South East Devon beach guide
Branscombe
This is a well-maintained shingle beach at the end of a long, winding country lane. There are lots of rock pools just waiting to be explored by the family. Fishing trips are available and the beach is in a stunning setting. There is a car park close to the beach, toilets and a small picnic area. In addition there is a well-stocked shop and a thatched, licensed restaurant.
Budleigh Salterton
The main beach is a crescent of pebbles, steeply shelving towards the sea and overlooked by high red cliffs at the western edge. It is famous for its fat round muffin-shaped pebbles. Though the beach is quite steep, it offers excellent safe bathing, with the pebble steps making access easy. However, at high tide swimmers are soon out of their depth and swimming may not be safe when the sea is rough. At one end of the long beach are rock pools and on the west is the estuary of the River Otter, which is rich in wildlife. A short walk to the west is the small sheltered beach at Littleham Cove, for those wanting more sand.
Windsurfing is popular here and the beach was awarded the European Blue Flag for Beaches for 1990. Use of the far western end of the beach by nudists is traditionally accepted. Facilities available in the town but there are none on the naturist beach. There are toilets on the seafront and some cafés and shops within easy reach of the beach.
Churston Cove
The steep footpath from Churston or Fishcombe makes access particularly difficult for the disabled. Dogs are allowed on this secluded sand and shingle beach, which is a popular picnic place for yachts. There is car parking about half a mile away and the beach is safe for swimming. There are no facilities available.
Coryton Cove
This sheltered secluded beach of soft sand and shingle provides safe bathing, although it is not patrolled by lifeguards. There are lots of rock pools to the north east and on the opposite side are small secret beaches only accessible from the sea where tunnels have been dug into the cliffs.
There have been many sightings of dolphins from the beach, which is also a popular centre for water sports. There is a shop and café, toilets and good access for the disabled. Dogs are banned during the summer season. Also known as Gentleman’s Cove, Coryton Cove nestles between high red cliffs. It is ideal for families and beach hut hire is available.
Dawlish
The sandy beach is quiet and relaxing, facing the early morning sun and possibly the best beach in the area. There is easy access for the disabled and dogs are allowed in restricted areas. Within easy walking distance of the town but car parking can be difficult. This beach is safe for swimming.
Town Beach stretches for more than a mile in a secluded bay between Lea Mount and Langstone Rock. Summer temperatures often reach 30°C and boat trips are available during the summer season. A kiosk on the beach and nearby shops sell food and drink. which holds the furious winter sea back from invading the town There is a wide footpath on top of the sea wall stretching the full length of the beach to Dawlish Warren.
Dawlish Warren
This beach is smooth and sandy with dunes further inland. It is located on the west side of the Exe Estuary. The sea water is clear and the current is normally gentle. Dog restrictions apply and the beach has gained the blue flag award. Jet-skiing and other water sports are common, and equipment can be hired locally. Lifeguards patrol the beach making it an ideal family venue.
A nature reserve is situated close to the beach and there is reasonable disabled access. There are amusements, cafés, shops, parking and other facilities nearby.
Exmouth
There are two miles of flat, golden sand and many fascinating rock pools for the family to explore. Some stretches are dangerous for swimming and the advice on the signs should always be followed. There is car parking and an excellent range of amenities close by. During the summer there are donkey rides, Punch and Judy shows and other amusements. The main centre part of the beach is dog free during the summer season but dogs are allowed on both ends of the beach during the whole year. Water sports are popular here.
Near to the beach are some public gardens and parks. Another beach, Sandy Bay, lies around a small headland. This is a sandy beach with easy disabled access.
Mothecombe
This is a rocky shore with plenty of fine sand, especially at low tide. Access for the disabled is difficult as the winding pathway is a walk of around fifteen minutes from the car park. Dogs are allowed in restricted areas. There is a beach shop and café with other facilities Toilets and kiosk are at the car park.
Mothecombe Beach lies at the mouth of the River Erme. There is safe, sheltered bathing in shallow water here. The beach is part of the privately owned Flete Estate and is only open to the public on Wednesdays and weekends. It is a sheltered beach with fine sand. On either side are rocks for climbing and exploring.
Seaton
This is a mile long beach of shingle and sand with moderate access for the disabled. Dogs are allowed in restricted areas. The wide, south facing, gently sloping beach is a popular place for water sports, including scuba diving, fishing and yachting. A wide esplanade runs most of the length of the beach making walking easy and offering good views.
Although the beach shelves in places, the bathing is generally good. It is ideal for children, with sand at low tide and plenty of rock pools to explore.
Shaldon
A mix of shingle and sand, this beach shelves gently and is popular with families. There are shops and cafés nearby. Shaldon Beach is adjacent to the red cliffs that shelter the village and is accessed through a small tunnel, called the smugglers’ tunnel. There are striking views of Teignmouth and the Teign Estuary and there is a ferry service between Shaldon and Teignmouth. Seals are occasionally seen from here.
Sidmouth
The beaches are pebble and sand with a wide esplanade. All amenities are within easy reach and there is good on street parking or in pay and display car parks. Jacob’s Ladder is a sheltered sand and pebble beach, facing south. Town Beach and Weston Mouth are also south facing. Town Beach is sand and shingle with moderately easy disabled access. Dogs are allowed in restricted areas.
Soar Mill Cove
There are no facilities in this beautiful, isolated cove, which can be reached by parking at Bolberry Down and walking along the coastal path. Some parts are quite steep and there is no disabled access. The magnificent views and a wonderful sandy cove are worth the effort. The small sandy beach has safe bathing
South Sands
On the Western side of the Salcombe Estuary, South Sands is a sheltered, beach with fine sands. The beach has a shop, café and local pub, but only limited parking. There is water sports equipment available for hire. No dogs are allowed on South Sands. Access to the beach is good and bathing is safe. A ferry is available across the estuary to Salcombe. The beach has been awarded a Rural Beach Award.
South Sands enjoys the benefit of fine golden sand Car parking is limited but can be reached by ferry from Salcombe or by walking from the town. Excellent safe bathing. Facilities include beach shop, cafe, and bar.
Strete Gate
There is a pay and display car park on the edge of the beach. Pets are allowed on the wide expanse of gravel beach. The northern end of the beach is commonly used by nudists in the summer.
Teignmouth
The long sand and shingle beach stretches from the mouth of the River Teign towards Dawlish and is dominated by the grand Victorian Pier. There are lots of amusements available and tours can be taken on pleasure craft, around the bay or up the River Teign. There is easy access for the disabled and dogs are allowed in restricted areas. Dolphins can sometimes be seen from the shore.