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
Welcome to our South Milton Sands guide. This guide includes all the information you will need to plan a perfect day out at one of the best beaches in South Devon.
With calm water and a long stretch of sandy beach overlooking the iconic Thurlestone Rock, its excellent location and facilities make it ideal for a family day out.
Choose a quick link if you’re looking for specific information about South Milton Sands, or read on for the full article.
You’ll find South Milton Sands at the southern end of Thurlestone Sands, looking out over the unmistakable arch formation of Thurlestone Rock. This end of the bay is the place to head for excellent facilities, including the popular Beach House Café, with its rustic styling and breathtaking views of the bay. You can order snacks and drinks to take away or enjoy a full meal in their restaurant, which has an excellent reputation for high-quality, locally sourced food.
In the National Trust car park, you’ll also find Surfin’ Sam Watersports, where you can pick up equipment for hire, such as kayaks, windsurfers and stand up paddle boards, as well as wetsuits and buoyancy aids. (Lots of visitors enjoy the challenge of navigating their way under Thurlestone Rock – due care and attention is advised!)
Lifeguards monitor swimmers and other sea-goers at certain times in the summer months.
Kids love exploring the rock pools at South Milton Sands and to the north, birdwatchers can visit South Milton Ley, a coastal river valley just behind the beach. Access to some parts of this site is restricted to members of the Devon Birds Association.
Driving to South Milton Sands is relatively straightforward, but the beach is also placed perfectly to walk there from nearby beauty spots along the South West Coast Path. Alternatively, make South Milton Sands your starting point for a number of unforgettable walks. A coastal stroll south from South Milton Sands will take you to Hope Cove’s two beautiful beaches, a walk of just over one mile, where you’ll find an extensive range of cafés, pubs and restaurants. Heading north on foot, you will reach the northern Thurlestone beach in 10 minutes or so.
Another mile on from there and you’ll reach Bantham beach, one of the most popular seaside and surfing spots in South Devon.
As a beach that combines excellent facilities with an out of the way, unspoilt feel, it’s hard to do better than South Milton Sands, which explains why it’s a firm favourite with South Devon locals.
Be sure to round off a perfect day at the beach by watching the spectacular display of reds and orange as the sun sets on the horizon. There are few places which can rival the outlook from South Milton on a clear and calm evening.
South Milton Sands in on South Devon’s stunning west coast, between the beaches of Hope Cove and Thurlestone. The long stretch of golden sand that makes up South Milton Sands is instantly recognisable by the view of the iconic rock arch of Thurlestone Rock, which sits just offshore. This protected bay is within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural beauty and is a National Trust area.
Sat nav users, use the postcode TQ7 3JY.
Post code: TQ7 3JY
Opening times: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Cost: February – October £5.00 all day, £3.00 after 16:00pm
November – January inc £3.00 all day
Parking is free for National Trust members.
The Beach House Café is a fantastic little bolt hole, with panoramic views out onto the bay and over to Thurlstone rock. Sit either in the cosy restaurant or enjoy take aways on the outside benches.
With a simple but delicious menu of fresh seafood, breakfast and other delicious dishes, cracked crab and moules mariniere are specialities alongside the best burgers and local steaks, with daily dinner specials chalked up on boards. Or treat yourself to a locally-sourced take away ice cream.
Call 01548 561 144 to book at table as they can get extremely busy during summertime.
Situated a short walk away from the main beach in the north car park in Thurlestone. Serving fast and delicious beach food every day during the summer from 10:00am – 17:00pm. They offer the full Gastrobus menu from scrummy breakfast baps, to gourmet burgers and delicious salads.
In the nearby village of Thurlestone this brilliant gastro pub, with everything you could hope for in one of Devon’s classic, traditional pubs. Filled to the brim with character, amazing food and a great selection of real ales, it’s the perfect spot for lunch or dinner after a long summers day at the beach, or a winter walk.
