5 beaches in the south hams

Blackpool Sands

It’s easy to see why people might think the photos of Blackpool Sands are of some where exotic and even tropic. Set against the stunning South Hams rolling countryside abundant with pines this beach is picture perfect. The beach itself is something of a misnomer as the sand is in reality mostly a coarse shingle but fine to relax on regardless.

A great place for children to have fun build and digging and even better for water sports enthusiasts where you can try kayaking or paddle boarding.

Type of beach - Sand & shingle

Lifeguard service - Yes (seasonal)

Dogs friendly beach? End of November to Easter only.

Available activities - Kayaking/canoeing/diving/snorkelling swimming/bathing

Facilities - Toilets, showers and disabled facilities. Parking (c.£10 per day).

Cafe - this can be very busy during peak times.

Nearest town - Dartmouth Post Code - TQ6 0RG

Note: Those with young children might like to know that the beach shelves quite steeply if you go into the sea, and the waves can be very powerful here. On sunny days, there is often no shade at this beach.

Bigbury-on-Sea

A stunning beach that provides a day of enjoyment for all. Set between Bigbury-on-Sea and the famous Burgh Island this beach is vast enough for sun bathing through to beach cricket and more.

At Bigbury-on-Sea during high tide you’ll spot the famous sea tractor taking guests to and from Burgh Island where you’ll find a 13th Century Inn and Luxury Art Deco Hotel that has hosted many famous names including world renowned Author - Agatha Christie who wrote some of her best work on the island.

Type of beach - Sandy

Lifeguard service - Yes (seasonal)

Facilities - Toilets, pub, shop and takeaway

Dogs friendly beach? All year round (Left of the short slipway before the main car park only).

Available activities - Kayaking/canoeing/swimming and surfing

Facilities - Shop/Cafe - this can be very busy during peak times.

Nearest town - Kingsbridge Post Code - TQ7 4AS

bantham beach

Considered such an important part of the British coastline that the National Trust even tried to buy it following a major fundraising appeal in 2014. The beach was instead purchased by a private individual who now owns the beach and village but keeps open access for all.

Bantham Beach is an important part of the South Hams Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Type of beach - Sandy

Lifeguard service - Yes (seasonal)

Dogs friendly beach? Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 1st May and 30th September (they are allowed on the Estuary all year though)

Available activities - Swimming and Surfing

Facilities - Pub nearby and occasionally there is a gourmet takeaway van onsite.

Nearest town - Kingsbridge Post Code - TQ7 3AN

challaborough bay

Challaborough Bay is a sheltered horseshoe cove with a fine sandy beach and rugged cliffs in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The beach is perfect for budding sand castle architects and at low tide rock pools are exposed giving kids and adults alike the chance to get close to the special marine life that lives around the shore.

The beach experiences good swells and shore breaks making for great surfing conditions, created by a combination of the beach’s shape and sand banks, making it popular with surfers and body boarders. Throughout the day beginners and pros can all be seen floating close by waiting for the perfect wave.

Type of beach - Sandy

Lifeguard service - Yes (seasonal)

Dogs friendly beach? Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 1st May and 30th September (they are allowed on the Estuary all year though)

Available activities - Swimming, Surfing, Body Boarding and rock pooling.

Facilities - Toilets, pub, shop and takeaway

Nearest town - Kingsbridge Post Code - TQ7 4HU

Hope cove

Hope Cove consists of two beautiful sandy bays, ‘Inner and Outer Hope’. As the name suggests Inner Hope is more sheltered and is actually home to a small quintessential Devon harbour tucked away behind the rocks.
The twin beaches back onto the charming village which has plenty of facilities making this a popular family beach.

This popular South Hams village lies in the shelter of Bolt Tail, within the wide arc of Bigbury Bay.
Both beaches are sandy and backed by the red sandstone cliffs familiar to this part of Devon.The northernmost, smaller of Hope Cove’s two beaches is also known as Mouthwell Sands.

Hope Cove is full of beauty and history alike. Ensure to have you camera at the ready as the cove makes for some stunning pictures especially during sun set.

Type of beach - Sandy/Rocky

Lifeguard service - Yes (seasonal)

Dogs friendly beach? Dogs are allowed on the bigger village beach all year but must be kept on leads. There is a seasonal dog ban during the day on the other beach (Mouthwell) (May to Sept)

Available activities - Swimming, Surfing, Body Boarding, Sailing, Windsurfing and Rockpooling

Facilities - Toilets, pub, restaurants and shop in the village

Nearest town - Salcombe Post Code - TQ7 3HW