The best beaches in South Devon | Leonards Cove Holiday Park

Five of the best beaches in South Devon

If there’s one thing that South Devon has in abundance, it’s sensational beaches. Welcome to a land of rockpools and grassy dunes, rugged cliffs and secluded coves, sandy beaches and surfing spots. South Devon boasts a medley of beautiful coastlines with some of the best beaches in the country.

With so many options, it can be hard to know where to lay your beach towel. So, we’ve rounded up five of the best beaches in South Devon to help you decide.

Whether you’re after a day filled with sandcastles, swimming or sunbathing, South Devon has a picture-perfect beach for you.

Blackpool Sands

Glistening waters. A picturesque crescent cove. A lush backdrop of green hills. Blackpool Sands is a beautiful Blue Flag beach, known as one of the best beaches in South Devon - if not England.

The name, however, can cause confusion. ‘Blackpool’ refers to a nearby village rather than the popular Lancashire resort town and the ‘Sands’ are actually fine shingle. Even so, it is a spectacular spot for swimming and watersports and is well equipped with a large car park, shower facilities and a lovely cafe. During the summer months, there is also a lifeguard on hand. Dogs are allowed between November and April.

And best of all, it’s a short 10 minutes from Leonard’s Cove. Perfect.

Bigbury-on-Sea Beach

If sandy beaches are your thing, try Bigbury-on-Sea Beach. Certainly, one of the best beaches in South Devon, an ideal family beach with plenty of rock pools to explore at low tide. Take your pick from swimming, surfing, sandcastles or simply wandering along the shallows.

Perfect for the beach alone, Bigbury-on-Sea is also famous for Burgh Island. At low tide, a strip of sand is revealed and you can walk directly over on foot. Or if you’re with kids, don’t miss the chance to take the sea tractor. There are plenty of facilities - shop, cafe, pub, toilets, showers - making it perfect for a day in the sun.

Just remember - this is a highly tidal beach so make sure you check timings before you go.

Bantham Beach

Did you know beaches can win awards? Bantham has many trophies in the bag so we couldn’t leave it off this list of best beaches in South Devon. Not far down the coast from Bigbury, Bantham features picturesque views of Burgh Island and plenty of rock pools to explore to the south.

Backed by grassy dunes with the River Avon estuary to the west, it’s also a popular spot for a scenic wander.

As a sandy beach with plenty of shallows, it’s naturally popular with families of all ages. It also has some of the most reliable waves in South Devon so expect to see a surfboard or three. During the summer months, there’s a lifeguard present and dogs are not allowed on the beach.

Lannacome Beach

Our first three beaches can get pretty busy on a sunny day, so here’s a tip for a quieter spot. Lannacombe is a true hidden gem with a rugged charm of its own. If you’re taking kids, there are plenty of rock pools, a merry stream running down the beach and below the high tide mark, there’s a lovely stretch of sand.

It’s here you’ll also find some stunning coastal views backed by beautiful surrounding countryside, making it one of the best beaches in South Devon. If you feel like stretching your legs, the South Devon Coastal Path is just nearby.

As a wilder beach, amenities are at a minimum. There is a very small car park with enough room for 15 cars - so get in there early. Dogs are welcome all year round.

Man Sands

Find the narrow track to Man Sands and follow for three-quarters of a mile and you’ll find one of the best beaches in South Devon. A true hidden gem. The beach itself is a mix of shingle and sand but the highlight is an exciting mix of freshwater streams, rock pools and caves to discover and explore. It’s also a great spot for birdwatching - a unique wetland area provides a haven for all manner of birdlife.

Relatively popular for a secluded beach, it’s still always quiet enough for a romantic stroll or a relaxing sunbathe. There’s little in the way of amenities - a small National Trust car park at the top of the track is your lot. Dogs are allowed on the beach at any time of year.

A room with a clifftop view

Discover everything you need for a Devon break at Leonards Cove. Our picturesque holiday park offers a stunning clifftop location with spectacular views along the Devon coastline and within easy driving distance of the best beaches in South Devon.

With a range of accommodation options, we’ll have something to suit you - whether that’s a luxurious self-catered cottage, a cosy lodge or a comfy mobile home. Pitch your tent or park your camper van in our spacious camping fields with wifi, shop and on-site restaurant all on hand.

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To learn about Salcombe’s fathoms-deep relationship with the sea and the chapters that have shaped the town you see today, read on…

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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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Dartmouth Regatta 2025: History and What’s On

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Keep reading to discover the Leonard’s Cove guide to the Dartmouth Regatta.