A trip to the beach is a must if you’re visiting Devon during the summer holidays. There are so many to explore, small and large, pebbles and sand, most with crystal clear water. Being situated in mid-Devon means we can reach both north and south coasts in round 50-60 minutes. We have visited a few and here are some favourites.

North Devon

Putsborough Sands
A large sandy beach that forms the southern section of Woolacombe Sands. It has some protection from the wind from the headland known as Baggy Point. We loved exploring the rock pools, building sandcastles and a picnic.

Croyde Bay
Just around the corner from Putsborough – this is an expansive beach and a surfers paradise, but if you’re not a surf pro you can have a lesson or try paddle boarding instead. Children love the sand dunes, rock pooling and the stream which splits the beach in half. There’s also a hidden playground behind the sand dunes.

South Devon

Sidmouth
Known as the gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Sidmouth town beach is a sand and shingle beach with dramatic cliffs to the west. At the top of the cliffs is Connaught Gardens providing a beautiful view of the coastline below. Behind the beach is a traditional Victorian esplanade and the lanes are filled with boutique-style shops and various cafes and restaurants. A fish dish is definitely a top menu choice if dining here – we had a delicious crab sandwich!

Branscombe
Also part of the Jurassic coastline and the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – it is found at the end of a long, winding country lane. Smaller than some of the other beaches it is shingle but has rock pools and is part of the South West Coast Path, so you could take a cliff top walk to the picturesque village of Beer. There’s a great café here but we enjoyed a BBQ on the beach.

Exmouth
Two miles of golden sands backed by a traditional promenade. There’s lots to see and do here, whether you want to try water sports, go for a stroll to the marina or have a game of crazy golf you will be occupied all day long. In the summer there are even donkey rides! Dogs are also welcome here on certain areas of the beach.

Budleigh Salterton
This pebble beach is close to the delightful small town with a brook, unique gift shops and even a museum. The Otter Estuary nature reserve is situated at the eastern end and has two viewing platforms to the saltmarsh and is the perfect place for a spot of bird watching. We loved building stone towers here and enjoyed a delicious ice cream from a shop which had an endless list of flavours.

Which one will you choose? Get your bucket and spade and flip flops ready – we’re off to explore some more beautiful Devon beaches.