Beesands is a small fishing village set on the edge of Start Bay, surrounded by rolling countryside, open fields and the endless curve of a long shingle beach. It feels remote in the best possible way – calm, peaceful and deeply connected to the sea. Traditional cottages line the waterfront, fishing boats still head out for crab and lobster, and the sound of the water carries through the village from morning to night.
There is history everywhere you look. Beesands has long been a working fishing community, and its position on Start Bay put it close to the beaches used for major D-Day training exercises during the Second World War. Just along the coast, Torcross and Slapton Sands were evacuated for rehearsals ahead of the landings. The coastline here still holds that sense of weight and story. There is also a surprising musical link – Keith Richards is said to have holidayed in Beesands as a child, with some of his earliest memories tied to this quiet stretch of coast.
Despite its small size, Beesands has a warm and friendly atmosphere, offering excellent seafood, a relaxed pub, and some of the most beautiful coastal path walking in the South Hams. It is a place to rest, recharge and enjoy the simplicity of seaside living.
What Beesands Is Known For
- A quiet, remote feel with a strong fishing heritage
- A long shingle beach that is great for swimming and paddleboarding
- Proper seafood and a friendly, unpretentious pub
- Dramatic coastal walks in both directions
- Big skies, peaceful mornings and beautiful sunrises
- A slower pace that helps visitors genuinely switch off
Beesands is not a village of amusements or attractions – it is about breathing room, sea views and the simple pleasure of being by the water.
The Beach at Beesands
Beesands Beach stretches out along Start Bay, backed by fishermen’s cottages and the storm wall that protects the village from rough seas. It is a classic South Devon shingle beach – spacious, clean and wonderfully uncrowded even in summer.
Swimming and Paddleboarding
The water is usually calm here, sheltered by the natural curve of the bay. It gets deep quickly, which makes it easy to swim out without having to wade far, but families should be aware that children and weaker swimmers can find themselves out of their depth sooner than expected. In the right conditions, it is one of the loveliest spots in the South Hams for early morning swims.
Paddleboarders love Beesands for its stillness and its long, open line of water.
Dog-Friendly All Year
Dogs are welcome on Beesands Beach throughout the year, and it is a brilliant place for long, relaxed walks with plenty of space.
Sunrises
Because the village faces east, the sunrise over Start Bay can be spectacular – a great reason to grab an early swim or coffee and start the day slowly.
Food and Drink in Beesands
For a village this small, the food and drink scene in Beesands is surprisingly strong – simple, local and unfussy.
The Cricket Inn
The Cricket Inn sits right on the seafront, behind the long seawall that protects the village from storms. It serves excellent food, good beer and fresh seafood, with outside seating along the front. Although the wall sits between the pub and the beach, you can still hear the waves and feel the rhythm of the shoreline. On warm days, it is a lovely place to sit with a drink and watch people walking the shingle.
Britannia @ The Beach
Often known as the Shack, this seafood bar sits close to the seawall and is famous for serving fresh crab, calamari, chips, and simply cooked seafood. There is some indoor seating available in the summer months and outdoor tables by the sea, or take your food over to the beach for a relaxed seaside meal. It is a proper hidden gem and a huge part of the Beesands experience – don’t miss out on their tartare sauce!
The fishing heritage of the village is still felt in both places, and much of the seafood comes from the local boats you will see pulled up along the shore.
Walking from Beesands
Beesands is an excellent base for coastal walking thanks to its location on one of the most dramatic parts of the South West Coast Path.
Towards Hallsands and Start Point
Heading south towards Hallsands and Start Point Lighthouse, the coastline becomes increasingly wild and rugged. The cliffs drop steeply to the sea, and the views go on for miles. It is one of the most memorable walks on the peninsula, full of atmosphere and dramatic scenery.
Towards Torcross
Walk north and the path curves along Start Bay towards Torcross, which has a few cafés and pubs. The long stretch of Slapton Sands connects on from here. This direction offers gentler walking and a change of pace while still keeping the coastline front and centre.
Exploring the Peninsula
Beesands also works brilliantly as a base for exploring places like East Prawle, Gara Rock and East Portlemouth, where you can take the passenger ferry across to Salcombe. With a car, you have access to some of the most beautiful and isolated coastline in the South Hams.
Walking here is not just exercise – it is a way to immerse yourself in the landscape, the history and the sense of space that defines this part of Devon.
Who Beesands Is Best For
Beesands suits a certain type of holidaymaker perfectly. It is peaceful, quiet and stripped back, with long stretches of coastline and almost no noise or bustle.
Best for
- Walkers and hikers
- Couples wanting peaceful coastal breaks
- Families with younger children who enjoy nature
- Dog owners
- Swimmers and paddleboarders
- Anyone wanting to disconnect from busy routines
- Visitors who value scenery, silence and slower days
Less ideal for
- Teenagers or older kids wanting activities or nightlife
- Visitors who like multiple cafés, shops or attractions
- Anyone who dislikes narrow country lanes
- Guests without access to a car
If your perfect holiday involves walking, reading, swimming, enjoying good seafood, and relaxing in quiet surroundings, Beesands is an outstanding choice.
The Practical Side of Staying in Beesands
Beesands is remote – wonderfully so – but visitors should be prepared for the practical realities that come with staying in such a peaceful place.
You will need a car to get here, and the approach lanes are narrow and winding. Most holiday cottages include private parking, but there is also a village car park beside the beach. There is a small shop for basics, but you will likely rely on Kingsbridge or nearby towns for larger supplies.
Once you arrive, the pace changes completely. Evenings are quiet, the beach is peaceful, and the sound of the sea becomes part of daily life. Comfortable shoes, supplies for the first evening and a torch for night-time walks are all helpful, but beyond that, all you need is time. Beesands is about simple days by the water and a holiday that feels genuinely restorative.
Why Beesands Is One of the South Hams’ Best Hidden Gems
Beesands is not flashy or busy, and it does not try to be. It is a place for sunsets, seafood, long walks and proper rest. You can sit by the water with fresh fish, watch the boats pull in, walk the cliff paths and enjoy mornings that start with the sun rising over Start Bay.
For visitors who want to escape noise, traffic and busy beaches, Beesands offers something rare – peace, beauty and simplicity in one of the most dramatic corners of South Devon.