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Visitors walking along the pebble beach at Peppercombe, Devon
Visitors walking along the pebble beach at Peppercombe, Devon | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

Coast and beaches in Devon

The beaches and coast along the rugged Devon landscape are ideal for a day out with the family. Take a coastal walk in the fresh air or enjoy games on the beach.

Beaches in north Devon and Exmoor

Surfer at Woolacombe on a cloudy day
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The beach at Woolacombe 

Perhaps the best known of North Devon’s beaches, Woolacombe has flat golden sands and is a haven for surfing and body boarding.

Two small children and an adult looking out to sea from the beach at Bideford Bay and Hartland
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Peppercombe beach 

Wander down the lovely Peppercombe Valley and you will come upon Peppercombe beach. The beach is rocky but with sand at low tide and 280-million-year-old striking red sandstone cliffs.

Shipload Bay at East Titchberry, North Devon
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Welcombe Mouth beach 

A secret beach that is worth exploring. Waterfalls and rock pools are waiting to be explored amongst the dramatic geological rock formations.

Hartland nr Bideford, Devon

Fully open today
A child explores the rocky paths with adults in the background around Baggy Point, Devon
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Baggy Point 

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

Visitors walking at Heddon Valley, Devon
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The beach at Heddon's Mouth 

A hidden gem where the huge cliffs of Exmoor plunge into the sea. This pebbled cove is reached by a gentle one mile walk along the tranquil Heddon Valley. Image Override

Sweeping view of Bossington and Porlock
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The beach at Bossington 

The pebble beach at this peaceful coastal hamlet on Exmoor is a great place to spot coastal birds such as curlews, shelducks and little egrets making the most of tidal pools.

Somerset

Fully open today

Beaches in south Devon

Explore all the best beaches in south Devon including quieter spots and hidden coves.

East Soar, South Devon
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Soar Mill Cove 

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.

near Malborough, Devon

Fully open today
Boy jumping the waves in spring at Wembury beach, Devon
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Scabbacombe Beach and Man Sands 

Explore peaceful dog-friendly beaches that are worth the walk to reach. Popular for swimming and surfing, as well as rock pooling at low tide.

Visitors at Wembury Beach, Devon
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The beach at Wembury 

From water sports on the beach to rock-pooling with the family, discover the adventures to be had when you visit Wembury and the surrounding areas.

East Soar, South Devon
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Ayrmer Cove 

Explore this 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.

near Malborough, Devon

Fully open today
view of a deserted pebbly beach on a wintery sunny day with he sun reflecting off the sea
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The beach at Branscombe 

Fantastic for a family day out, the shingle beach at Branscombe is part of the famous Jurassic Coast. See what hidden creatures you can discover in the rock pools.

View of the sandy beach at Mill Bay, taken from a low, grassy cliff. Bright blue water with rocks beyond the beach and land with trees on the other side of the estuary in the distance.
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Mill Bay, Sunny Cove and Seacombe Sands 

Visit sandy retreats and quiet coves away from the South Hams’ busier beaches. They’re perfect for resting awhile when walking the coast path, or spending the day discovering rockpools at low tide.

Child with a net explores rockpools at South Milton Sands, Devon
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Hope Cove 

From Bolt Tail, wander down the coast path until you pass through the narrow woods and you’ll find yourself standing on the sandy Hope Cove.

Coast in Devon

Explore the rugged coastline of Devon and explore the South West Coast Path during your visit.

East Soar, South Devon
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Soar Mill Cove 

With a variety of walks and views, East Soar has plenty to see. Discover seascapes, secret coves and rugged clifftop walks along the way. You could even try out some outdoor activities.

Walking the South West Coast Path at East Soar, South Devon
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Sidmouth coast and countryside 

With gentle countryside walks and coastal hikes to follow, flora and fauna to spot, and places to run, the Sidmouth countryside has plenty on offer year-round.

Walkers on the coastal path at Little Dartmouth, Devon
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Little Dartmouth and Gallants Bower 

Discover the ruins of an English Civil War fort at Gallants Bower, Little Dartmouth, or enjoy a gentle walk through Crownley Woods. Enjoy views for miles and historic monuments along the way.

A view of the southern end of Lundy Island taken from the approaching ferry in the Bristol Channel, Devon
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Lundy Island 

Explore an unspoilt island, home to a wide array of wildlife amidst dramatic scenery. Stroll through the village, explore a historic landscape and discover a disused lighthouse.

A view of the Geoneedle with the sea and sky behind at Orcombe Point, Exmouth, East Devon
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Orcombe Point 

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

A view across Mortehoe with a stone wall in the foreground, Devon
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The coast at Mortehoe 

A gateway to a wild, remote coast with a rich history of wrecking and smuggling. Amazing walking, wildlife and sunbathing seals.

Mortehoe, Devon

Fully open today
A view of the rugged coastline at Froward Point, Devon
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The coast at Brownstone and Coleton Camp 

A stretch of coast east of the Dart Estuary. The South West Coast Path runs along the rugged cliffs and into coves. There's an all-ability trail from Brownstone car park for 1 mile.

Devon

Fully open today
Dog overlooking the bay at Sunset at Woolacombe, Devon
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South West Coast Path: creating a year-round economic asset in Devon 

Thanks to funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, places in Devon have started improvements to help make the South West Coast Path a year-round experience. Find out where has benefited.

All coast and beaches in Devon

    The South Front and lawn at Knightshayes on a sunny day

    Discover more in Devon

    Journey from wild coasts, moorland and curious historic houses to lush gardens and beaches in Devon.