South Hams’ Best Beaches – A Seaside Lover’s Guide

Welcome to the South Hams - a stretch of Devon coastline that blends rolling green hills, rugged cliffs, tranquil estuaries and some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK. 

Whether you're after a family-friendly stretch of sand, a quiet cove to escape the crowds, or waves to surf, the South Hams delivers in spades. Here’s our hand-picked guide to the best beaches in the South Hams, plus tips to make the most of them. 

Bantham Beach 

Bantham is one of the South Hams’ most beloved beaches - a sweeping expanse of golden sand backed by dunes, with views across to Burgh Island.  

It’s perfect for surfers, swimmers and families alike, thanks to its gentle shallows and rolling waves. At low tide, rock pools and sand flats appear, ideal for children to explore. The beach has a friendly, laid-back vibe, with a surf school, beach café and lifeguards in summer months.  

Whether you’re after a refreshing swim or a windswept walk along the coast, Bantham captures everything special about South Devon’s seaside charm. 

Bigbury-on-Sea  

Across the Avon estuary from Bantham sits Bigbury-on-Sea - a classic, family-friendly beach famous for its tidal causeway to Burgh Island. At low tide you can stroll across golden sands to the island itself, while at high tide the iconic sea tractor ferries visitors over the water.  

The beach’s gently sloping shoreline makes it perfect for paddling and building sandcastles, and when the tide’s out, the shallow pools left behind are wonderful for children to splash about in. With its mix of adventure, history and seaside fun, Bigbury-on-Sea is a Devon day out you’ll never forget. 

Blackpool Sands 

Despite its name, Blackpool Sands is a smooth shingle beach and one of the cleanest and most picturesque in the South Hams. Nestled between steep, tree-lined hills, it feels almost Mediterranean, with clear turquoise water and a tranquil, sheltered setting.  

It’s great for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding, and the beach is well-maintained with excellent facilities including a café, showers and summer lifeguards. The pebbles make it less sandy underfoot, but the stunning scenery more than makes up for it. A true South Devon gem for those who love calm, scenic surroundings. 

North Sands & South Sands & Mill Bay 

Salcombe is a beach-lover’s paradise, with several sheltered coves dotted along its idyllic estuary. North Sands is the closest to town, a small, sandy beach perfect for families and just a short stroll from cafés and shops.  

A little further along, South Sands offers a slightly quieter atmosphere, reached by a scenic walk or a charming ferry from the town quay. Across the water lies Mill Bay, owned by the National Trust, a golden stretch of sand fringed by woodland and perfect for picnics and paddling. Together, these beaches show off Salcombe’s quintessential coastal magic. 

Hope Cove  

Tucked between Thurlestone and Salcombe, Hope Cove is a postcard-perfect spot made up of two small beaches; Inner Hope and Outer Hope. It’s a place of traditional charm, where fishing boats rest on the sand and families gather to swim, paddle and explore rock pools. The coves are sheltered by cliffs, giving calm waters that are ideal for young children. 

With a handful of pubs and cafés nearby, and the South West Coast Path running right through the village, Hope Cove combines natural beauty with a relaxed, welcoming feel, a true hidden treasure. 

South Milton Sands  

Wide, wild and wonderfully scenic, South Milton Sands is one of the most picturesque stretches of coast in the South Hams. The beach is backed by dunes and flanked by the iconic Thurlestone Rock, a dramatic natural arch that stands just offshore.  

The shallow lagoon area is popular with families and wildlife lovers, with seabirds often spotted feeding along the tide line. The beach’s café, The Beach House, is a local favourite for seafood with a sea view, and at sunset the whole bay glows gold and pink. It’s a spot that captures the spirit of Devon’s unspoilt coastline. 

Slapton Sands  

Running for almost three miles between Torcross and Strete, Slapton Sands is a dramatic sweep of shingle backed by the freshwater lagoon of Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve. It’s a haven for walkers, swimmers and nature enthusiasts, with plenty of space to spread out and stunning views along the coast.  

The water here is deep and clear, and the long beach is perfect for bracing sea swims or peaceful picnics. History lovers will also find interest in its World War II connections, when it was used for D-Day landing rehearsals. Slapton Sands is raw, beautiful and full of character. 

Lannacombe & Prawle Point 

For those who love to discover somewhere off the beaten track, Lannacombe Beach and nearby Prawle Point offer an authentic taste of Devon’s wild coast. Lannacombe is a small, sandy cove with a handful of parking spaces and a peaceful, unspoilt feel that’s perfect for a quiet swim or a lazy afternoon.  

From here, you can walk along the cliffs to Prawle Point, the most southerly tip of Devon, where dramatic views stretch for miles. It’s rugged, windswept and utterly beautiful, a reminder that sometimes, the best beaches are the ones you must find for yourself. 

Mothecombe Beach 

Located at the mouth of the River Erme, Mothecombe is a stunning family-friendly beach with soft sand, gentle waters and a timeless charm. It’s privately owned but open to the public, and its wide expanse makes it ideal for picnics, paddling and exploring.  

When the tide is out, you can walk across to the neighbouring Coastguards Beach and Wonwell Beach on the opposite side of the estuary. The setting feels wonderfully untouched, framed by rolling countryside and woodlands that tumble down to the sea for the perfect spot for a peaceful Devon day out. 

Discover Your Perfect Beach 

From the surf and sunsets of Bantham to the quiet coves of Soar Mill, the South Hams coastline has something for every beach lover. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a whole holiday, these shores invite you to slow down, breathe in the sea air and enjoy the beauty of South Devon at its best.