Spanning England’s south west peninsula, the county of Devon features two completely separate coastlines. Facing the Bristol Channel and Celtic Sea in the north and the English Channel in the south, it harbours huge, miles-long swathes of golden shores, red-sand bays and hidden beaches sheltered by vegetation-clad cliffs. Offering an ever-changing roll of beautiful vistas, it really has something for everyone and boasts some of the best beaches in not just the UK but the world.

Bantham Beach

The stunning Bantham Beach has been ranked by Lonely Planet as one of the top 10 beaches in Europe – and we can totally see why. A sandy haven at the mouth of the Avon River, its soft, honey-coloured sands, abundant space, surfable waves and sheltering dunes together combine to create a real coastal haven. Set within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it has something to see at every turn and even boasts views of Bigbury Bay and Burgh Island too. 

Beer Beach

Encompassed by limestone cliffs draped with coastal flowers and lapped by sparkling waters, Beer Beach has to be one of the most geologically and visually striking beaches in South Devon. Sat below a pretty fishing village and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, this one-time smugglers’ haunt today enjoys a languid existence, peppered with multi-coloured fishing boats awaiting the tide on the shingle shore.  

Blackpool Sands Beach

The Blue Flag-accredited Blackpool Sands beach in Dartmouth is renowned for its elegant crescent shape and turquoise seas. Protected by cliffs and overlooked by evergreens and pines, the beach has distinctly Mediterranean vibes, adding all the more excitement and novelty to a daytrip here. Great for all generations of salt-tousled wayfarers, this beach enjoys a number of facilities, lifeguard service in summer and views that will captivate for hours. 

Saunton Sands 

Located near the village of Saunton in North Devon, the dog-friendly Saunton Sands provides year-round appeal. At 3 miles long, its enormous empty swathes lend themselves perfectly to long walks along the shore, family games on the sand and playtime with the pups. And, as well as being impossibly picturesque, Saunton Sands also plays a vital role in protecting some of the UK’s most vulnerable flora and fauna, backed by the Braunton Burrows UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Westcombe Beach

One of Westcombe Beach’s best attributes is its wild seclusion. A remote, dog-friendly beach unspoilt by commercial development, it is accessed via a mile-long walk from the nearest car park and as such is often really quiet. Perfect for those looking to get off the beaten track, it is one of the best beaches in South Devon for its untouched natural beauty and hypnotic views. Void of amenities or lifeguard cover, beach-goers should bring their own provisions – but this all adds to the allure.

Woolacombe Beach

Woolacombe Beach in North Devon has long been hailed as one of the finest beaches in the West Country. Boasting numerous awards, it is as popular with families with youngsters as it is with surfers chasing glassy Atlantic breakers, thanks to its size and range of attractions. All of 3 miles long, its golden sands are the perfect cushion for days under the sun and always provide somewhere quiet to relax with a book or picnic.

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