Salcombe North Sands

North Sands sits just 15 minutes' walk from Salcombe town centre via the scenic Cliff Road, making it one of the most accessible quality beaches in South Devon. The compact sandy bay offers safe, shallow water with dramatic views across the Salcombe estuary. The beach maintains an intimate feel despite its popularity, backed by the ruins of Salcombe Castle (Fort Charles). This is genuinely one of Devon's most dog-friendly beaches, welcoming dogs year-round and providing excellent facilities including The Winking Prawn beach café which accommodates well-behaved dogs. The beach's size means it's perfect for dog exercise at low tide, when the sand expands significantly. Local dog owners consider it one of the premier destinations in the region. Access via Cliff Road from Salcombe provides stunning harbour views but limited parking requires early arrival or use of town centre parking. The beach shop and café provide excellent facilities, while the nearby car park accommodates around 90 vehicles. The sheltered position and excellent water quality make it popular with families, while the year-round dog access means it never feels exclusively touristy. The proximity to Salcombe's amenities makes it ideal for combining beach visits with town exploration.