Kingsbridge is excellent for beach lovers. It is no secret that Devon is home to miles of golden sand, hidden coves and excellent surf. No matter the weather or season, there are sandy shores to relax on and rugged cliffs to explore. Keep reading to discover Your Devon Escape’s favourite Kingsbridge beaches below!
Ayrmer Cove
A beautiful secret and sandy beach near Kingsbridge with shingles, pebbles and rock pools. This hidden cove lies at the foot of a valley just to the west of Challaborough. It is a pretty cove flanked by silvery white cliffs and backed by the rolling hills of the South Hams. This remote beach is accessible only by bridleway. Owned by The National Trust with a car park located 1km from the beach, charges apply for non-members. Sadly, there are no lifeguards present on this beach, but dogs are welcome all year round. If you are looking for quiet Kingsbridge beaches, then this is the perfect beach to enjoy to yourself.
Bantham Beach
Popular, privately owned, sandy, and down the road from Kingsbridge. This hidden gem captivates visitors with its stunning natural beauty and serene atmosphere. The picturesque beach, known for its sweeping sands and dramatic coastal scenery, is the ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. It is the perfect beach for paddling, kitesurfing, and surfing. Lifeguards are present on the beach from 4th May to 30th September with dogs permitted outside of these dates. From the main road, it is quite a narrow passage when driving down to the beach. So, prepare to do some reversing! The car park is private, and charges apply.
Bigbury Beach
This popular sandy beach near Kingsbridge is accessible via steep steps or a concrete slipway, making it accessible for all. There is a beach shop, café, pub (on Burgh Island), and toilets with baby changing facilities and showers. It is a perfect beach for relaxing, rockpooling, or trying a new water sport! Discovery Surf School is a family run business dedicated to providing top quality surf and SUP coaching and located on the beach. Why not have a go at catching some waves! Or when the tide is in take the sea tractor, affectionately known as Trundle, across to Burgh Island to explore the hidden wonders. Lifeguards are present from the 4th of May to 29th September, with dogs allowed on the beach outside of these dates. The car park is open 24 hours with charges.
East Portlemouth
If you want a Kingsbridge beach holiday that gets you away from the crowds and gives you a chance to relax in peace and quiet, then East Portlemouth is well worth a visit. It is actually made up of a number of small beaches – Fishermans Cove, Smalls Cove and Mill Bay – so you can hunt down your very own secluded spot. At low tide you’ll find loads of shallow rock pools, which will keep budding young marine biologists occupied. This beach is accessible by the South West Coast Path or a private access path from the National Trust car park, with charges applying to non-members. There are toilets and a seasonal café but sadly no lifeguards. Dogs are welcome all year round. The beach just asks that they are kept on the lead between May and September. Access the ferry to Salcombe from here!
Hope Cove Beaches
Hope Cove is made up of two sandy beaches, Inner Hope and Outer Hope. Accessible via a picturesque walk along the South West Coast Path, or a short drive from Kingsbridge, this secluded cove offers a sense of serenity and seclusion, creating a dramatic backdrop for sunbathers and photographers alike. With lifeguards are present on the beach from 6th July to 8th September with dogs permitted between 1st October and 30th April, Hope Cove’s beaches are great for families to visit. The northernmost, Outer Hope, also known as Mouthwell Sands, is generally the more popular of the two for families, swimmers and water sport enthusiasts. There is a car park in the village, with charges applied.
Soar Mill Cove
This small, remote beach is a genuine rural idyll and one of the prettiest in Devon. Surrounded by dramatic rocks and cliffs and the craggy heath of Bolt Head, there are rockpools at low tide, a stream running through the middle of the beach and lots of wildlife in the area. It is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Devon, and perfect for the whole family. There is, however, no road access to the beach. So, pack your beach stuff and enjoy a stroll along the coast path, or the walk from The Soar Mill Cove Hotel, to reach the beach.
South Milton Sands
This beautiful beach is dog-friendly throughout the year. Park in the National Trust car park and head towards the dunes. This is a fabulous spot for a trip to the beach, no matter the time of year. You can walk over to Hope Cove along the coast path, or simply enjoy the sand. Known for water sports, bring your paddle board or twin-tip and get out on the water. There is a wonderful stream for young children to paddle and play. Enjoy a bite to eat or refreshment at the Beach House, next to the beach. The café is a fabulous spot for a glass of wine as the sun goes down or a something delicious to munch on between dips in the sea. Lifeguards are present on the beach between July and September.
South Sands
South Sands in Salcombe is one of the most unspoilt beaches in South Devon. It is part of a cove so you’re sheltered from the sea winds, and it provides a neat little sun trap if you just want to lie back and soak up the rays. Or if you like your downtime to be a little more active, there are a variety of water sports on offer. You’ll find hire facilities are available for canoeing, catamaran sailing, wind surfing and dinghy sailing close to the beach. You can even hire equipment to go scuba diving and explore the local shipwrecks. There are toilets and a beach café. There is limited parking available and sadly no lifeguards. Dogs are welcome on the beach between 1st October and 30th May, and there is the option of steps or a ramp down to the beach, enabling disabled access.
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.