Challaborough Beach | South Devon Beach Bible
Situated on a stunning stretch of the South West Coast Path, Challaborough Beach is a picturesque little sandy cove,...
by Janine de Lange / Beaches
‘South Devon’ and ‘beaches’ go together like clotted cream and scones, but with plenty of craggy cliffs, coves, and caves in addition the sandy bays we all know and love, there’s more to the region’s coastline than most people probably realise. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive South Devon Beach Bible. Whether you’re looking for a safe place to swim in Salcombe, a dog friendly beach near Dartmouth or a paradise for picnickers somewhere along on the coast path, there’s a South Devon beach for every occasion here in the South Hams. The Coast & Country Cottages’ South Devon Beach Bible is full of useful information about our favourite spots by the sea. We’ve provided access to all the essential information that you would need for a great day out to the beach, like directions, facilities, places to eat and drink, activities and much more.
The Blue Flag award is the most prestigious international accreditation that a beach can receive. To achieve Blue Flag status, a beach must have the highest standards of water quality, safety, services, environmental management, education and information. This all ensures that a Blue flag beach will always have clean water, a lifeguard on service and there are suitable facilities available, all which ultimately provide the perfect family friendly beach. It’s worth noting that this award scheme tends to favour beaches that cater for families and have a greater range of facilities, and not those which are more secluded and remote, so be sure to know that the rest of the beaches in Devon are still amazing!
Challaborough Beach is a beautiful sandy cove with a sheltered position and a magnificent outlook. It lies just north of the well-known beaches of Bigbury-on-Sea and Bantham Beach. Being just a stone’s throw away from these iconic beaches means that it is sometimes overlooked by visitors and locals alike – but as a Blue Flag beach, it is sure to have everything you and your family need for a perfect day out. Soak up the sun while gazing out over the iconic Burgh Island, where just meters from the beach you will find fantastic spots to eat, drink and keep the kids entertained. Its location is also ideal for walks north to Ayrmer Cove or Westcombe Beach, as well as south towards Hope Cove.
With its sparkling turquoise waters framed by the sheltered crescent of the sandy beach, it is easy to see why Blackpool Sands is Blue Flag accredited. This often calm and protected bay, with a gradual sloping sea floor, is the perfect destination for swimming and a vast array of watersports. Located just four miles out of Dartmouth, this beach boasts not only a stunning location, but has all the amenities and facilities you need. With summer lifeguards on patrol, toilet and shower facilities, ample parking, a beach shop and the fantastic Venus café, it’s the perfect spot for a family to spend the entire day relaxing at the beach.
Lots of dog owners simply couldn’t bear the thought of leaving their canine companions behind when they set off on holiday. One of the joys of a South Devon self-catering break is that you don’t have to, as your four-legged family members will find plenty to do in the region.
There are several dog-friendly beaches in South Devon, including Beesands, East Portlemouth Beach, Slapton Sands, North Sands, and Thurlestone Beach. Other beaches welcome dogs only at certain times of the year (usually between October and April/May), such as Bigbury-on-Sea beach, Blackpool Sands, Hope Cove and South Sands. To find out more about these beaches and their dog restrictions, why not read our comprehensive guide to dog-friendly beaches in South Devon.
In addition to these beautiful beaches, don’t forget there’s over 60 miles of the South West Coast Path to explore with your dog – another reason that South Devon is such a good choice for dog friendly holidays in the UK.
For those a little more adventurous and seeking a peaceful retreat with the chance to escape the crowds, South Devon’s wonderfully rugged and remote stretches of coastline have all you need. Spending time at one of the more secluded beaches makes you feel as though you have your own private stretch of paradise. These spots are generally remote and sometimes difficult to get to, so while they may not have the facilities some of the more popular beaches have, it certainly makes up for it in serenity and beauty. While there are plenty to choose from, our favourite secret beaches include Soar Mill Cove, Westcombe Beach, Lannacombe Beach, Mothecombe Beach, Mattiscombe Beach and Prawle Point. The walk between them provides some truly dramatic views, as does carrying on west towards Gara Rock Beach or making your way north to the iconic lighthouse at Start Point. If you’re staying in or exploring Dartmouth, you might also enjoy a visit to the secluded Man Sands Beach.
Visit our blog for details on the best secret beaches in South Devon.
Watersports in South Devon are a favourite activity for everyone visiting or living in this stunning part of the world. Some are perfect for kayaking, whilst others provide the ultimate environment for surfing – here is the lowdown on where to visit…
With the many rivers, creeks and coves to explore, kayaking is a particularly favourite pastime. Take in the stunning natural scenery, see castles, forts and historic houses from a new perspective, and catch a glimpse of some wonderful wildlife. Visit Sea Kayak Salcombe in South Sands where they provide kayak hire and tuition.
Find out more about kayaking in South Devon.
One of the most iconic sea-based watersports, surfing is synonymous with the classic South Devon beach. Catching waves throughout the year, avid surfers flock to beaches like Bigbury-on Sea and Bantham beach. If the idea of surfing in South Devon appeals to you, there are plenty of fantastic local companies like Discovery Surf School who provide tuition and equipment hire.
Find out more about surfing in South Devon.
One of the fastest growing watersports worldwide, stand up paddle boarding is rapidly becoming a popular pastime of locals and visitors alike. ‘SUP’ allows you explore the scenic coastline and see wildlife from a perspective you’re unlikely to have seen before. South Devon is the ultimate playground for those that like to paddle board, and there are a wealth of estuaries and calm coves to explore.
Find out more about stand up paddle boarding in South Devon.
Undoubtedly blessed with some of the most magnificent coastal stretches in the UK, with a long unbroken section of the South West Coast Path to enjoy, you can choose almost any South Devon beach as the starting point for a spectacular coastal walk. Here are three of our favourite routes:
There are walks along the Coast Path to suit any level of fitness and experience. The route along Beesands and Slapton Sands provide a suitable stretch for those with mobility issues or those who just fancy a stroll.
There are also plenty of moderate and less strenuous routes – one of which can be taken from Bantham Beach through to Thurlestone Beach, or try Thurlestone to Hope Cove, where you can finish off with a bite to eat and something to drink at The Cove Café and Bar.
For the avid walkers, who really want to test their stamina walking through the steep hills and rocky paths, be sure to try out the Dartmouth to Blackpool Sands or the Hope Cove to Salcombe walk.
For everything you need to know about walking in our beautiful region, download the South Devon Walking Guide here.
You won’t believe the number and variety of beaches in South Devon, which is one reason it’s the ideal base for a break by the sea. Another is our mild microclimate, which gives us higher average temperatures and fewer days of rain than the UK average. At Coast & Country Cottages we have a wealth of coastal cottages situated just a stone’s throw from the beach. Perhaps you’d like to book a break in a holiday cottage near the beach so that you’ll never have to stray far from the water and can enjoy relaxing in a property with sea views, or even a dog friendly cottage near the beach. From large properties ideal for family holidays to quaint romantic breaks, you are sure to find something to suit.
Book your South Devon beach holiday today
by Janine de Lange / Beaches
I’ve had the privilege of living in the beautiful South West since 2010, and in my opinion there’s no better place in the worl...
Read More About Author
Sign up to receive exclusive offers, competitions and the latest news to your inbox, and you'll be entered into our monthly prize-draw 3 times!
Situated on a stunning stretch of the South West Coast Path, Challaborough Beach is a picturesque little sandy cove,...
Blackpool Sands Beach in South Devon is a sheltered, golden crescent of fine shingle, situated on the east-facing coast...
Salcombe beaches offer sandy shores, turquoise waters and breathtaking sea and estuary views. With so many to choose from,...
