Devon

South Milton Sands

A long sweep of golden sand and rock pools, with crystal-clear waters and iconic rock archway

Thurlestone, near Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 3JY

Opening times
See on map

The golden sandy beach at South Milton Sands, South Devon, with buildings and grassy headland in the distance, and blue sky with white clouds above

Café
The Beachhouse Café is a simple seafood and takeaway café. For up-to-date opening hours, please call 01548 561144. Please note that the café is owned but not managed by the National Trust.
Car park
There are pay & scan machines in the car park. National Trust members park free (please scan your membership card and display the ticket). There is a charge for non-members of £6 from 1 Feb-3 Nov (£3 after 4pm) and £3 from 4 Nov-31 Jan. Please note, the machine only accepts coins. You can also use PayByPhone via the app using the location code 803383.
Cycle parking
Cycle parking is located opposite The Beachhouse Cafe .
Dogs allowed
Dogs are welcome all year round. However, please keep dogs under close control at all times and take dog waste away with you.
Toilet
Please note that the toilet block are owned and maintained by South Hams District Council.
Disabled parking spaces. Boardwalk ramps over dunes. Toilets but not accessible.
Click here to access the full Accessibility Guide for South Milton Sands - AccessAble.co.uk.
Designated parking
Car park for Blue Badge holders opposite The Beachhouse Café and in main car park. Blue Badge holders park for free.
Steps/uneven terrain
Access to the beach is via 2 wooden boardwalks or a concrete slipway. The boardwalk opposite the car park leads to an accessible platform on the beach. The South West Coast Path runs through the site leading off to the east to Hope Cove and to the West to Thurlestone. Both of these routes use grass and mud tracks and are very steep in places.
Map
Directions via Google Maps
By road
4 miles outside Kingsbridge. From Kingsbridge take the A381 towards Salcombe. Turn right to South Milton village, then turn left (signposted) to the beach. The car park is free for National Trust members. There is a charge for non-members. Please note, the approach road to the beach from the village of South Milton is a narrow lane with limited passing places. At peak times it can be heavily congested so we suggest visitors arrive before 10:30am and consider departing from the beach via the village of South Huish.
On foot
South Milton Sands can be reached by following the South West Coast Path in either direction.
By train
The closest stations are Ivybridge 14 miles away and Totnes 17 miles away.
By bus
Buses to South Milton and Thurlestone run from Kingsbridge. The 606 TALLY HO! service runs from Kingsbridge on the hour, taking around 6 minutes and dropping passengers 1 mile outside of South Milton.

Opening times for 21 May 2025
Asset	Opening time
Coastline	Dawn - Dusk
Café	Closed

PDF

South Milton Sands map

Take a look at the map of South Milton Sands to help plan your visit.

View of people stand-up paddleboarding from the water

Article

Safety at South Milton Sands

Discover some top tips to have an enjoyable and safe visit to South Milton Sands.

A small dog on the lead standing at the beach

Article

Visiting South Milton Sands with your dog

Find out about visiting South Milton Sands with your dog, from where you can and can’t take them, to the facilities available for dog owners. South Milton Sands is a one pawprint rated place.

View from the top of the beach at South Milton Sands, South Devon

Article

Our work: coastal change at South Milton Sands

Find out how the National Trust has been tackling coastal change over the decades at South Milton Sands in South Devon, from wooden piling sea defences to regenerating a dune system.