DEVON is the only county with two coastlines – and it certainly has the impressive beaches to show for it.
Growing up in South Devon, I’ve spent more than my fair share of time enjoying its spectacular seaside – in particular along the English Riviera.
I’ve been to all 25 beaches on the English Riviera Credit: Cyann Fielding
The Riviera spans 22 miles of pretty coastline along the South West Coast Path.
It has been hugely popular among holidaymakers ever since the Victorian era, thanks to its micro-climate.
The unusually warm weather means it is home to plenty of tropical plants and palm trees, giving it a Mediterranean feel.
In my 20 years living in the area, I’ve experienced all 25 stunning beaches across the three towns that feature on the Riviera – Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.
Each spot is different, with some being better for families while others are better for confident explorers.
As a local who has been to all of them, here’s my verdict on each…
25. Saltern Cove
Saltern Cove is a Special Site of Scientific Interest Credit: Alamy
Saltern Cove is a rocky, shingle beach that is my least favourite of all 25.
It’s rough underfoot, so I’d recommend taking beach shoes if you go in the water, and it’s best reached by kayak or paddle board.
The cove is a Special Site of Scientific Interest and as a result, is also a local nature reserve.
Near , you can head to the cove via Goodrington Sands or the South West Coast Path, and dogs are allowed all year-round.
24. Churston Cove
Churston Cove boasts clear water Credit: Alamy
North of , Churston Cove is a quiet, shingle beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs.
This cove is popular among locals because it’s less well-known among tourists.
The water is particularly clear and calm compared to many of the other beaches.
I would say only venture to this spot if you are a keen hiker as the path is steep and uneven, but it does make for a
23. Watcombe Beach
Watcombe Beach is another great spot to get away from tourists Credit: Alamy
If you want to see a beach with dramatic scenery, head to Watcombe Beach.
This secluded, quiet cove is surrounded by dramatic red cliffs scattered with towering trees.
The beach itself is a mixture of sand, shingle, and pebbles.
To get to the beach, your best bet is to park in the car park off Moor Lane and you will need to walk down a 500-metre, steep path.
22. Maidencombe Beach
Maidencombe Beach features Devon’s famous red sandstone cliffs Credit: Alamy
For another dog-friendly spot, head to Maidencombe Beach in
The beach is another place that features the county’s famous red sandstone cliffs, but is also a great spot to go rock pooling.
To get to the beach, you will need to head down a steep path and quite a few steps – so that is worth bearing in mind.
There is also a family-run cafe at the beach, where you can rent a or kayak.
21. Oyster Cove
At Oyster Cove, you can explore rock pools at low tide Credit: Alamy
For another quiet spot, visit Oyster Cove in
Popular with locals, to get to the beach you will have to head down a number of steps from the above.
When the tide is low, loads of rockpools emerge to explore.
Your four-legged friend is allowed all year-round too.
2.0 Shoalstone Beach
Shoalstone Beach has a pool, which recently reopened Credit: Alamy
Shoalstone Beach is another shingle beach that’s a 15-minute walk from Brixham’s main harbour.
The sea is quite rough here, but that’s no problem because Shoalstone seawater is right next to the beach – the 53-metre tidal pool recently reopened following repairs.
There is a promenade to walk along and dogs are allowed year-round.
The Berry Head Hotel is a short walk away and perfect for a weekend stay, with rooms from £176.
19. Livermead Sands
Livermead Sands is a small beach right by Livermead Cliff Hotel Credit: Alamy
Along the seafront from Torre Abbey Sands, heading towards Preston and you willl find Livermead Sands.
It sits below a hotel by the same name and is a small red sand beach that completely disappears at high tide.
If you are staying at the there is direct access to the beach.
In the summer, make sure to catch the Red Arrows who fly over the beach.
1.8 Hollicombe Beach
Hollicombe Beach is another remote spot with rock pools Credit: Alamy
Hollicombe Beach sits between the towns of Paignton and Torquay and is backed by red sandstone cliffs.
The quiet, sheltered beach features the famous red Devon sand and it’s quite long and thin, so you have to time your visit right to get the most of the space.
Wait until the tide washes out and suddenly a ton of rock pools will emerge, making it the best spot to go hunting for sea creatures.
Accessed by a steep, narrow slope, it’s good for older kids as it’s shallow water extends quite far out.
