Beaches

The South Devon coastline is lined with an array of vast sandy beaches, and secluded pebbled coves. All are perfect for a relaxing day in the sun or as a starting point to explore the South West coastal path. Information on the South Devon beaches is from West to East along the coastline.

Bigbury on Sea is well known for the 'sea tractor' which provides access at high tide to Burgh Island, home to the Art Deco hotel which has been used in the filming of Agatha Christies 'Poirot'. The long beach is ideal for families with its fine sand, shallow water for paddling and rock pooling. A cafe and amenities are available along with water sport tuition. Please note that there some are dog restrictions. www.lovingthebeach.co.uk

Bantham boasts a vast, sandy beach with rock pooling, backed by sandy dunes. Known as the 'locals' beach it has a large car park, amenities, pub and small shop, along with lifeguard cover during the summer season. The beach is popular all year round for surfing and kite flying, surfing lessons and equipment hire are also available www.banthamsurfingacademy.co.uk Please note that there are some dog restrictions. Visit www.southhams.com for more information

Thurlestone and South Milton Sands is a large beach of fine shingle and sand with good amenities and a café. A great location for wind surfing, and rock pooling at low tide. There are also some smaller coves in this area, but do not offer any amenities; Broadsands great for rock pooling, Yarmer a small sandy cove and Leasfoot backed by the sand dunes. Should you venture from the beach into the village of Thurlestone it boasts an 18 hole golf course, 'The Village Inn' which is open all day during the season, and the 4 star Thurlestone Hotel and Voyage Spa, with its own 9 hole golf course.

Hope Cove is a delightful village, nestled in the valley with two sheltered sandy beaches with good access. The village has amenities, along with a pub, café and shop, or why not take in a Cream Tea at The Cottage Hotel.

Soar Mill Cove is a small sandy cove, sheltered by the cliffs, this beach may not be suitable for all due to the long steep access.

South Sands is stretch of golden sand situated in the sheltered Salcombe estuary. Water sports tuition and hire are available, along with amenities. From here you can take the ferry into Salcombe www.southsandsferry.co.uk

North Sands is similar to South Sands, with easier access and amenities along with stunning views of the Salcombe estuary.

East Portlemouth lies opposite Salcombe, from where you can take a passenger ferry to gain access to the sandy beaches of Sunny Cove and Mill Bay. This is best way to access these two popular beaches due to limited parking and narrow lanes. They are a popular stop with amenities and café for exploring further along on the coastal path.

Gara Rock is a large unspoilt sandy beach, access is via the fields so may not be suitable for all, but why not stop and enjoy a coffee at the new 'Gara Rock' hotel.

East Prawle is another small village, again an ideal base for exploring the rugged coastline and secluded coves which are ideal for rock pooling. Prawle Point is home to the NCI lookout which is manned by volunteers, and the area is also a bird watchers haven. The village has amenities, a small seasonal shop and a pub along with parking, but access to the coast and beaches is not for everyone. A one mile steep walk, but can be worth the effort to discover the jagged cliffs hiding Elender Cove and Maceley Beach along with their fine sand and rock pools. Further along is Horseley Cove, again another steep walk but worth it for the solitude, sand and shingle mixed beach and excellent rock pooling. Please note there are no facilities on these beaches.

Lannacombe is reached by narrow lanes, with limited parking but has the finest pale sand and vast rock pools.

Start Point is home to the automated lighthouse set on the rugged cliff tops. Private tours can be arranged. Again, another steep walk to Mattiscombe beach, but the stunning coastal views are well worth it.

Hallsands is an old fishing village, destroyed in the storms of 1917 after the shingle had been dredged for the building of Plymouth Dockyard. Today you have access to a viewing platform showing the village ruins. The main beach is off large pebbles and offers stunning views of Start Bay.

Beesands is another old fishing village battered by coastal storms, with large sea defences the villagers hope will protect their homes. Small fishing boats still depart from the beach and the catch of the day can be purchased from the village green. There is about 2 miles of shingle beach with views of Start Point. The village has a pub with amenities.

Torcross is at the start of Slapton Sands, two miles of pebbled shingle beach offering stunning views of the bay. The beach was used in WW2 as a practice area for the D-Day Landings. Across the road is large, fresh water lagoon of Slapton Ley, a national Nature Reserve with an abundance of birds and wildlife www.slnnr.org.uk for information on guided walks around the Ley. The main village of Torcross has amenities, a large pub and tea rooms, along with ample parking. Further along the beach you will find another large car park with amenities and an ice cream van. Or venture into the village of Slapton, to the Queens Arms for home cooked food and an history of the area in pictures. At the far end of the beach you come to Strete Gate, which also has parking and amenities.

Blackpool Sands is located further along the coast, a beautiful crescent shape beach of fine shingle. Ideal for the all family with easy access, parking and purpose built amenities, a café and water sports. Please note NO DOGS allowed. www.blackpoolsands.co.uk