The South Devon Coast

The South Devon coast is varied and forever changing with the seasons

With dramatic cliffs and rocky coastlines, family resorts, beach front cafes and amusements, secluded coves, water sports and foot paths, history and wildlife the shoreline around South Devon offers something for everyone.

Walking

The best way to explore the South Devon coast is on foot via the South West Coast Path. The South West Coast Path is England’s longest waymarked footpath and runs for 630 miles from Minehead, Somerset to Poole Harbour, Dorset.

The South Devon stretch, around 125 miles, takes in many of the main towns in the region, including Seaton, Sidmouth, Exmouth, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Torquay, Dartmouth and Salcombe. As well as towns and family friendly resorts the path will take you past hidden coves and rugged coastlines, wide open beaches and protected landscapes. 

As well as allowing you to get out and enjoy the wonderful fresh Devonshire air, exploring the coast path allows you to visit stretches of the coast away from the main tourist areas and discover some beaches which are not accessible by car.

Jurassic Coast

The East Devon Coast is also known as the Jurassic Coast, The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site covers 95 miles of stunning coastline running from Exmouth, Devon to Studland, Dorset, and records 185 million years of the earth’s history. This part of the coast spans the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods and many of the beaches are ideal for fossil hunting.

Water sports

Trying some water sports is a great way to enjoy the south Devon coast.

Whether it’s Stand Up Paddle Boarding, kayaking or canoes, sailing, surfing or enjoying a trip on a day cruise, exploring the coastline around South Devon is great way to enjoy new angles and views of the amazing scenery which are not visible from the land. 

And South Devon is home to some great water sport provider who will either hire you the equipment, with some instruction, so you can explore at your own pace, or take you on guide tours ensuring you don’t miss any of the hidden gems on your expedition. 

Wildlife

Much of the South Devon coast lies within either the South Devon National Landscape  or the East Devon National Landscape, these protected landscapes ensure the scenery is maintained and continues to be enjoyed by all visitors to the region.

The protected landscapes along the coast are the ideal habitats for rare and importance plants, birds and animals. With a number of nature reserves to be found along coast, including Slapton Ley, the largest freshwater lake in the South West, Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve and Seaton Wetlands, you’ll find plenty of wonderful habitats to explore and a wide range of wildlife to spot.

Beaches

The South Devon Coast is home to some wonderful beaches, with everything on offer from secluded coves to family friendly beaches with all the amenities to hand, we’re also pleased to have two piers, which are great for some friendly competitive fun.  

Whether you’re looking for relaxing beach break, an action packed water sports filled time, want to follow in the footsteps of a royal visit to Sidmouth or the Victorians summer holidays to the English Riviera. If you want to explore the rugged beauty of the landscape, discover rare plants and animals or take a trip back in time along the Jurassic Coast, you’re sure to find your perfect beach in South Devon.

With so many beaches to choose from finding your ideal beach can be tricky, so we’ve put together a list of the Top 10 South Devon Beaches to help you decide.