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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
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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

Cafe
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.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome all year round. However, please keep dogs under close control at all times and take dog waste away with you.
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-31 Oct and £3 from 1 Nov-31 Jan. Please note if you are paying, the machine only accepts coins. You can also use PayByPhone via the app using the location code 803383.
Toilet
Disabled parking spaces. Boardwalk ramps over dunes. Toilets but not accessible.
South Milton Sands Access Statement
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. All of these end directly onto the sandy beach which is uneven and not suitable for wheelchairs. 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.

PDF

PDF

South Milton Sands map

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

A small dog on the lead standing at the beach

Article

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.

Visitors exploring the festive interiors in the Entrance Hall at Castle Ward, County Down

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