Brixham is home to an array of picture-perfect pebbled coves and secluded bays, with plenty of rock pools, cliff-side footways, and sandy stretches to enjoy throughout your stay. As part of the English Riviera, you’re just a stone’s throw (or luxurious boat trip) away from the best local beaches.
Several of South Devon’s beaches have blue flag award status, offering safe, sheltered swimming, and you’ll find an array of thriving watersport hubs where you can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing.
Many local beaches allow dogs; however, we encourage you to check in advance that your furry friend is free to explore your chosen beach, as some are closed to dogs between 1 May and 30 September.
Take a look below at our beach map as a helpful guide.
Distance: 0.6 miles
Just a short walk from our holiday parks, St Mary’s Bay is a large sandy beach, perfect for paddling and exploring. As there are no facilities, and it’s a little off the beaten track, this beach is one of Brixham’s quieter spots. Grab a bite to eat at nearby Guardhouse Cafe.
Dogs permitted all year.
Distance: 1.3 miles
One of the cleanest beaches on the English Riviera, this small, shingle beach can be found next to Brixham Harbour. Take a walk along the breakwater and watch the fishing boats come and go. It’s an excellent spot for swimming, snorkelling, scuba-diving and rockpooling.
Dogs not permitted between 1 May - 30 September.
Distance: 2.5 miles
Located near Brixham, this secluded, scenic cove is accessed by a steep path and uneven steps. Surrounded by cliffs and woodland, it’s a beautiful, peaceful haven, popular with the local wildlife. You might spot a seal if you’re lucky! As it’s a little off the beaten track, there are no facilities, but it’s a fantastic spot for a stroll and a swim.
Dogs permitted all year.
Distance: 2.5 miles
Pretty Fishcombe is known for its crystal clear water and abundant marine life. Access to this sheltered, shingle beach is via a steep path, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning surroundings and plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, boating and fishing. There are seasonal toilets and a cafe.
Dogs permitted all year.
Distance: 3.2 miles
This picturesque, sheltered shingle cove is popular for its clear waters, safe swimming and stand-up paddleboarding. It also featured in Agatha Christie’s novel, The ABC Murders. You’ll find the ruins of an 18th-century boathouse at the eastern end of the beach. This beach can only be reached by a 10-15-minute walk from nearby Broadsands Beach, making it a lovely secluded spot. There are no beach facilities here, but you’ll find plenty at Broadsands.
Dogs permitted all year.
Distance: 4.4 miles
Located near Paignton, just a short drive from our holiday parks, this long sandy beach has plenty of rockpools at each end. There’s plenty of parkland behind the beach, perfect for picnics and games, along with toilets, cafes and parking.
Dogs not permitted between 1 May - 30 September.
Distance: 6.6 miles
With its iconic pier, red sands, lively promenade and amusements, Paignton Sands is a classic British holiday destination. There’s plenty to do for all ages, including donkey rides, pedalo hire and a plethora of seasonal events.
Dogs not permitted between 1 May until 30 September.
Distance: 6.6 miles
This pretty, privately owned sandy beach is one of South Devon’ gems. It’s popular with swimmers due to its sheltered location, and there are many rockpools to explore at low tide. Access to the beach from the South West Coast Path or catch the ferry from Salcombe. There’s a small National Trust car park and toilets.
Dogs permitted all year.
Distance: 7.3 miles
Just a short walk from the seaside town of Paignton, you’ll find Preston Sands. Swim, sunbathe and enjoy the rockpools at low tide and walk along the colourful beach hut-lined promenade. There are toilets and a cafe on the beach.
Dogs not permitted between 1 May and 30 September.
Distance: 8.9 miles
One of South Devon’s most popular beaches, head to Blackpool Sands for watersports, swimming and relaxation. Although named Blackpool Sands, it’s a sheltered, shingle beach, backed by evergreen pine trees. A gorgeous spot for a day out, there’s a cafe, shop and parking and even a beach sauna!
Dogs not permitted during summer.
Distance: 10.8 miles
This pretty, shingle beach is situated between Torquay and Babbacombe. A secluded spot, it’s well worth a visit for its dramatic limestone cliffs and tranquil vibe. There’s a cafe on the beach and, if you’re feeling active, you can hire kayaks and paddleboards.
Dogs permitted all year.
Distance: 11.6 miles
This small, sheltered cove is known for its crystal clear, calm waters and excellent rockpooling. The shingle beach is a popular family destination, and you can find a cafe and toilets nearby.
Dogs permitted all year.
Distance: 12.4 miles
Located between Torquay and Teignmouth, head to this stunning sandy cove for its dramatic red cliffs, rock pools and clear water. Ideal for watersports and swimming, you’ll also find a car park and cafe.
Dogs permitted all year.
Distance: 26.2 miles
Located within the South Devon Area of Natural Beauty and widely regarded as one of South Devon’s most stunning beaches, Bantham is a must-visit during your stay. Expect a vast expanse of golden sand, views towards Burgh Island (accessible via a sea tractor at high tide) and fabulous food, courtesy of the seasonal food vans and nearby Sloop Inn. There’s a large car park and toilets.
Dogs not permitted between 1 May and 30 September
Distance: 27.4 miles
Known for its two sandy coves, Leas Foot Beach and Thurlestone Sands, Thurlestone is perfect for watersports and swimming. Popular with families and dog owners alike, you’ll find a cafe, toilets and free parking near the beach.
Dogs permitted all year.
Distance: 28.4 miles
Hope Cove consists of two beaches, Harbour Beach (Inner Hope) and Mouthwell Sands (Outer Hope). Located in the South Devon Landscape, between Salcombe and Thurlestone, these beautiful, secluded beaches are popular with swimmers and sunbathers. You’ll find a cafe, toilets and parking.
Dogs permitted all year at Harbour Beach, seasonal restrictions apply at Mouthwell Sands.
Distance: 29.4 miles
Situated in the South Devon Area of Natural Beauty, Bigbury is a popular sandy beach, known for its clear water, rockpooling and excellent swimming. At low tide, you can walk across to Burgh Island, and when the tide is high, hop on the sea tractor. There are toilets and parking close to the beach.
Dogs not permitted between 1 May and 30 September
Distance: 29.7 miles
Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty and close to one of South Devon’s most desirable towns, Salcombe’s South Sands is a sheltered sun trap, just waiting to be explored. There are plenty of watersports on offer, and you can catch the passenger ferry to Salcombe to experience the many shops and restaurants. At the beach there’s a cafe, toilets and parking.
Dogs not permitted between 1 May and 30 September.
Our beach map
