South Milton Sands

If you want sand, stunning scenery and the chance to see rare wildlife on your holiday then South Milton Sands has got the lot. It’s set in an National Landscape (previously AONB) and behind the beach you can discover wetlands that have been designated as an Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). If you’re looking for a chance to observe wildlife in its natural environment, South Milton Sands is the place to come for great views of migrating birds, rare butterflies and much more. If you’re more interested in spending time next to the surf, the beach has also won an award from the Marine Conservation Society in recognition of the clean waters and protected natural habitats. Seals and dolphins are fairly common in the sea here and there have even been whale sightings in recent years. So if you have any budding marine biologists in your family, South Milton Sands is a great destination.

Beach Essentials

One of South Milton Sands’ biggest attractions is Thurlestone Rock, an arch-shaped rock that sticks out of the sea and can be seen from the beach. The beach is stacked with facilities including on-site parking, a café and dogs are welcome all year round. In the nearby village of Thurlestone, which takes its name from the local landmark, you’ll find plenty of great accommodation, a pub serving food and a shop for all those beachside essentials. As the sea reaches low tide, there are lots of shallow rock pools for children and amateur ecologists to explore.  

Above and Below the Waterline

South Milton Sands beach is popular with surfers, and local surfing schools offer courses for beginners if you fancy trying out this fun sport for the first time. If you want to get up close and personal with the abundant marine life, you can take advantage of the clear waters and go diving or snorkelling. There are reefs and a number of shipwrecks that have become home to underwater flora and fauna. If you like to keep it a bit drier, kayaks and canoes are available for hire.