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Wembury
A spectacular stretch of coastline boasting dramatic cliffs, diverse wildlife and a beach renowned for rockpooling
Wembury Beach, Wembury, Devon, PL9 0HP
Important notice
Please note that Wembury Beach can get very busy during school holidays and on sunny days. Please seek alternative transport where possible.
Opening times for 2 July 2025
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk Old Mill Café 10:30 - 16:30 Marine Centre 10:00 - 16:00 The Old Mill Café is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Wembury Marine Centre is closed during the Christmas holidays.
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The Old Mill Café is open for hot drinks and light meals. The café is accessed via a stepped slope and eight steps, but staff are on hand to help with access when needed. For up-to-date opening hours, please call 01752 863280. Please note that the café is owned but not managed by the National Trust.
- Car park
Our on-site car parks use a digital payment system via the JustPark app, using codes 80704 and 80705. We recommend setting up and downloading the app before your visit. Parking is free for members via the app.
Car park - more information- Dogs allowed
Between 1 October - 30 April, Wembury Beach is dog-friendly. Please note that dogs are not allowed on the beach between 1May - 30 September. Dogs are welcome on other walks around Wembury. Please keep them under close control around cattle and ponies or on a lead around sheep.
- Toilet
Toilets are available but please note they are only accessible via steps at present. An outdoor shower is also available. There is an accessible toilet in the Wembury Marine Centre which is open 7 days a week, 10am-4pm.
Toilet - more information
Steps to beach. Accessible toilet in Marine Centre (when open). Blue badge parking. Level access circular walk at Wembury Point.
- Designated parking
Designated places for Blue Badge holders. Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
- Seating available
Benches and seating is available around the site.
- Steps/uneven terrain
Terrain is mostly uneven.
- By road
To get to Wembury beach follow the A379 from Plymouth, turn right at Elburton, follow signs to Wembury. At Wembury follow the road until you see Wembury primary school, turn left where you see a brown sign for café
Parking: Our on-site car parks use a digital payment system via the JustPark app, using codes 80704 and 80705. We recommend setting up and downloading the app before your visit. Parking is free for members via the app. The car park is manned from February half-term, and then weekends until Easter. Then manned until the end of September and during other busy weekends.
- On foot
South West Coast Path
- By train
Plymouth 10 miles
- By bus
Plymouth to Wembury daily (limited on Sunday). For Wembury Point: Plymouth to Heybrook Bay
- Cycling
- By ferry
Seasonal ferries to and from Noss Mayo from April until 30th September running between 10am-4pm Sunday to Thursday and 10:00am to dusk on Friday and Saturday. The ferry operates between Warren Point, Yealm Steps and Wide Slip. During bad weather and quieter periods, times might be restricted, so please check prior to arrival or need. To check that it's running, please call 07399 067942 or email etaxi@ycet.co.uk.
Planning your visit
Article
Safety at Wembury Beach
Discover some top tips for an enjoyable and safe visit to Wembury Beach.
Article
Visiting Wembury with your dog
Find out about visiting Wembury with your dog, from where you can and can’t take them, to the facilities available for dog owners. Wembury is a one pawprint rated place.
Highlights
Beach
Sandy/pebbly main beach and smaller coves accessed from the coast path towards Wembury Point.
Coast
Miles of coast accessed from the coast path. Ocean and inland views from Heybrook Bay to the River Yealm.
Mill
A mill has been here since the 12th century. The existing building is over 150 years old. Now a café.
Marine Centre
Run by Devon Wildlife the Marine Centre has displays about the local sealife and runs regular events.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to do 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.
Top trails
Trail
Revelstoke Drive and Noss Mayo walk
A lovely walk all year round, starting from Warren, about 10 miles from Wembury, with far-reaching coastal views, woodland leading right down to the estuary edge and the beautiful village of Noss Mayo.
Trail
A short coastal walk at Stoke Point
This clifftop walk down to a picturesque viewpoint offers dramatic vistas and a chance to spot rare birds and marine life – especially if you bring your binoculars.
Trail
Wembury Beach to Heybrook Bay circular walk
Follow this moderate coastal walk via a wildlife-rich Site of Special Scientific Interest and the former HMS Cambridge base, before looping back for views of the Great Mewstone.
Trail
Ringmore to Ayrmer Cove walk
A 3-mile (4.8km) challenging circular route, with country and coastal views, follows smugglers' lanes down to a secluded cove, accessible only on foot or by boat, and returns through fields.
Trail
Gara Point walk
A strenuous but rewarding walk round the wilder side of the Yealm estuary, from Gara Point to Noss Mayo, taking in a combination of Victorian history and wildlife along the way.
Trail
Bigbury and Burgh Island views walk to Ayrmer Cove
Enjoy a short, gentle walk through picturesque farmland with impressive views of Bigbury and Burgh Island and a chance to spot rare birds and flowers.
Trail
Netton and Gunrow's Downs coastal walk from Stoke Point
Follow this coastal route to historic Gunrow Signal Station for panoramic views and a great picnic spot. Then head back over Netton Down, looking out for marine life below.
Trail
A short coastal walk at Stoke Point
This clifftop walk down to a picturesque viewpoint offers dramatic vistas and a chance to spot rare birds and marine life – especially if you bring your binoculars.
Places to stay
Wembury Mill Cottage
Stay as close to the beach as possible in this old mill conversion right on the edge of Wembury.
Upcoming events
Event
Summer of play
Enjoy spending time together over the school holiday in a Summer of Play at Wembury Beach. We have a variety of seashore themed activities for all the family to get involved in.
Event
Brush harvesting demonstration at Wembury Point
Brush harvesting seed is a great way to restore and recreate wildflower grasslands. Learn more about brush harvesting and with the Ranger team at Wembury and help us to sort the seed.
Event
Community litter pick
Join the National Trust on the last Monday of each month to help keep Wembury safe, clean and tidy.
Event
Stream dipping
Come along to discover the minibeasts which live in Wembury stream. National Trust staff will be on hand to show you what to do and help to identify the creatures you find.
About Wembury
A great beach, and more: some of the best rock pools in the country, masses of wildlife and views of the distinctive island - the Great Mewstone. Wembury is a great starting point for lovely inland and coastal walks to Wembury Woods and the Yealm Estuary, and around Wembury Point. Finish your trip with a slice of Jemma and Jennifer's home-made cake in the Old Mill Café.
Wembury Marine Centre runs regular rock pool rambles for children during the school holidays. Up for an adventure? Wembury is also a great place for surfing, kayaking and snorkelling. If you want to go further afield why not take the passenger ferry across to the pretty riverside village of Noss Mayo or Newton Ferrers and enjoy a pint in one of the local pubs.
Livestock may be grazing the cliff land and Wembury Point, please keep dogs on a lead. If animals become curious and approach:
- Stay calm and do not run.
- Avoid getting between cows and calves.
- If walking with a dog let go of its lead and meet up with your dog further along the path.
- If animals are blocking the path, whistle, talk or clap which lets them know you are there and encourages them to move. If they are still blocking the way then it may be best to avoid passing them and find an alternative route.
Our work
Project
Project
The nature-friendly future project at Wembury
Discover our nature-friendly approach to managing the land at Wembury Barton Farm, from creating new habitats for wildlife to improving accessibility for visitors.
History
Article
History of Wembury
Discover the history of Wembury and the Great Mewstone, from holiday camp and inspiration for the famous Forsyte Saga, to major naval gunnery school.
Article
Adapting to coastal change at Wembury Beach
Discover more about the National Trust's approach to coastal change at Wembury Beach.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Wembury.