South Devon attracts visitors with its mild climate and turquoise waters. Here, each beach seems to be designed for a specific mood: one invites you to enjoy morning coffee by the sea, another to take a lively walk with friends, and a third to enjoy the silence and reflections of the rocks in the water.

The heart of this coastline is Meadfoot Beach, a picturesque bay with cosy houses on the shore, stone slabs and golden sand that seems to glow in the morning sun. From here, it is easy to reach other gems of the coast – Goodrington Sands, Anstey’s Cove, Broadsands Beach, Oddicombe Beach and Maidencombe Beach.

Top 6 beaches on the coast

The South Devon coast is a veritable kaleidoscope of natural colours, where everyone can find a place to their liking.

Meadfoot Beach is considered the centre of this coastal route. This picturesque beach, located in Torquay, combines seclusion, cleanliness and the atmosphere of an English seaside resort. It is surrounded by a whole scattering of equally beautiful places that attract visitors with their natural beauty.

Below is a selection of beaches located along the South Devon coast. Each of them is worth a visit and leaves its own impression.

Meadfoot Beach is a quiet spot for those seeking peace and quiet

Address: Meadfoot Sea Rd, Torquay, TQ1 2LN, United Kingdom

Meadfoot Beach is one of those beaches where you can feel the spirit of old England. There is no hustle and bustle here, only the gentle lapping of the waves, the smell of salt and the unhurried rhythm of morning walks.

The beach is divided into two areas: the eastern part with pebbles and the western part with flatter sandy areas. It is popular with kayakers, divers and SUP surfers, especially in the morning when the sea is calm.

Everything you need for a relaxing day out is nearby – parking on Meadfoot Sea Road, the small Meadfoot Beach Café, toilets and equipment hire points. From here, you can see Thatch Island, and yachts heading for Tor Bay are often visible on the horizon. The beach has been awarded the Seaside Award, confirming the cleanliness of the water and the safety of swimming.

Goodrington Sands – a family beach with a festive atmosphere

Address: Youngs Park Road, Paignton, TQ4 6BU, United Kingdom

If Meadfoot is all about peace and inspiration, then Goodrington Sands is all about energy and movement. This long sandy beach is considered one of the most popular in the Paignton area. The soft golden sand and shallow entry into the water make it ideal for families with children.

There are many cafés and ice cream kiosks on the promenade, and nearby is Splashdown Quaywest, an open-air water park that is especially popular in summer. Goodrington Sands is also home to the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway, a vintage steam train route offering views of the bay. If you’re looking for a place to picnic and stroll after swimming, check out Young’s Park, which is adjacent to the beach.

Anstey’s Cove – wild nature and romantic cliffs

Address: Anstey’s Cove Rd, Torquay, TQ1 3TG, United Kingdom

Anstey’s Cove is the place for those seeking solitude. The beach is tucked away between steep cliffs covered in lush greenery and can be reached via a winding path leading down from the car park on Anstey’s Cove Road.

The sea here is crystal clear, and the colour of the water shimmers from emerald to deep blue. The cliffs create a natural quiet, protecting the bay from the wind. It is an ideal place for snorkelling, swimming and observing marine life.

On the shore, there is a cosy café, Anstey’s Cove Café, where you can grab a coffee and enjoy the view of the bay. The beach is small, but that’s what gives it its charm. It seems to have been created for couples and nature lovers.

Broadsands Beach – space and serenity

Address: Broadsands Rd, Paignton, TQ4 6HL, United Kingdom

Broadsands Beach is a place where you can spend the whole day: swimming, playing beach volleyball, having a picnic or just lying in the sun. The beach is sandy and long, with a gentle slope into the water and large green meadows just beyond the surf line.

It is a popular spot for families and SUP board enthusiasts. There is a boat and board rental point, showers, cafés and toilets. There are walking trails on the surrounding hills, offering views of Brixham and the Torbay coast.

Thanks to its good transport links and large space, Broadsands remains one of the most convenient beaches for day trips from Torquay.

Oddicombe Beach

Address: Babbacombe Downs Rd, Torquay, TQ1 3LU, United Kingdom

Oddicombe Beach is known for its impressive red cliffs and the Babbacombe Cliff Railway, which connects the upper viewing platform with the beach. It is one of the most photogenic places on the coast.

The beach is sandy and pebbly, well equipped with kayak rentals, showers, the Three Degrees West café, and sun lounger rentals. The water here is particularly clear, and the view of Babbacombe Bay is simply mesmerising.

Oddicombe is the perfect place for those who want to spend a day by the sea without sacrificing comfort and amenities.

Maidencombe Beach

Address: Maidencombe, Torquay, TQ1 4TS, United Kingdom

Maidencombe Beach is one of the smallest but most charming beaches in the region. It is surrounded by high cliffs and dense trees, creating the feeling of a secluded island.

The beach is sandy, with a gentle slope into the water. During the summer season, The Thatched Tavern café serves local seafood dishes. The place is ideal for a relaxing holiday, swimming and photography enthusiasts – especially at sunset. There is parking nearby, but the path down to the beach is steep, so wear comfortable shoes.

Useful tips for travellers

Travelling along the South Devon coast is a pleasure that requires only a little preparation. Even if you are just planning to spend a day at the seaside, a few simple tips will help make your holiday comfortable and carefree. This is especially true for popular spots such as Meadfoot Beach, Oddicombe Beach and Goodrington Sands, which can get quite crowded.

Things to consider before you go:

• Beach car parks often fill up early in the morning, especially at weekends. It’s best to arrive before 10 a.m.
• During the season, most beaches are patrolled by lifeguards.
• Pets are not allowed everywhere – check the signs at the entrance.
• Summer is festival season, especially in the Paignton and Torquay areas.

By planning your route in advance, you can relax and enjoy walks along the coast without rushing to find a free parking space. Bring a light windbreaker, as even on sunny days there can be a cool breeze by the sea, as well as some cash: not all beach car parks and cafés accept cards.