Beaches of South Devon are hard to beat with a variety of options to suit everyone

With more than 70 miles of coastline, South Devon boasts mile after mile of glorious beaches, ranging from tiny sheltered coves to great swathes of golden sand and long stretches of pebbles and shingle. Whether its beaches with safe bathing, family facilities, energetic watersports, a wildlife haven, access for dog walkers or top quality awards, South Devon is able to offer them all. Twenty of the best beaches are listed in the 2009 South Devon Guide, which may be obtained free of charge by calling 01626 215674 or visiting www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk.

Among the best and most well-known of the region’s beaches is Dawlish Warren. A winner of the European Blue Flag award no less than ten times, it is internationally recognised as a nature reserve and home to hundreds of species of insects, birds, animals and plant life, some of which were new to science when they were discovered there.

For a secluded hideaway, Coryton Cove, Dawlish, is a perfect, picturesque location, complete with rock pools, brightly-coloured beach huts and the occasional sighting of dolphins, while Ness Beach at picturesque Shaldon sits between impressive red cliffs and is accessed via an original smuggler’s tunnel.

Ness Beach, Shaldon

Families searching for a long stretch of sandy beach, with shallow water for paddling, rock pools for exploring, a beach shop and café, would be hard pushed to find anywhere better than Bigbury on Sea. Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Blue Flag beach is joined by a causeway to Burgh Island, which can be visited by sea tractor or on foot at low tide. The beach is also ideal for windsurfing and kite surfing.

Other sandy beaches popular with families include Dawlish Town and Teignmouth Town, both of which offer free entertainment during the summer months and the crescent-shaped beach of Blackpool Sands, with its sheltered bay and backdrop of evergreens and pines. Regarded as the region’s best beach and a great base for a variety of watersports including surfing, windsurfing, kayaking and boogie boarding (equipment hire and instruction available), Blackpool Sands also has a Blue Flag award and is home to the Venus Café which serves local and organic food. Also popular are Salcombe South Sands, which is accessible by road, coastal footpath and passenger ferry from the town centre; and the less busy East Portlemouth on the opposite side of the estuary from Salcombe.