The Best Beaches in South Devon This August

August is a good time to explore South Devon’s coastline, whether you want an easy beach day, a few waves or a quieter stretch of sand away from the busiest resorts. From Plymouth, the coast opens out in both directions, with sheltered estuaries, shingle bays and long sandy beaches spread across the English Riviera and the South Devon National Landscape.

For a straightforward family day out, Wembury Beach is close to Plymouth and combines sand, rock pools and views towards St Werburgh’s Church. Bovisand Beach is another nearby option, set in a protected sandy cove surrounded by cliffs, while Jennycliff Beach is shingle rather than sand and looks across Plymouth Sound. Check local dog restrictions before travelling: Wembury and Jennycliff allow dogs all year, while Bovisand has access for dogs on the Crownhill Bay side only.

Further east, Bigbury-on-Sea has plenty of space and the unusual sight of Burgh Island offshore, reached by sea tractor at high tide. It is also one of South Devon’s surfing hubs, alongside Bantham Beach and Challaborough Bay. Bantham has views towards Burgh Island and links into walks towards Thurlestone and Hope Cove. For calmer water, South Milton Sands has views of Thurlestone Rock, while Blackpool Sands is known for fine shingle, clear water and kayaking. These beaches are among the area’s Blue Flag locations, although conditions and facilities can vary, so it is worth checking current information before setting off.

The Salcombe area works well if you want to combine a beach visit with a coastal walk. North Sands and South Sands are family-friendly choices close to the harbour town, while East Portlemouth and Gara Rock offer a quieter feel across the estuary and along the coast. Between Salcombe and Hope Cove, Soar Mill Cove is a more secluded option, reached on foot. Hope Cove itself has two sheltered coves, Inner Hope and Outer Hope, with the South West Coast Path passing nearby. Dogs are allowed all year at East Portlemouth, Salcombe North Sands, Salcombe South Sands and Hope Cove, but seasonal rules apply at some other beaches.

Around Torbay, Meadfoot Beach has beach huts, trees and rock pools, and Oddicombe Beach sits below the cliffs near Babbacombe. Maidencombe Beach is smaller and enclosed by red stone cliffs. In Brixham, St Mary’s Bay, Breakwater Beach, Churston Cove and Fishcombe Cove give you several different settings within reach of the harbour. Paignton offers a broad sandy beach, pier and promenade, while Goodrington Sands and Broadsands add more family-friendly options along the coast.

For a quieter August outing, look towards Slapton Sands, a long shingle beach beside Slapton Ley nature reserve, or the coves around Start Bay. Lannacombe Beach, Mattiscombe Beach, Westcombe Beach and Mothecombe Beach are among the less developed choices, while Ness Cove Beach in Shaldon is reached through the old Smugglers Tunnel. Access can involve steep paths or a walk, so sensible footwear is useful.

Whichever beach you choose, swim between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards are present, and stay out of the water when a red flag is flying. August weather can change quickly, and tides matter at beaches such as Bigbury-on-Sea. For current details on parking, toilets, cafés, lifeguards, accessibility and dog access, check Visit South Devon before leaving.