1.7 Man Sands
Man Sands is ideal for keen hikers with a number of scenic spots close by Credit: Alamy
If you want to go to a secluded spot, head to Man Sands when on a from Sharkham Point.
The beach isn’t the most accessible, but the view is worth it when you get there.
And when the tide heads out, you will be able to explore a number of coves and rockpools.
It is a great spot for wildlife lovers as well, as behind the beach is a green area where birds live, and it is managed by the .
16. Beacon Cove
Beacon Cove used to be a favourite spot of Agatha Christie’s Credit: Cyann Fielding
Growing up, I used to visit this beach a lot, tied in with a trip to the now- abandoned
The beach sits between two cliffs and features a mix of pebbles and shingle.
The water is always very clear.
This spot even has the stamp of approval from a local celeb – – who used to bathe here when it was a Ladies’ Bathing Cove.
15. Corbyn Beach
Corbyn Head Beach is not too far from Torre Abbey Sands Credit: Alamy
If Torre Abbey Sands is too busy for you, head to Corbyn Head Beach.
It is only a few minutes’ walk away from Torre Abbey Sands, but is much quieter and less busy.
Corbyn Head sits at the end of the beach, which is even believed to have inspired Baldy’s Head in Agatha Christie’s novel, Postern of Fate.
There’s a slipway from the road to the beach, making it super accessible, and you can grab a light bite from the cafe there too.
14. Fairy Cove
Fair Cove is tucked behind Paignton Harbour and is a great spot for getting away from the hustle and bustle of the town Credit: Alamy
Located just behind this quiet red-sand and pebble cove is a great spot for a peaceful escape.
The beach isn’t huge, but thanks to being tucked behind the harbour, you will only find locals there.
The sea here always tends to be a bit calmer as well, and has a nice gradual entry without getting deep quickly.
Not too far from the high street, it is the ideal spot to escape the hustle and bustle.
13. Meadfoot Beach
Meadfoot Beach is known for having a view of a giant rock in the sea known as Thatcher Rock Credit: Alamy
A short drive from Torquay town harbour, you’ll reach Meadfoot Beach, which boasts a mix of shingle and pebble.
This beach has very clean water, but is known for being a little rockier underfoot when .
It is also quieter, and thanks to a small car park and parking along the road, it is the perfect place to head wild swimming or, as crowds don’t get in the way.
There are also some seasonal and a cafe.
Make sure to look out for Thatcher Rock as well, and if you have binoculars you will be able to spot local birdlife on the towering sea rock.
If you want to extend your stay in this slightly quieter area of the English Riviera, you can book into The Osbourne Hotel, which looks right out to sea and costs from only £68 per night.
12. Anstey’s Cove
Anstey’s Cove is a more secluded spot but is dog-friendly year-round Credit: Alamy
Anstey’s Cove was once used as a smugglers’ hideout thanks to being so secluded.
And today that secluded nature remains, with a shingle beach that is year-round.
The beach itself is surrounded by towering cliffs and , making it a nice sheltered spot, hidden from the main tourist beaches.
It is a great stop when hiking along the and to see dramatic rock formations.
11. Oddicombe Beach
Oddicombe Beach is tucked under giant red cliffs Credit: Alamy
Tucked under towering cliffs near just outside of Torquay, you’ll find Oddicombe Beach.
The beach is another great family spot and you can have the added fun of getting there via the
At the beach, there are beach huts to rent, as well as a shop and cafe.
It is worth noting parking is a distance away, so I would say this is not a suitable beach for families with pushchairs.
10. Breakwater Beach
Breakwater Beach is a great spot to see seals Credit: Alamy
Another one of my fave spots is Breakwater Beach in Brixham.
Known as one of the cleanest beaches on the you will always spot brave wild swimmers and scuba divers in training.
The seabed here is actually home to a rare seagrass as well as seahorses.
If you walk along the beach and breakwater, you almost certainly will spot some of the town’s resident seals.
I am yet to visit and not see them, and I have been well over 20 times.
The Grade II historic site spot also holds a lot of history, as it was used as an embarkation point for the where 30,000 troops with ammunition were loaded onto vessels.
9. Fishcombe Cove
Fishcombe Cove makes a great stop on the South West Coast Path Credit: Alamy
On the edge of Brixham, you will find Fishcombe Cove, which is a dog-friendly beach with a mix of sand and shingle.
It sits right on the South West Coast Path, so is a good point to stop and enjoy the views of the bay.
