There are over 50 beaches in South Devon so it was tough to pick our favourites! The water can certainly get chilly in the winter months and up until May you’ll probably want to wear a wetsuit unless you are a regular in cold water swimming. The waters are usually very clear here and we always try to pick up any loose rubbish or fishing waste we spot on our coastal visits - it would be wonderful to see more folks do the same, just be careful if you’re with children who may enjoy the hunt as objects can vary and might be sharp.
Matilda has chosen Strete Gate Beach in Dartmouth which stretches all the way to Torcross and can be accessed via Slapton Sands, a well known shingle beach with a generously sized car park nearby. An added bonus of Strete Gate Beach is The Lime Coffee Company who have a lovely setup offering freshly ground coffee, cold drinks, delicious wraps, pastries, pies and homemade cakes.
“I love visiting Strete Gate beach for the simplicity of being able to park close by, grab a coffee and let my dog have a good sprint across the pebbles and sand, before splashing in the water.” - Matilda
[Image by: David Abson Google]Elberry Cove, a small pebble beach surrounded by woodlands and trees in the Torbay area, is a favourite of Sophia’s. To get there park nearby and walk through a farm where adults and children alike can say hello to the animals.
The English Riviera website tells a funny story about Elberry Cove…
‘At one end of the beach you’ll find the remains of Lord Churston’s bath house, a romantic 18th century ruin. The building was once three storeys, with a thatched roof and a ground floor that would flood when the tide came in. This meant that Lord Churston and his guests could swim straight out into the sea through a gated doorway. The building also boasted an early version of a hot tub, with a fire heating up the seawater to warm swimmers after their dip.’
[Image by: English Riviera]If you’re looking for somewhere with more amenities - a pub, parking very close by and during the summer, somewhere for ice cream - Hope Cove is Anna’s go-to which has a beautiful large beach and always proves easy for a day out with kids. If you follow the coastal path signs and take a walk above and along the coastal path towards Bantham, you’ll reach Thurlestone/South Milton Sands which is a National Trust site. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Cove has a great menu and plenty of seating inside and out.
We hope you enjoy reading our suggestions. Let us know if you stop by any of our recommendations, you can tag us at @small.folk or #smallfolktotnes.