Devon’s Best Beaches: A Coastal Guide for Families, Dog Walkers & Nature Lovers

With its dramatic cliffs, soft sands, and charming seaside villages, Devon is a coastal dream come true. Whether you’re after a family-friendly haven, a dog walker’s paradise, or a hidden gem perfect for a peaceful paddle, Devon’s shores offer something for everyone. Here’s our guide to some of the best beaches the county has to offer.

1. Woolacombe Beach (North Devon)

Best for: Families, surfers, long walks
Dog friendly: Yes – dogs allowed year-round (with some zoned restrictions in summer)
Facilities: Toilets, cafés, lifeguards (seasonal), surf hire, parking

One of the most iconic beaches in the UK, Woolacombe is a vast expanse of golden sand stretching for over three miles. It’s popular with families thanks to the safe swimming conditions and rock pools, and with surfers due to its reliable waves. There’s ample parking, good access, and plenty of spots to grab an ice cream or a hot cuppa. Dogs are welcome, though some areas are restricted in peak season.

Beauty Spot: Baggy Point nearby offers a stunning coastal walk with panoramic sea views.

2. Blackpool Sands (South Devon)

Best for: Families, swimming, scenic beauty
Dog friendly: No dogs allowed 1st April – 30th September
Facilities: Toilets, showers, café, shop, kayak hire, parking

Don’t be misled by the name – Blackpool Sands is a beautifully clean, crescent-shaped beach nestled in a sheltered bay near Dartmouth. Its shingle shore and clear, turquoise waters make it ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. It’s privately managed, so facilities are excellent. The beach is best suited for families, though note that dogs are not permitted in the summer months.

Beauty Spot: The drive down through the South Hams countryside is almost as beautiful as the beach itself.

3. Saunton Sands (North Devon)

Best for: Dog walkers, surfers, peace and quiet
Dog friendly: Yes – dogs welcome all year round
Facilities: Toilets, café, shop, surf school, parking

Saunton Sands is a quieter alternative to Woolacombe, but equally stunning. It’s famed for its three miles of flat, golden sand backed by the UNESCO-protected Braunton Burrows dune system. With no seasonal dog restrictions, it’s a favourite for dog owners. The gentle slope into the sea makes it good for beginner surfers and families who prefer less crowded spots.

Beauty Spot: Don’t miss the view from the cliffs above – especially at sunset.

4. Bantham Beach (South Devon)

Best for: Families, surfers, photographers
Dog friendly: Dogs not allowed 1st May – 30th September
Facilities: Toilets, food vans (seasonal), surf hire, lifeguards (seasonal), parking

A gem of the South Devon coast, Bantham offers soft sands, shallow waters, and brilliant views of Burgh Island. It’s ideal for beach games, sandcastle building, and beginner surfers. While dogs are restricted during the summer, the beach has plenty of space and a relaxed vibe that makes it popular with locals and visitors alike.

Beauty Spot: Take the coastal path over to Bigbury-on-Sea for jaw-dropping views of the island.

5. Beer Beach (East Devon)

Best for: Couples, fishing, walking
Dog friendly: Yes – dogs allowed on parts of the beach
Facilities: Toilets, cafés, boat hire, parking

Nestled in a picturesque fishing village, Beer Beach is a peaceful, pebbled cove backed by white chalk cliffs. It’s less commercial than some of Devon’s larger beaches, offering a more tranquil experience. You can hire a boat, take a fishing trip, or simply enjoy some fresh seafood from the beachside huts.

Beauty Spot: The South West Coast Path to Branscombe offers breathtaking coastal views and hidden coves.

6. Hope Cove (South Devon)

Best for: Families, peace and quiet, coastal charm
Dog friendly: Yes – all year
Facilities: Toilets, cafés, pub, small parking area

This picturesque twin cove offers a sheltered, sandy beach perfect for little ones to paddle and play. It has a nostalgic feel, with colourful fishing boats and a lovely seaside pub nearby. While small, it’s a hidden gem and a great base for exploring the surrounding South Hams.

Beauty Spot: Walk along the cliff path toward Thurlestone for a postcard-perfect view.

Final Thoughts

Devon’s coastline is as varied as it is beautiful – from wide sandy bays to hidden coves and dramatic cliffs. Whether you’re packing buckets and spades, surfboards, or walking boots (and leads), there’s a beach here for every kind of coastal adventure.

Top Tip: Always check tide times and local rules (particularly for dogs) before you go – and leave only footprints behind.