It is also popular with and paddleboarders.
It used to be an important site for the lime kiln industry, with workers burning limestone to make lime for building.
8. Paignton Sands
On Paignton Beach, you’ll find a pier with arcades and chip shops Credit: Alamy
When people think of traditional , the image they see is pretty much Paignton Sands.
The long-stretching red sand beach features shallow water ideal for kids, a crazy golf, a cinema, and spots to grab a bite to eat.
There always tends to be sand here, so it is ideal for a long day in the sun.
And thanks to being a short walk away from Paignton high street and train station, there’s a whole host of other things to do, including a – making it the best spot on the coast for entertainment.
7. Preston Sands
Preston Sands sits on the other side of the pier to Paignton Sands Credit: Alamy
If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Paignton Sands, head to Preston Sands instead.
The beach actually connects up with Paignton Sands, but is much quieter.
Backed by a green, it is a great spot for an early evening walk with an ice cream in hand or an
In fact, the green was used during World War I to house that used to operate day trips around Torbay.
6. Torre Abbey Sands
Torre Abbey Sands is within walking distance of Torquay town centre Credit: Alamy
Not too far from town centre, Torre Abbey Sands sits next to a road where you’ll find a lot of parking.
The long, red sandy beach is ideal for families as it’s sheltered and close to a number of facilities including toilets, an ice cream shop, a and even a Lounges restaurant.
At low tide, the beach is huge as well, meaning there is plenty of space for families.
If lucky, you might catch ‘The Sandyman’ – artist Geoffrey Ward – who creates large patterns on the beach using a rake.
5. Broadsands Beach
Broadsands Beach has rock pools as well as kayak and paddleboard hire Credit: Cyann Fielding
While you can park at the south end of the beach, I would recommend walking to the beach from Broadsands.
There, you will pass under a towering viaduct designed by
Then it takes about five minutes along a lane to reach the beach, which has golden soft sand and isn’t as busy as other spots on the
At either end of the beach, you’ll find, and then in the middle of the beach is a lifeguard, where you can also hire kayaks and paddleboards, and a cafe.
4. St Mary’s Bay
St Mary’s Bay is a slightly larger beach, with clear and calm water Credit: Alamy
If you are looking for a spot that really transports you elsewhere, then head to St Mary’s Bay.
Here you will find soft sand, surrounded by cliffs covered in forest, making you feel as if you were somewhere more
The water itself is usually calm and clear as well.
You can head to the beach along the South West Coast Path too.
3. Babbacombe Beach
Babbacombe Beach is right next to the Cary Arms hotel and pub Credit: Alamy
Next door to Oddicombe Beach, connected by a wooden coastal walkway, you will find Babbacombe Beach.
The beach is mostly pebbles, but is also sheltered, often making it a preferred spot for and diving.
You might be able to see grey seals floating in the water too.
The serene spot even has its very own ‘inn on the beach’, with a
Called the Cary Arms, the hotel sits right above the water and features a spa with an that looks out to sea.
Rooms cost from £232 per night.
2. Goodrington Sands
Goodrington Beach is home to the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark Credit: Alamy
No other beach in the UK can say it sits right by the
But that isn’t all Goodrington Sands boasts.
With a right by the beach to extend your stay, there are plenty of things to do.
The beach is split into two – north and south beach.
With steam trains running along the north beach, this tends to be the more family-friendly spot.
It is also where you will find ice cream shops, chippies, and the waterpark.
The south end tends to be the dog-friendly walkers’ spot, backed by a huge green where you will also find a small lake with pedalos, karts and
For a bite to eat, head to Brewers Fayre Inn On The Quay.
1. Elberry Cove
Elberry Cove is a short walk away from Broadsands Beach, but has a completely different vibe Credit: Alamy
Elberry Cove is just a short walk from Broadsands Beach and is my top pick.
A stunning pebble beach with clear waters that look like and are always so inviting.
Every time I have visited, that moment where the beach comes into view makes me feel warm and fuzzy, and as if I have been picked up and dumped on some remote Greek island.
At the far end of the beach is a small bathhouse ruin that dates back to the 18th century.
It used to let Lord Churston, who built it, swim directly into the sea and even had an early version of the hot tub, which used to be heated by fire.
The cove is even believed to have connections to Agatha Christie, who grew up in the area and used it as a setting in her novel The ABC Murders.
It is also a great spot for watching nearby bounce over the sea.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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