South Devon's Best Dog Beaches

South Devon's Best Dog Beaches

South Devon, encompassing the South Hams and the coast between Torbay and Plymouth, offers some of the most varied and beautiful dog-friendly beaches in England. Sheltered coves, long sandy beaches, dramatic cliff scenery, and river estuaries all feature. Here's the complete guide to the best beaches in the area for dog owners. For the full county picture, see our Devon dog beaches guide.

Year-Round Dog Beaches in South Devon

Blackpool Sands

Blackpool Sands near Dartmouth is among the finest beaches in England: a sheltered shingle and sand cove with gin-clear water, framed by pine trees. Year-round dog access makes it exceptional. The café on site is one of the best beach cafés in Devon. Parking on site (paid). Book a table at the café if visiting in summer.

Bantham Beach

Bantham is a wild surf beach at the mouth of the River Avon with year-round dog access. The tidal estuary at the south end creates a large, sheltered lagoon at certain states of tide, perfect for dogs who love paddling but are nervous of waves. The National Trust operates parking on the approach road. The walk north to Bigbury-on-Sea is outstanding; details in our Devon dog walks guide.

Bigbury-on-Sea

Bigbury-on-Sea faces south over the Avon estuary with Burgh Island as its dramatic backdrop. Year-round dog access, with the added adventure of walking across the sand to Burgh Island at low tide.

Mothecombe Beach

Mothecombe is a private estate beach open to the public on certain days, with year-round dog access. Incredibly beautiful and extremely peaceful, sitting within the Erme estuary.

Seasonal Access Beaches in South Devon

Slapton Sands

Slapton Sands is a long shingle bar separating the sea from the freshwater lagoon of Slapton Ley. Year-round access on most of the beach, with restrictions in some sections during summer. The lagoon is a National Nature Reserve with excellent birdwatching.

Salcombe North Sands

Salcombe North Sands is a small, sheltered beach within walking distance of Salcombe town. Seasonal restrictions apply in summer, but the surrounding estuary provides outstanding year-round walking.

After the Beach

South Devon has some excellent dog-friendly pubs within easy reach of the coast. The Sloop Inn at Bantham and the Castle Inn at Strete near Blackpool Sands are particularly recommended. See our dog-friendly pubs guide for details. For parking at key South Devon beaches, see our Devon beach parking guide.

Practical South Devon Tips

• The South Hams: Many South Hams lanes are very narrow. Satnav routes sometimes take you down unsuitable roads. Use OS maps or ask locally.
• National Trust beaches: Several South Devon beaches are managed by the National Trust. NT members park free; non-members pay the car park fee.
• Estuary walks: The South Devon rivers (Avon, Erme, Yealm, Plym) provide outstanding year-round dog walking independently of beach access rules.
• Dartmouth Ferry: Combining a beach at Blackpool Sands or Slapton with the Dartmouth ferry makes for an excellent day out.

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