A short walk along the South West Coast Path you’ll find this excellent eatery. Just 50 yards from the beach and with amazing views out to sea, The Cove Café Bar is a firm favourite of locals and visitors alike. With an emphasis on daily specials, local produce and craft beer, you are in for a culinary treat.
One of the most popular sports and growing in popularity is stand up paddle boarding (SUP). The calm sheltered bay provides the ideal location for beginners and the more experienced ‘suppers’ alike. Glide silently through the water while peering down to the crystal-clear depths below. For the more adventurous, paddle through the infamous arch in the Thurlestone Rock.
If you’re a seasoned paddle boarder, why not head southwest to Hope Cove, stopping for a bite to eat or a drink from The Cove Café Bar before heading back.
If you’ve left your gear at home, be sure to pop into Surfin’ Sam on the beach to pick up anything you need to get out on the water.
To find out more about our extensive guide to ‘Stand up paddleboarding in South Devon’.
Kayak lovers are particularly fond of South Milton Sands. Launching from the beach out into the peaceful blue waters. Enjoy the tranquillity of paddling in the wide open or explore the hidden coves and beaches along the stunning South West coast.
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Popular in both summer and winter, South Milton Sands is a perfect spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing alike, particularly when the onshore wind is prevailing. This ideal spot is great for both beginners and professional, and you will be sure to get a wave when there’s southerly swell.
South Milton Sands is in a fantastic position on the South West Coast Path with walking routes in both directions. Here are two of our favourite routes:
A moderately easy walk along sheer cliffs with unspoilt views out over Smugglers Cove and out to Bolt Head.
The circular route that takes you through the picturesque village of Thurlestone, across to Bantham and back again via the scenic views across to South Milton Sands and Thurelstone Rock.
South Milton Sands is one of the best spots in the South Hams for rockpooling! Be sure to check the tide times and head down to the beach, where you can wander about and discover an amazing underwater world as the sea water heads out. These rock pools are teeming with wildlife such as crabs, starfish, sea anemones and limpets. Spend a few blissful hours pottering along the beach and enjoying one of the UK’s most treasured pastimes.
Enjoy the freedom and simplicity of grabbing a snorkel and fins and floating through the water while experiencing the exceptional marine life that the south coast has to offer. Watch as fish dash past and keep an eye out as tiny sea creatures scuttle along the bed of the bay.
As a protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, South Milton Sands is a haven for wildlife, both on land and below the water. The neighbouring wetlands have been designated an area of Special Scientific Interest and are home to rare butterflies as well as being a great place to spot visiting migratory birds.
Yes! South Milton Sands is an all year-round dog-friendly beach. Be sure to bring along your four-legged family member for a romp in the sand and a splash about in the water.
Take a look at our guide to the dog-friendly beaches in South Devon.
Other unspoilt South Devon beaches with facilities for watersports include Salcombe’s South Sands and Blackpool Sands near Dartmouth.
For comprehensive information about South Devon’s best beaches, see our South Devon Beach Bible.
Coast & County Cottages have a fantastic selection of self-catering properties close to South Milton Sands. Find your perfect holiday cottage near the beach from our range of coastal cottages in and around Thurlestone and South Milton Sands.
Perched right on the edge of the golden stretch of sand and gazing across the sparkling blue waters, 7 Thurlestone Rock apartment is the perfect spot for those in search of a luxurious coastal break.
7 Thurlestone Rock is a spacious, ground floor apartment with sweeping ocean views from the living room, master bedroom and large patio area.
Click here for more information about 7 Thurlestone Rock
Milton Cottage is an enchanting Grade ll listed pet-friendly property that boasts charm and character. Located just a five-10 minute drive from South Milton Sands, this delightful holiday home benefits from both coast and countryside.
Boasting a wonderful garden, open fireplace, spacious conservatory and cosy living spaces, this lovely cottage has all the elements for a fantastic family holiday with your pooch.
Find out more about Milton Cottage
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...
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