Devon secret beaches
You may have thought that secluded beaches with fine sand, crystal clear water and just the cry of the gulls for company were long gone, but they're not. Tucked away in the nooks and crannies of the Devon coast are any number of unspoilt hidden gems where you can enjoy a little peace and quiet.
Here at the Beach Guide we have compiled a list of your favourite hidden beaches in Devon that are just far enough off the beaten track to never get too busy.
Of course escaping the crowds may not be your only reason for visiting these little known spots. Not only are they a little tricky to find and get to, they are also some of the loveliest beaches in Devon.
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1. Moor Sands Beach
East Prawle, Devon
Moor Sands (or Moorsand) is something of a misnomer as there really isn't much in the way of sand here. The beach is in fact mostly made up of smooth pale-coloured pebbles and a few rocks. There is however…
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2. Spekes Mill Beach
Hartland, Devon
Speke's Mill is set just north of the Devon / Cornwall border, near Hartland Point. This stretch of coast is beyond rugged with high cliffs and jagged rocks jutting into the full might of the Atlantic…
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3. Peppercombe Beach
Bideford, Devon
This rocky beach is very different to the next beach along the North Devon coast - Westward Ho! You won't find much in the way of sand at Peppercombe and it's possible you won't have much in the way of…
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4. Heddon's Mouth Beach
Lynton, Devon
Set on the rugged North Devon coast between Combe Martin and Lynton is the rocky cove of Heddon's Mouth. As the name suggests the cove sits at the mouth of the River Heddon which has carved a deep valley…
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5. Scabbacombe Sands Beach
Brixham, Devon
Scabbacombe Sands is somewhat off the beaten track despite being only a few miles south of Brixham. Admittedly it is a bit of a hike from the nearest car park on Scabbacombe Lane, but we think it is worth…
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6. Broad Sands Beach
Combe Martin, Devon
Tucked away on the rugged North Devon coast between Watermouth and Combe Martin is a little known cove. Named Broad Sands for reasons unknown, the beach is neither broad nor that sandy, more shingley!…
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7. Grunta Beach
Woolacombe, Devon
The sandy little cove of Grunta is situated below the cliffs in front of the village of Morthoe. A stone's throw from Woolacombe it is a very different place and you may even get it to yourself. As pretty…
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8. Gammons Head Beach
Salcombe, Devon
A small, sandy cove, sheltered by high cliffs, that disappears at high tide. Accessible on foot only, via the South West Coast Path and a steepish climb down. There are no facilities. The nearest parking…
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10. Wonwell Sands Beach
Plymouth, Devon
A sandy beach within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Situated on the east bank of the river Erme and the Erme estuary, the beach joins up with Meadowsfoot (Mothecombe) at low tide.…
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11. Landcombe Cove
Dartmouth, Devon
This isolated cove set between Slapton and Blackpool Sands is a great escape from the summer crowds, but also well hidden. Not only that, unless you have your own boat the climb down is fairly challenging.…
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12. Barricane Bay (Woolacombe)
Woolacombe, Devon
Barricane is a secluded beach located at the far northern-end of Woolacombe. Often referred to as Combesgate Beach, Barricane gets its name from the range of shells found on its sands. Exotic shells here…
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13. Elbury Cove
Torbay, Devon
Elbury (Elberry) Cove is a steeply-shelving pebble beach surrounded by woodland. The calm, sheltered waters are great for sea fishing and waterskiing. Only accessible on foot, via the coast path from…
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14. Lannacombe Beach
East Prawle, Devon
Lannacombe beach is one of South Devon's true hidden gems. Nestled away between Prawle Point and Start Point this is a spot to avoid the summer crowds which flood the South Hams other beaches. It is roughly…
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15. Mouthmill Beach
Clovelly, Devon
This remote beach is situated on the harsh stretch of coast towards Hartland Point in North Devon. For centuries the fearsome looking jagged rocks along this coastline have been the scourge of seafarers.…
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16. Seacombe Sand / Rickham Sand Beach
Salcombe, Devon
This lovely little secluded beach is tucked away on a section of National Trust owned coast across the waters from Salcombe. There are actually two beaches separated by a small headland; the larger Seacombe…
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17. Welcombe Mouth Beach
Bude, Devon
Welcombe Mouth is a secluded and serene spot which sits on Devon's north coast although it is often grouped together with the beaches of Bude over the border in Cornwall. The beach is designated…
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18. Rockham Bay (Mortehoe)
Ilfracombe, Devon
Rockham Bay near Ilfracombe, known locally as Mortehoe Beach, is a lovely secluded beach in a bay backed by rocky cliffs. The beach needs to be visited at low tide so check tidal tables before setting…
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19. Soar Mill Cove
Salcombe, Devon
This small, remote beach is a genuine rural idyll and one of the prettiest in Devon. Soar Mill Cove is surrounded by dramatic rocks and cliffs and the craggy heath of Bolt Head. To the back of the cove…
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20. Meadowsfoot Beach (Mothecombe)
Holbeton, Devon
Meadowsfoot Beach is an unspoilt, sandy beach that joins up with Wonwell Beach, on the Erme estuary, at low tide. Privately owned by the Flete estate, Meadowsfoot is open to the public on Wednesdays,…
Please note: we would have preferred it if these beaches could have remained secret forever and would like to make it clear that the Beach Guide would never be the first to publish the details of any hidden beach.