If you’re searching for the Devon best beaches and coastal viewpoints, you’re in the right place. From golden surfing bays in North Devon to dramatic clifftop lookouts in the South Hams, Devon offers some of the UK’s most spectacular coastal scenery. Whether you’re planning a family day out, a wild swimming adventure, or a sunset photography trip, this guide covers 20 must-visit locations — including famous favourites and hidden gems — plus practical tips on parking, walking difficulty and facilities.
🌊 North Devon Coast
1. Woolacombe Beach
Why visit: 3 miles of golden sand and huge Atlantic views.
Parking: Woolacombe village car parks (large, pay & display).
Walk: 2–10 minutes depending on car park. Flat access.
Facilities: Toilets, cafés, surf hire, lifeguards (seasonal).
Tip: Visit at low tide for vast walking space.
2. Croyde Bay
Why visit: One of the UK’s best surf beaches.
Parking: Baggy Point National Trust or Croyde Beach car park.
Walk: 5–15 minutes. Mostly flat.
Facilities: Toilets, cafés, pubs nearby.
Tip: Strong currents — swim between lifeguard flags.
3. Baggy Point
Why visit: Dramatic coastal viewpoint overlooking Croyde.
Parking: National Trust car park.
Walk: 3-mile circular, moderate.
Facilities: None on headland.
Tip: Incredible sunset spot with fewer crowds than beaches.
4. Saunton Sands
Why visit: Expansive beach backed by Braunton Burrows.
Parking: Beachfront car park (pay & display).
Walk: Short boardwalk access. Easy.
Facilities: Café, toilets, surf school.
Tip: Great for long dog walks (seasonal restrictions apply).
5. Clovelly
Why visit: Iconic steep cobbled village with harbour views.
Parking: Visitor Centre car park (entry fee).
Walk: Very steep descent into village.
Facilities: Café, toilets, pubs.
Tip: Wear proper shoes — cobbles are slippery.
6. Hartland Quay
Why visit: Rugged cliffs and powerful Atlantic waves.
Parking: Hartland Quay car park.
Walk: Short but uneven paths.
Facilities: Pub, hotel, toilets.
Tip: Check tide times — best views at mid to low tide.
7. Speke’s Mill Mouth
Why visit: Hidden waterfall tumbling onto a wild beach.
Parking: Small layby near Hartland.
Walk: 20–30 mins, steep and muddy.
Facilities: None.
Tip: Go after rainfall for a dramatic waterfall.
🌊 South Devon Coast
8. Blackpool Sands
Why visit: Sheltered crescent bay with turquoise water.
Parking: Beach car park (seasonal charges).
Walk: 2 minutes. Easy.
Facilities: Toilets, café, watersports hire.
Tip: Calm waters — ideal for paddleboarding.
9. Bantham Beach
Why visit: Stunning views towards Burgh Island.
Parking: Bantham village car park.
Walk: 5–10 minutes across dunes.
Facilities: Toilets, seasonal café.
Tip: Amazing at sunset.
10. Burgh Island
Why visit: Art deco hotel and tidal causeway views.
Parking: Bigbury-on-Sea car park.
Walk: 10 minutes at low tide; sea tractor at high tide.
Facilities: Café at Bigbury beach.
Tip: Check tide times before crossing.
11. Hope Cove
Why visit: Two small sandy coves and pretty village.
Parking: Hope Cove car park.
Walk: 2–5 minutes.
Facilities: Café, pub, toilets (seasonal).
Tip: Smaller beach fills quickly in summer.
12. Bolt Head
Why visit: Epic clifftop viewpoint near Salcombe.
Parking: National Trust East Soar car park.
Walk: 20–40 minutes, moderate.
Facilities: None on headland.
Tip: Bring windproof layers — exposed location.
13. Start Point
Why visit: Lighthouse views and wild coastal scenery.
Parking: Start Point car park.
Walk: 10–15 minutes, moderate slopes.
Facilities: None.
Tip: Fantastic for storm watching (safely!).
14. Slapton Sands
Why visit: Long shingle stretch with freshwater lagoon.
Parking: Torcross or Strete Gate.
Walk: Flat from roadside.
Facilities: Toilets and café at Torcross.
Tip: Strong undertow — take care swimming.
*As of early 2026 Slapton Ley’s road access to Torcross was severely damaged by storms – please check for latest update if visiting the area
15. Dartmouth Castle
Why visit: Historic fortress overlooking the Dart Estuary.
Parking: Castle car park or park in Dartmouth and walk.
Walk: 10–20 mins scenic coastal path.
Facilities: Café and toilets.
Tip: Combine with a river boat trip.
🌿 Hidden Gems & Quieter Spots
16. Beesands
Quiet fishing village with peaceful beach. Parking by roadside. Flat access. Pub nearby.
17. Mattiscombe Sands
Wild, secluded cove near Start Point.
Parking at Start Point. 30–40 min steep walk. No facilities.
18. Combesgate Beach
Small cove near Woolacombe.
Limited roadside parking. Short walk. No facilities. Great at low tide.
19. Valley of Rocks
Goat-grazed cliffs and dramatic rock formations.
Parking near Lynton. 15–30 min moderate walk. No facilities on site.
20. Little Dartmouth
Remote beach near Dartmouth.
Parking at Little Dartmouth National Trust car park. 30–45 min moderate walk. No facilities.
Planning Tips for Visiting Devon’s Coast
- Check tide times (especially for coves and tidal islands).
- Arrive early in summer — car parks fill quickly.
- Bring layers — Devon weather changes fast.
- Many hidden beaches require steep coastal path walks.
- Respect erosion and cliff safety warnings.
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