South Devon’s coastline is one of the most varied and beautiful in the UK, offering everything from surf beaches and dramatic headlands to quiet fishing villages and sheltered coves. Many visitors arrive with the more famous names in mind, but some of the region’s most rewarding destinations are the smaller, characterful places just beyond the obvious choices.
After years of living in Devon and holidaying across the South Hams, these are the five coastal spots we recommend most often. Each offers something different. Each has its own rhythm and atmosphere. And all of them deliver that unmistakable South Devon blend of sea air, slow days and scenery that stays with you long after the holiday ends.
1. Hope Cove
Hope Cove is the kind of place people fall in love with. Split into two hamlets – Inner Hope and Outer Hope – the village has a timeless, easy-going atmosphere that suits families, walkers, dog owners, and anyone who wants that quintessential small seaside village feel without losing access to good food and beautiful walks.
What makes Hope Cove special is how self-contained it is. The two beaches offer different moods depending on the weather – calmer at Inner Hope’s Harbour Beach, more open at Outer Hope’s Village Beach. Kids love the rock pools, the sheltered swimming at high tide and climbing on the breakwater, which becomes a natural playground when the tide is in, and you can jump off the end. Walkers can head straight out onto the South West Coast Path and reach South Milton Sands, Thurlestone, Bolberry Down or even Salcombe without needing a car.
Food options are excellent for a small village. The Cove is one of the best beach bars in the area with a lively yet relaxed vibe, while the Hope & Anchor offers classic pub comfort. The Lobster Pod restaurant offers something unique, featuring elevated sea views and fresh seafood from individual pods perched above the beach.
Hope Cove suits families with younger children, couples visiting outside peak season, dog owners and anyone who wants a gentle pace of life. It’s especially lovely outside the peak of summer, when the sunsets are at their best and the coast paths are quieter.
Hope Cove – At a Glance
- Two sheltered sandy beaches
- Friendly, relaxed village feel
- Great for families, couples and dog owners
- Excellent coastal walks in both directions
- Good pubs, cafés and beach bars
- Best for slow, simple seaside days
Find out more in our Local Guide to Hope Cove
2. Thurlestone
Thurlestone sits in one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the South Hams. Elevated above the sea, the village offers expansive, sweeping views across Thurlestone Sands, South Milton Sands and the famous Thurlestone Rock. It’s calm, scenic and slightly more upmarket, with a mature feel that many couples and older visitors love.
One of Thurlestone’s greatest strengths is its access to beaches (all of which are dog-friendly). You can walk to Leas Foot, Thurlestone Sands, Yarmer Beach, South Milton Sands, Broadsands and even Bantham. This variety is rare in South Devon, making Thurlestone perfect for beach lovers who enjoy exploring on foot. For a longer walk, Hope Cove is within an hour's walk from the village and a great place to stop for lunch and a swim.
Leas Foot is particularly good for families, while Yarmer feels wild and remote. It’s a great setting to play ‘Last Kids on Earth’ - a favourite with mine and their friends. Broadsands is for the more intrepid, offering glorious swimming and sheltered sunbathing.
The Thurlestone Hotel adds a touch of luxury with its spa, tennis courts and cream teas, while the Village Inn is a warm and popular pub. Walking from Thurlestone is exceptional, with headland paths, quiet coves and long loops taking in Bantham and the mouth of the Avon estuary.
Thurlestone – At a Glance
- Multiple beaches within easy walking distance
- Calm, scenic and slightly more upmarket
- Great for couples, older visitors and low-key family stays
- Superb walking, including links to Bantham and South Milton Sands
- Grass-court tennis, spa and cream teas
- Best for scenic, easygoing coastal breaks
Find out more in our Local Guide to Thurlestone
3. Bantham
Bantham has an atmosphere entirely its own. Small, charming and wonderfully remote, it sits behind one of South Devon’s best beaches, framed by sand dunes, wide skies and unforgettable views of Burgh Island. Bantham feels like a place time forgot in the best possible way.
The beach shifts dramatically with the tide. At low tide, there’s a vast expanse of flat sand, perfect for family games, running and exploring. At high tide, the estuary fills and becomes a natural playground for swimmers, paddleboarders and anyone wanting to enjoy the famous Swoosh, a tidal float loved by both locals and visitors. Just lie back and let the current take you from the boathouse to the beach, or vice versa if the tide’s coming in. Wetsuits are recommended for kids (and adults), helping with warmth and buoyancy.
The beach draws surfers year-round, with the best waves arriving in autumn and winter. Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
Bantham’s charm extends into its food culture, which offers a creative and community-driven vibe. The Sloop Inn is a classic coastal inn serving up pub classics. The Village Stores offers excellent coffee and lunches with a view. In the summer, an eclectic mix of food trucks visits the beach carpark, serving pizzas, cocktails, tacos, and more. One of Devon’s coolest venues, Outside, is just up the road and runs events throughout the season, from film nights and live music to skate jams and pottery classes, or just pop in for great food and drink.
