Mothecombe Beach

If you want a beach holiday without the crowds, Mothecombe beach is one of the quieter beaches in South Devon. Large and unspoilt, it’s privately owned but open to the public on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The owners have won an award from the Marine Conservation Society for keeping the sea and sands clean, and at low tide Mothecombe comes into its own with fine sand and plenty of opportunity for shallow, sheltered bathing.

Pristine Condition

As a result of its private ownership, Mothecombe beach has remained pretty much unchanged for centuries. The estate managers have worked hard to keep the beach in pristine condition and you can take dogs onto certain parts of the beach as long as you stick to the anti-fouling rules. There’s a car park, which charges £4 a day and gives you easy access down a narrow path to the sands (not suitable for wheelchairs). If you’re in need of refreshments then there’s a tea house in the car park offering drinks and snacks, with toilets nearby.

Sights to See and Things to Do

If you’ve ever fancied a crack at windsurfing or bodyboarding then conditions at Mothecombe are ideal for beginners. But if you’re a more seasoned water sports enthusiast, you might be better off seeking out other bays along the coast for more challenging conditions. If you prefer to stay dry but still want to get a little exercise, you can access the South West Coast Path from Mothecombe beach and get some spectacular views of the surrounding coast and countryside.

Mothecombe beach may not have much in the way of theme parks and commercial attractions, but it has its own understated sights to see. A little further to the south there is a small, circular stone wall that used to be used as a swimming pool as it fills with water as the tide comes in. It’s not Alton Towers, but Mothecombe has its own, laid-back charm and is great for families who love simple beach holidays.