Things to do in Devon
Discover beautiful beaches, rugged coastlines and the wilderness of Dartmoor. Find inspiration for your perfect Devon holiday.
Read more about DevonBest beaches in Devon: a guide
Welcome to our quintessential guide of the best beaches in Devon. Here, we breakdown our favourites into categories, so you can find a Devon beach to suit your next adventure down in the South West.
Whether it’s the wild Atlantic north coast of the county, or the stunning English Riviera in the south, there’s always a UK Club campsite within reasonable distance of these coastal gems. Let's take you through the best beaches in Devon by theme.
Best beaches close to our UK Club campsites
Woolacombe Beach, Woolacombe. Member photo by Ian Parham
1. Woolacombe Beach, Woolacombe
Type: sandy
One of the most talked about beaches on Devon’s north coast, if not, the whole county. This vast expanse of sand ensures there’s always space to enjoy and with Woolacombe village to north, there’s a whole host of amenities too. An award-winning Blue Flag beach.
2 miles from Willingcott Woolacombe Club Campsite
2. Torcross Beach, Torcross
Type: shingle/pebble
An unbelievably scenic beach in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Torcross Beach sits between the sea and Slapton Ley, the largest freshwater lake in the South West. This unique geography creates a beautiful backdrop along the whole of Slapton Sands, which Torcross is a part of.
1 mile from Start Bay Club Campsite
3. Bovisand Beach
Type: sandy
It’s hard to believe this relatively hidden cove is easily reached from the relative hustle and bustle of Plymouth. A vast sandy landscape reveals itself when the tide is out and low-rise cliffs provide great shelter from the elements of Plymouth Sound.
1 mile from Plymouth Sound Club Campsite
Best scenic beaches in Devon
Blackpool Sands as seen from neighbouring cliffs
1. Blackpool Sands, near Dartmouth
Type: sandy/shingle
This crescent-shaped beach is a frequent winner of the Blue Flag award and overlooks a vast expanse of the English Channel. It backs onto the impressive Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The beauty simply increases at low tide too.
5 miles from Start Bay Club Campsite
2. Jacob’s Ladder Beach, Sidmouth
Type: sandy
It’s the contrast between the traditional streets of Sidmouth and the golden cliffs of High Peak in the distance that makes Jacob’s Ladder a special beach. There’s a large expanse of sand and loads of rock pools at low tide.
11 miles from Putts Corner Club Campsite
3. Inner and Outer Hope, Hope Cove
Type: sandy
This marvellous sandy stretch is formed of two bays named Inner and Outer Hope. The twin beaches back onto the village of the same name, forming a perfect postcard image. There’s a small harbour and a range of amenities here, including a pub and restaurant.
12 miles from Modbury Club Campsite
Best dog-friendly beaches in Devon
South West Coast Path, Devon. Member photo by Dean Godfrey
1. Scabbacombe Sands, near Brixham
Type: sand/shingle
This relatively secluded spot is the perfect place to bring your dog when you’re in Devon. A few miles south of Brixham, there’s a small walk needed to get to the seafront but your dog will love the experience. The cliffs are epic and sometimes provide great shelter for naturists.
2 miles from Hillhead Brixham Club Campsite
2. Strete Gate Beach, near Slapton
Type: sand/shingle
Widely described as a hidden gem, Strete Gate Beach is at the northern end of Slapton Sands, a stretch that extends the whole way down to Torcross Beach. This expansive area is great for furry friends to have a run around and the backdrop is beautiful too.
3 miles from Start Bay Club Campsite
3. Maidencombe Beach, near Torquay
Type: sandy
This relatively quiet area near Torquay sits directly on the South West Coast Path, so it’s great to tie in with a long dog walk. A 10-minute walk from the car park gets you to the seafront and there's a dog-friendly cafe here serving a range of refreshments.
8 miles from Stover Club Campsite
Best family beaches in Devon
Paignton Sands, Paignton. Member photo by Grant John
1. Bantham Beach, Bantham
Type: sandy
A stunningly beautiful beach that doubles up as a brilliant day out on a family trip to Devon. There’s plenty of facilities, from places serving drinks and snacks to a seasonal lifeguard service that makes the kayak and surfing options all the more safe.
9 miles from Modbury Club Campsite
2. Paignton Sands, Paignton
Type: sandy
No great family day out at the seaside is truly complete without a visit to the pier, and Paignton’s is one of the best in Devon. Other attractions on offer include donkey rides, a play park and crazy golf, ensuring no one gets bored! There are plenty of places to satisfy everyone’s appetite too.
4 miles from Ramslade Club Campsite
3. Torre Abbey Beach, Torquay
Type: sandy
A vast expanse of sand within walking distance of all Torquay has to offer makes Torre Abbey one of the best beaches for families in Devon. Waters are shallow and there’s deck chair hire for sunny days. Princess Pier is the icing on the cake of a great spot for all ages.
8 miles from Dornafield Dartmoor Club Campsite
Best surfing beaches in Devon
Surfing at Croyde Bay. Photo by Rob Tibbles
1. Croyde Bay, Croyde
Type: sandy
A world class experience awaits all that visit Croyde Bay, a beautiful expanse of sand set within the North Devon National Landscape. Being less developed than its neighbours doesn’t make it any less popular, with wild Atlantic waves generating great power for surfers from far and wide.
5 miles from Willingcott Woolacombe Club Campsite
2. Saunton Sands, near Braunton
Type: sandy
Over three miles of sand host slow-breaking waves suitable for both beginners and experts on Devon's north coastline, making this one of the best beaches for surfers in the UK. It’s easy to see why The Beach Guide describes Saunton Sands as ‘one of the most unique and impressive dune systems in the country’.
7 miles from Willingcott Woolacombe Club Campsite
3. Westward Ho! Beach, Westward Ho!
Type: sandy
With dedicated surfing areas, this dramatic coastal stretch is defined by crashing waves against the land. It’s hassle-free to hire equipment and book surfing lessons here, as the abundance of facilities make this as versatile a spot as it is beautiful.
20 miles from Willingcott Woolacombe Club Campsite
Best accessible beaches in Devon
Preston Sands promenade, Paignton
1. Exmouth Beach, Exmouth
Type: sandy
With a flat promenade amongst a coastline that’s known for its dramatic cliffs, Exmouth Beach is undoubtedly one of the best accessible beaches in Devon. An easy to navigate coastal spot with dedicated and close proximity to the town’s amenities, it’s hard to beat Exmouth for entertainment and accessibility.
16 miles from Exeter Racecourse and Putts Corner Club campsites
2. Preston Sands, Paignton
Type: sandy
A spacious and flat area that’s close to huge Devon attractions like Paignton Pier makes for a great accessible beach. There’s a beach wheelchair to hire, accessible toilets available and a long promenade to explore. Enjoy a breath of fresh sea air and grab a bite to eat along this Devon coastal gem.
4 miles from Ramslade Club Campsite
3. Bigbury-on-Sea Beach, Bigbury-on-Sea
Type: sandy
An immensely beautiful area that lies where the River Avon meets the English Channel along the South Hams coastline. High tide joins the enchanting Burgh Island to the mainland. A Blue Flag certifies the beach’s great accessibility, as well as its facilities and surfing opportunities.
7 miles from Modbury Club Campsite
