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Slapton Sands featuring a long stretch of sandy beach, calm blue waters, and green rolling hills. A wooden fence in the foreground overlooks the scenic landscape under a clear sky.
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Summer Family Activities at Slapton Sands Beach

On a staycation, nothing compares to a day on the beach, and in South Devon, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the best beaches, as it has around 120 miles of coastline and over 50 beaches waiting to be explored. But with so much choice, narrowing down a beach that will keep all members of the family entertained can be tricky. 

Fortunately, our location right near the coast means we know where all the best beaches are. One of the top ones on our list for families is Slapton Sands Beach. Not only is it only a 15-minute drive from Leonard’s Cove, but it also offers plenty of activities sure to keep the whole family entertained, including your four-legged friends. 

Keep reading to discover why Slapton Sands Beach may be the perfect place to enjoy some time at the beach on your summer holiday on the South Devon coast.

Slapton Sands Beach

Slapton Sands is a picturesque, Blue Flag award-winning beach located on the South Devon coast. Stretching for several miles along the Start Bay, this pebble beach is backed by the freshwater Slapton Ley Nature Reserve, making it the ideal destination for families, walkers and nature lovers alike. 

What’s more, thanks to the Mediterranean-style climate this part of Devon benefits from, on warm days, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re abroad when you visit.

H2 Summer Activities at Slapton Sands Beach

Slapton Sands Beach is fairly sheltered, meaning the sea is usually calm and you can enjoy a range of family-friendly activities, including:

  • Swimming – Slapton Sands is a great beach for the whole family to take a dip. It has a flag system in place, indicating when and where it is safe to swim, and is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months. This makes it an ideal choice for families, especially with smaller children, who want the security of knowing that help is on hand should it be needed.
  • Fishing – with a steep shelf, Slapton Sands is a great place to fish for mackerel, bass, plaice, as well as lots of other fish. So, whether it’s your first attempt to cast off at the beach or you’re a seasoned fisher, make sure you give it a go. 

  • Watersports – Known for its calm waters, Slapton Sands is a great place for beginners to have a go at watersports like windsurfing, paddleboarding and canoeing. It’s also ideal for smaller children to try activities like bodyboarding and surfing for the first time without the crowds of more popular surfing beaches. 

  • Wildlife spotting – Behind Slapton Sands Beach is Slapton Ley, a nature reserve that is home to a wide range of different species from warblers and grebes to otters and bats, as well as rare flora. As well as being a huge draw for nature lovers keen to spot wildlife, it is also great for families to explore on cooler days or once everyone has had enough of splashing about in the water. 

  • Visit the war monument – Although now a great beach for the whole family to enjoy, during World War II, Slapton Sands was once the site of a tragedy for American soldiers practicing for the D-Day landings. Known as ‘Operation Tiger’, during the practice, live ammunition was used, and due to poor weather, nearly 750 American soldiers died during the operation. There is now a stone monument commemorating all those who lost their lives in this tragic operation.

Facilities at Slapton Sands Beach

Another big draw for families visiting Slapton Sands Beach is the impressive facilities on hand at. As well as disabled beach access and toilets, there is a beachside café that serves up light drinks and refreshments should you forget to pack a picnic for the day. 

Or if you’re looking for something more substantial after a day at the beach, you should try The Tower Inn in Slapton or Stokeley Café & Farm Shop in Kingsbridge, as both serve up delicious meals.  

Slapton Sands Beach is also dog-friendly all year round, so it is perfect if you’re planning to bring your four-legged friend on holiday with you.  

Book Your Summer Break

There’s no better place to spend your UK summer holiday in 2025 than the South Devon coast. From sinking your toes into golden sands and swimming in the sea to spotting local wildlife, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And there’s no better place to stay than Leonards Cove.

Perched on the cliffs with uninterrupted sea views, our holiday village is the ideal setting to explore all the coast has to offer. With mobile homes, lodges and cottages, whether you’re travelling as a couple, family or a larger group, you’ll find the perfect accommodation here for your getaway.

Ready to plan your seaside escape? Check our availability and start planning your summer by the sea today.