Beaches and coast in Devon

A hidden gem at the end of the Heddon Valley, where the huge cliffs of Exmoor plunge into the sea, Heddon’s Mouth beach is a perfect place for skimming stones. This pebbled cove is reached by a gentle one mile walk along the tranquil Heddon Valley.

Perhaps the best known of North Devon’s beaches, Woolacombe rightly deserves its popularity. Flat golden sands stretch out along sand dunes and the beach is still accessible at high tide. Woolacombe is a haven for surfing and body boarding, plus plenty of rock pools to explore.

A well-kept secret on the Hartland coast, wander down the lovely Peppercombe Valley and you will come upon Peppercombe beach. Rocky but with sand at low tide, Peppercombe is the perfect spot for a mid-walk picnic. Look along the beach and you will see the 280-million-year-old striking red sandstone cliffs, the only ones in the region.

Baggy Point overlooks Croyde, one of the best surfing beaches in North Devon. It has stunning coastal views, great walks along the South West Coast Path and opportunities to climb, surf and coasteer.

A secret beach that is worth exploring Bideford Bay and Hartland to reach, Welcombe Mouth has more to offer than first meets the eye. Hop over the stepping stones and walk down to the beach where sand stretches out from the rocks after mid tide. Waterfalls and rock pools are waiting to be explored amongst the dramatic geological rock formations.

Fantastic for a family day out, the shingle beach at Branscombe is part of the famous Jurassic Coast. Enjoy a dip in the water, see how far you can skim a stone, or see what hidden creatures you can discover in the rock pools.

Best known as one end of the Jurassic coastline, Orcombe Point sits high above Exmouth beach with spectacular ocean views and well used footpaths.

If you're looking for a quiet beach away from the busyness of nearby Paignton and Torquay, why not check out Scabbacome or Man Sands beaches? Tucked away off of the South West Coast Path near Coleton Fishacre, these beaches are secluded, dog friendly and perfect for exploring.

Little Dartmouth's coast path loops around Compass Valley, then descends seawards, bearing right at the bottom and over a stile; a detour, right, takes you down to the cove, where you can find historical links to the Channel Islands.

Ayrmer Cove is a hidden gem only accessible by foot or by boat. Park at Ringmore carpark and follow a gentle 1 mile walk along farmland with impressive views of Bigbury and Burgh Island (made famous by Agatha Christie's 'Then there were none'). This linear route finishes just above Ayrmer Cove and offers a well-placed bench to stop and rest.

A small sandy cove that can only be reached on foot or by boat, Soar Mill Cove is best visited at low tide, when there is plenty of beach, and rocks to climb and explore. If you're lucky, you might spot seals fishing.

This popular beach - a long sweep of golden sand and rockpools - edges a sheltered bay of crystal clear waters and looks out over the iconic Thurlestone Rock archway. A popular place for dog walkers, this beach offers fun-filled days and quiet sunset strolls, with watersports and refreshments on hand, too.

Walk on from Noss Mayo and explore the small, sandy beaches and the cove of Cellar Beach, once used by farmers using fishing as a sideline business.