Devon's best beaches
Babbacombe Bay
Situated on the north eastern fringe of Torquay, Babbacombe beach is an unspoilt cove with a wealth of character. It sits beneath the steep cliffs of Babbacombe Downs, which boasts the highest promenade in England, with spectacular views. Initially the domain of fisherman and smugglers, the beach is now popular with divers, watersports enthusiasts and families. Other attractions include the model village, coastal pathway and the cliff railway. Dogs are allowed on the beach.
Sidmouth
An unusually attractive seaside resort with many Regency buildings, and a quiet residential character, Sidmouth retains the elegance of a bygone age. The stylish hotels, seafront gardens and promenade make exploring Sidmouth a joy and there are numerous shops and cafés that you can enjoy. The mile-long bay also boasts a large beach. Although it’s mainly composed of pebbles, the western edge, which is called Jacob’s Ladder Beach, (after a series of wooden steps that lead up to a viewing point) is sandy and backed by steep, red cliffs. This section is best reached by climbing down from Connaught Gardens, or by a level pathway from the main beach.
Hope Cove
A sheltered, sandy beach in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Hope Cove is understandably popular with families. The village is worthy of any picture postcard, with pretty thatched houses, a café, shop and pub and also its own independent lifeboat. Sheltered by the headland of Bolt Tail, the rocky cliffs and the harbour wall, it’s a wonderful place to go rock-pooling, build sandcastles or simply relax in the sun. The Sun Bay Inn makes a lovely retreat.
Slapton Sands
Two miles of glorious shingle in front of a row of picturesque cottages, Slapton Sands is a popular beach which has a terrible story. The beach was taken over by the Allied Forces as a rehearsal area for the D-Day Landings but in April 1944, during Exercise Tiger, 946 American servicemen were killed. Live ammunition and poor visibility caused deaths under friendly fire, and German E Boats attacked an Allied Convoy. At the time it was hushed up, but now a Sherman Tank recovered from the disaster sits as a memorial. Slapton Sands itself is patrolled by lifeguards and has calm sea, with watersports on offer. Dogs are welcome all year.
Ilfracombe – The Tunnels
It always has attracted a fair few coach parties, but Ilfracombe’s beach was looking a bit tired until a young couple decided to restore its four Victorian hand carved tunnels which run through the cliffs to privately owned beaches. The Tunnels Beaches have always attracted an admission fee (adult £2.25, child £1.75, family of four £7.50) which buys you access to rockpooling so good that BBC Wildlife Magazine judged it the third best rockpooling destination in Britain. There’s a safe tidal swimming pool as well, and plenty of hilarious historical detail on display. Learn about Victorian beach etiquette on your way to scramble among the rocks.
Saunton Sands
An absolutely massive beach that’s backed by dunes and next to the nature reserve of Braunton Burrows, so it’s hard to see where it begins and ends, though its flatter sandy area is three miles long. There’s a shop and toilet at one end of the beach, and plenty of space to get away from the crowds if you walk a short way from here. The Sands Café serves up posh nosh, and also five minutes down the road is The Riverside at Braunton where you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere and good local seafood.
Woolacombe Sands
This is deservedly one of Devon’s most popular beaches, especially with families. The golden sands, which stretch three miles between Morte Point and Baggy Point, are backed by voluminous, ever-changing dunes. Catch the beach at low tide and you’ll never want to leave, with acres of sand just waiting to be explored. Within a sheltered mini-bay between Woolacombe Sands at one end and Putsborough Sands at the other, lies Barricane Beach, named after the finely crushed shells that make up its sand and have amazingly been washed here from the Caribbean.
Our Recommended Campsites in Devon |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Recent Updates
Our family camping checklist: everything you need to pack
Sure, you’ve packed the tent and the sleeping bags – but what about slip-on shoes and glow sticks? These are the family camping essentials that you ...
Our guide to planning the perfect camping road trip
Roll down the window, pop on those shades and crank up the volume – it’s time for a road trip. Get ready for ...
Camping in Europe: our 12 top tips
If you’ve not camped in Europe before, there’s a few tips and tricks you’ll need to avoid some continental ...
Solar power for camping: all you need to know
Staying connected in the great outdoors is easier than ever with a solar charger – or is it? How reliable are ...
Wild camping kit list: everything you need for your next adventure
Make sure you’re ready for anything with this list of lightweight camping gear and clothing, including ...
Camping furniture: all you need to know to make your tent a cosy haven
We delve into the essentials of camping chairs, camping tables, and kitchen and bedroom furniture, ensuring ...
Camping lights for tents: What you need to know
We will guide you through all the lighting options available for you and your tent, including interior ...
Camping kitchen: all you need to know
In the great outdoors, a well-equipped camping kitchen transforms mealtime into a delightful adventure ...
How to pack away your camping gear for winter
A complete guide to packing and storing your gear at the end of the season ...
Camping guide to trailers
Trailer stash or trailer trash? Being able to carry lots of other gear when you go camping isn’t such a bad ...
Other Articles
Winter camping: all you need to know to keep warm
Winter doesn’t have to mean the end of the camping season. With good preparation and the right gear, there’s no reason why you can’t camp all year ...
Camping toilets: a complete guide
If you are wild camping, camping off-grid or the campsite you book onto doesn’t have toilet facilities, you ...
Top tips for camping in windy weather
How to make sure your tent stands up to gusty conditions ...
Camping tents: a complete guide
If you're considering buying a camping tent, whether it's your first time or you're a seasoned camper, making ...
Camping sleeping bags and beds: a complete guide
When it comes to camping, there's one essential item that can make or break your outdoor adventure: the ...
Camping gas: how to use gas on the campsite
A complete guide to using camping gas appliances safely on the campsite, from choosing the right stove to ...
Camping storage: a complete guide
Having problems knowing where to put all your gear when you're camping? Read our top tips and see some great ...
Camping electric hook-up: a complete guide
This is everything you need to know about using electricity on a campsite, including how to hook up ...
How to pack all your camping gear into your car
Planning a family camping holiday? Find out the best way to fit all the kit you need into your car boot, roof ...
Camping stoves and cookers: the complete guide
Camping stoves are an essential part of any outdoor adventure, allowing you to prepare meals and hot drinks ...