Whilst Totnes may be landlocked, there are many beaches a mere stone’s throw away for you to enjoy on your holiday. If you want to escape the town for the day, smell the sea air and laze on the beach, here are our favourites for you to enjoy whilst on Your Devon Escape.
Fishcombe Cove
This shingle beach is located just outside of Brixham. It is a short steep walk from the car park and, therefore, no disabled access. Sadly, there are no lifeguards at this beach, but dogs are welcome on the beach throughout the year. This secluded beach is the perfect options for a day out from Totnes.
Broadsands Beach
This long, sandy beach has views across Torbay. There is a parkland area behind the beach which is perfect for picnics or a game of rounders. Pop down and have a wander along the promenade to see the beach huts. There are toilets, two cafés and water sports hire available on the beach. There are two car parks available, where charges apply. The promenade is level with the car parks; however, it is step access only to the beach. Dogs are welcome on the beach between 1st October and 30th April.
Elberry Cove
For a secluded beach near Totnes, Elberry Cove should be the choice. The cove is a small, pebble beach, accessible via the South West Coast Path from Broadsands car park. Dogs are welcome on the beach between 1st October and 30th April. Water sports are popular at this beach; however, there is no hire available. Toilets and refreshments are located at Broadsands Beach.
Goodrington Sands
This long, sandy stretch of beach is a popular one for swimming all year round. There is a restaurant located next to the beach for those much-needed refreshments. The beach is divided into two parts: the North and the South Beach. Dogs are welcome on the South Beach between October and April, and on the North Beach all year round. There is disabled access to the beach from the car park. Lifeguards are present on the beach between May and September.
Paignton Beach
With a sandy beach, safe swimming, and many activities to enjoy, there is something for everyone at Paignton Beach. Hire a pedalo, take a fishing trip from the nearby harbour or sit back and relax in a deckchair. Take a walk down the famous Paignton Pier, where you will find kiosks, arcades and cafés. The beach offers disabled access and there are toilets available all the way along the beach. Dogs are welcome on the beach between 1st October and 30th April.
Preston Beach
This is a popular sandy beach with wheelchair access and roadside parking available. Head into The Boathouse for a spot of lunch or grab an ice cream from one of the kiosks located along the promenade. Behind the beach is a green with a park in the centre, perfect for a picnic or game of rounders. Sadly, there are no lifeguards present, but dogs are welcome on the beach between 1st October and 30th April. Head down to admire the traditional beach huts that are located along the beach.
Torre Abbey Sands
A short drive from Totnes, you will find this popular beach. It is sandy with disabled access. Dogs are permitted on the beach between 1st October and the 30th of April. There is a beach kiosk located by the beach for that much-needed ice cream in the sun. Head over the road to Abbey Crescent for lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants. Roadside parking is available on the main road.
Ness Cove Beach
This beach is accessed via the smugglers’ tunnel and, therefore, sadly no disabled access. It is a mainly shingle beach with views out towards Torbay and Exmouth. Dogs are permitted on the beach throughout the year. Parking is available in the main car park.
Shaldon Beach
Located at the mouth of the River Teign, this is a sand and shingle beach. It is popular for canoeing, rowing, and swimming, with views across to Teignmouth. There are restaurants and cafés located in the town to grab any needed refreshments. Toilets are located near the beach; however, sadly there are no lifeguards present. A car park is available just up the hill.
For more ideas for what to do on Your Devon Escape, why not check out our journal for recommendations. Or make us all jealous on by sharing your adventures with #yourdevonescape. Tag us on Facebook @YourDevonEscape, on Instagram @your_devon_escape or TikTok @yourdevonescapeltd.