Bantham is a place generations return to. Many families visited Bantham as children and now bring their own kids, passing on traditions that the beach and estuary naturally inspire.
Bantham – At a Glance
- Huge sandy surf beach with estuary swimming
- Wild, natural, nostalgic atmosphere
- Great for surfers, active families and beach lovers
- Food trucks in summer, Sloop Inn and Village Stores
- The Swoosh is a must-try tidal float
- Best for big beach days and sunset views of Burgh Island
Find out more in our Local Guide to Bantham
4. Beesands
Beesands is quiet, remote and wonderfully unspoilt – a traditional fishing village set along a long shingle beach in the shadow of Start Point. It’s peaceful, scenic and ideal for visitors who want to slow down completely, breathe in the sea air and enjoy simple, grounding coastal days.
The beach is excellent for swimming thanks to its sheltered position, though the water gets deep quickly, so families with younger children should stay close. Paddleboarders love the calm bay and dog owners can enjoy the beach all year round with their pooches. The seawall running in front of the village gives Beesands a rugged, defensive look and provides essential protection during winter storms.
Walkers will find some of the best routes in the South Hams here, with dramatic paths leading to Hallsands and further on to Start Point Lighthouse in one direction, or eastly towards Torcross with its pub, cafes and restaurants in the other. The area’s history runs deep too – from the destruction of Hallsands village during a 1917 storm to Beesands’ role in military training during the lead-up to the D-Day landings.
Eating well is easy despite the village’s size. The Cricket Inn serves excellent food with a friendly atmosphere, and Britannia @ The Beach offers some of the freshest seafood in the region.
Beesands – At a Glance
- Long, peaceful shingle beach
- Remote and traditional village feel
- Great for walkers, couples and dog owners
- Fresh seafood at Britannia @ The Beach and The Cricket Inn
- Superb walking to Hallsands and Start Point
- Best for quiet breaks and wide open coast
Find out more in our Local Guide to Beesands
5. Salcombe
Salcombe is the South Hams’ headline destination – bright, colourful, energetic and overflowing with coastal charm. The harbour is always in view, lined with sailing boats, dinghies, tenders and visiting yachts. Island Street buzzes with creativity, boutique shops line Fore Street, and the whole town has a lively, almost Mediterranean feel in summer - helped by the cerulean waters, stylish yachts and alfresco living.
But Salcombe is more than a busy seaside town. Its real magic comes from the combination of estuary, beaches and coastal paths. A short ferry ride can take you to the beautiful sandy beaches of East Portlemouth or around the corner to South Sands. Neighbouring North Sands is within easy walking distance of the town centre. Snape’s Point offers one of the best viewpoints in South Devon, while the coastal walk from East Portlemouth to Gara Rock is unforgettable.
Food lovers are spoilt for choice, from Rockfish, The Crabshed and The Winking Prawn to Salcombe Dairy, Salcombe Gin, Devon Rum Co. and the pubs dotted around town. Shopping is excellent too, with a mix of independents and coastal brands.
Salcombe works for families, couples, sailors, walkers and foodies. It’s lively in August, peaceful in spring and autumn, and one of the most complete coastal destinations in the country.
Salcombe – At a Glance
- Lively harbour town with beaches and ferries
- Great for families, couples, sailors and food lovers
- North Sands, South Sands and East Portlemouth beaches
- Excellent food, shopping and artisan producers
- Stunning walks to Snape’s Point, Gara Rock and Bolt Head
- Best for vibrant seaside holidays with lots to do
Find out more in our Local Guide to Salcombe
Quick Comparison: The Best Coastal Destinations in South Devon
| Destination | Best For | Vibe / Atmosphere | Beaches | Food & Drink Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hope Cove | Families, dog owners, couples | Friendly, relaxed, low-key | Two sheltered sandy bays | The Cove, Lobster Pod, Hope & Anchor |
| Thurlestone | Couples, older visitors, families | Calm, refined, scenic | Multiple coves & sands | Thurlestone Hotel, Village Inn |
| Bantham | Surfers, families, active visitors | Wild, natural, nostalgic | Huge surf beach & estuary | Sloop Inn, food trucks, Village Stores |
| Beesands | Walkers, couples, quiet breaks | Remote, traditional, peaceful | Long shingle beach | Cricket Inn, Britannia @ The Beach |
| Salcombe | Families, couples, foodies, sailors | Lively, colourful, energetic | North & South Sands + ferry beaches | Winking Prawn, Rockfish, Salcombe Gin Bar |