Dive into South Devon!

Riviera Bay Coastal Retreat is perfectly situated to treat you to some of the best secluded coves and pretty beaches. The combination of dramatic coastline, calm waters, and local wildlife, makes wild swimming in and around Brixham a truly unforgettable experience, offering both adventure and tranquility. Read on to discover some of South Devon’s best hidden gems.

Remember to keep safety in mind when wild swimming by checking tide times, respecting wildlife, and letting someone know where you are if embarking on a solo swim.

Fishcombe Cove & Churston Cove

Tucked away on the outskirts of Brixham is the secluded shingle beach Fishcombe Cove; a hidden gem for wild swimmers seeking tranquility and sheltered waters. Enclosed by wooded hillsides and steep cliffs, Fishcombe Cove is sheltered from winds and hidden away from any hustle and bustle. Enjoy a swim in the calm, clear water, where you can often spot a visiting seal! A lovely little café serves snacks and delicious coffee, perfect to recharge after a refreshing dip. After your sea swim, treat yourself to relaxing sauna facilities available every Saturday, bookable in advance online, for a wonderful day of self care – good for the mind, body, and soul! Fishcombe Cove is also a great spot to spend some time rock pooling and searching for sea glass, or to partake in some paddleboarding on the flat water.

A steep slope leads from a small car park to the cove, as well as a set of steps leading from Brixham’s Battery Gardens. Dogs are welcome year-round, where they can join you for a dip (remember to be mindful of other wildlife in the area).

Reachable via a steep woodland path from Fishcombe Cove is the beautiful sanctuary of Churston Cove. The rugged limestone formations and nature-rich setting offers a great opportunity to enjoy a relaxing swim enclosed by natural beauty. Why not take advantage of the crystal-clear waters and indulge in some snorkelling while you swim? Part sand and part shingle beach, you’ll love taking a dip in the safe, still water.

With little boat traffic, this quiet, hidden gem is perfect for swimmers seeking seclusion, hidden away from the busier beaches nearby. Dogs are welcome all year, so you’ll love spending some quiet time with your four-legged friend paddling in the calm bay.

Elberry Cove & Brixham Breakwater Beach

Elberry Cove is a secluded pebble beach, accessed via the busier Broadsands beach. Park at Broadsands car park and make your way towards the field to the right of the beach, across the field with incredible views of the bay, and down a steep slope of uneven terrain. The final descent down a set of steps reveals the cove, where you’ll be greeted by the white pebble beach and still water.

The cove is enveloped by steep woodland, a beautiful backdrop to the serene atmosphere of Elberry. The remains of Lord Churston’s bathhouse, a unique 18th century ruin, stand at one end. The ruin once stood three storeys tall, with a ground floor that would flood when the tide came in allowing Lord Churston and company to swim straight out to sea.

Dogs are welcome year-round and will love the undulating fields when crossing from Broadsands, and calm waters of the cove. You will find restrooms and two cafes at Broadsands beach nearby, but Elberry itself has no facilities.

A local favourite, you’re sure to see swimmers enjoying the pale blue waters of Brixham Breakwater beach year-round! The small pebble beach is a favourite spot for wild swimming as well as paddleboarding, tucked between the mile-long Brixham breakwater and the rugged cliffs stretching towards Berry Head.

With regular seal visits, the Brixham Breakwater beach is always a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, with a bistro on the beach where you can enjoy a sit-down meal, or takeaway food and drinks. A carpark is conveniently located right next to the beach, and restrooms are available, making it the perfect place for a longer swim. Enjoy a stroll down the breakwater, watch the boats bob in the harbour, and take in the beautiful sunset from this picturesque spot in the heart of Brixham.

River Dart & St Mary’s Bay

Taking a dip in the meandering waters of the River Dart offers a different swimming experience compared to the coastal coves scattered along the coastline nearby. The river is known for its calm waters and beautiful scenery, making it a lovely spot for casual swimmers and endurance swims alike.

One of the best places for a swim in the river would be Dittisham, Ditsum Hideaway’s namesake, a small riverside village across the road from Agatha Christie’s former summer home Greenway. The stretch of river between Dittisham and Totnes is preferable for swimming due to its gentle current and idealistic scenery. This swim is also a great opportunity to practice the route for the Dart 10K, for those taking part! As proud sponsors of Level Water’s Dart 10K, we encourage all keen swimmers to look into taking part in the charitable event, where you can enjoy the beautiful river swim with likeminded people, all for a good cause.

We are excited to offer a 50% discount to participate in the Dart 10K swim for Riviera Bay Coastal Retreat guests. Level Water funds specialist swimming lessons for children with disabilities across the UK, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn to swim and develop a love for the water. By purchasing a ticket with a fundraising target, you’ll help provide 16 swimming lessons for a child with a disability in 2025! Use code LWH50 at checkout to claim your 50% discount on the Dart 10K and other Level Water events, and become part of the inspiring Level Water community. This discount is valid until 30th April 2025.

If you’re considering a swim in the River Dart, be mindful of tide times before arriving at the estuary, as the currents can be strong. A tow float is recommended for visibility, and be mindful of boat traffic, particularly when near Dittisham and Greenway Quay.

Riviera Bay Coastal Retreat looks over the beautiful St Mary’s Bay from its prized cliff-top location. The part sand, part shingle beach is Brixham’s largest beach, with a long stretch of water to enjoy a luxurious swim. The beach is hugged by towering cliffs, accessible by foot via very steep steps descending from the South West Coast Path.

There are no facilities at St Mary’s Bay, however, the close proximity to Riviera Bay Coastal Retreat means it’s easy to pop to The Bay for a bite to eat for lunch, or a hearty breakfast before heading down for a swim. The beach welcomes your four-legged friend for a well-deserved paddle after a steep walk down.

The natural beauty of the South Devon coastline is a joy to experience, where you can encounter tranquil waters in simply magical settings. Be sure to take some time to explore the incredible coastline around Brixham during your time at Riviera Bay Coastal Retreat!