Local beaches
Off to the seaside
Grab your bucket and spade
With its spectacular and varied coastline, it is little wonder that Devon boasts some of the best beaches in the UK. Enjoy secluded and unspoiled beaches, wildlife spotting, sightseeing at famous locations or simply kick back on the golden sands and soak up some sun! To give you some seaside inspiration, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite spots below.
Peppercombe Beach
A delightful woodland stomp of around 30 minutes downhill takes you to a gorgeous rock and shingle beach. As the area is so unspoilt, it has become a real haven for wildlife, so lucky visitors will be able to spot sea life such as seals and dolphins as well as a whole host of butterflies, beetles and wildflowers in the valley. Ospreys are also known to stop in for a visit here! A certain standard of fitness and ability is needed as the walk onto and back from the beach is not for the faint hearted – but very much worth it!
Westward Ho!
A popular beach with families, expect to find golden sand, a variety of nearby shops and eateries, as well as toilet facilities. The beach is accessible at both ends and benefits from lifeguard cover between May and September. Those who love surfing can also rejoice as there are designated surf areas! If you prefer a spot of fishing, wild sea bass are a common sight and attract angulars from all over the UK.
Buck Mills
Visiting this charming hamlet feels like taking a real step back in time and is a wonderful place to switch off from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. The darling village leads to a sheltered cove with a fabulous view to Lundy and a waterfall onto the beach. You can also visit the Summer House of two artists, Judith Ackland and Mary Stella Edwards which now remains frozen in time. The house was where they lived and worked for many years in the summer but after Judith’s death in the 1970’s it was locked up and left exactly as it was.
Shipload Bay
Encircled by imposing cliffs, Shipload Bay was made famous due to its favour with smugglers years ago. Sadly, the beach is now closed to the public due to safety concerns, however there are some jaw-dropping views to be found from the coast path and some lucky visitors may even spot seals and dolphins! You can access the cliffs via a lovely path that takes you down winding country lanes and through lush green fields.