1. Anstey’s Cove
Located on the English Riviera, between Torquay and Babbacombe, Anstey’s Cove is a tranquil shingle beach. If you want to escape the crowds, head to Anstey’s Cove and relax in the peacefulness. On the beach, you can rent a deckchair, paddle in the water or grab a bite to eat at the beach café. The cove is backed by a hillside woodland, perfect for a stroll. If you’re a literary fan, you’d be interested to know that the cove inspired a name for one of the characters from Agatha Christie’s Five Little Pigs.
Getting there: Take the train from London to Torquay and walk to Anstey’s Cove.
2. Babbacombe Beach
Positioned a short walk north from the traditional seaside resort of Torquay, Babbacombe Beach is a delightful shingle beach, sat beneath the cliffs at Babbacombe Downs. This small arc of beach is perfect for relaxing and going for a gentle swim. If you fancy a walk, take a stroll along the Downs – claimed to be the highest promenade in England. Babbacombe Beach is also popular with scuba divers, why not grab a snorkel and give it a try?
Getting there: Take the train from London to Torquay and then walk to Babbacombe Beach.
3. Bantham Beach
Located within the South Devon Area of Natural Beauty, Bantham Beach has won various awards from Blue Flag and the Marine Conservation Society. Meander across the white sand and marvel at the views stretching out to Bigbury Bay and the mysterious Burgh Island. Bantham Beach is ideal for families hoping for a paddle and tourists looking for somewhere to rest. At low tide, shallow pools start to appear – perfect for crabbing! The beach has mellow waves, making it an ideal place for anyone trying their hand at surfing for the first time.
Getting there: Travel by train from London to Totnes on a Great Western Railway service. From here, you can take a bus to Bantham village and beach.
4. Barricane Beach
Situated on the North Devon coastline, neighbouring Woolacombe Beach, Barricane Beach is a secluded cove tucked between the rocks. This beach is famous for its exotic seashells, such as cowries. Locals claim that these shells travelled from the Caribbean, in the Gulf Stream and through the Atlantic Ocean to arrive on this small stretch of beach. As a result, the beach, sometimes referred to as Combesgate Beach, has been officially designated as a Site of Scientific Interest.
Getting there: Travel by train from Exeter to Barnstaple and take the bus to Woolacombe. From here, you can walk to Barricane Beach.
5. Beer Beach
Situated on the East Devon coastline, within the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, Beer Beach is an excellent shingle beach surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. Set in the charming fishing village of Beer, this beach is steeped in fascinating history and was once a smuggler’s haven. From here, you can wander along the South West Coast Path to Branscombe and Seaton. Alternatively, you can make yourself comfortable on the beach and read a book, or simply bask in the sunshine.
Getting there: Take the train from Exeter Central to Axminster and hop on a bus to Beer.
6. Bigbury-on-Sea Beach
Sat in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Beauty, Bigbury-on-Sea Beach is ideal for families looking for a day out at the seaside. With lapping waters and golden sand, this beach is perfect for little ones hoping to paddle in the water and build castles in the sand. Set adjacent to the village of the same name, Bigbury-on-Sea Beach overlooks Burgh Island, which is accessible by foot at low tide. However, at high tide, you can hitch a ride on the sea tractor that runs between the island and the beach.
Getting there: Travel on a Great Western Railway service from London to Plymouth. From here, take the bus to Bigbury-on-Sea.
7. Blackpool Sands
Nestled on the south Devonshire coastline, close to the popular resort of Dartmouth, Blackpool Sands is one of the most picturesque beaches in the county. Backed by steep cliffs and scented pines, Blackpool Sands is a Blue Flag award-winning stretch of coast. If you’re walking along the South West Coast Path, Blackpool Sands is the ideal place to stop for a rest and a paddle in the water. Fancy trying your hand at water sports? Kayaks, paddleboards, and wetsuits are available to hire on the beach.
Getting there: Take the train from London to Totnes. From here you can take a bus to Dartmouth and then board a connecting bus to Blackpool Sands.
8. Bovisand Beach
Situated close to the port city of Plymouth, Bovisand Beach is a sheltered bay of golden sand. Backdropped by rocky cliffs, Bovisand Beach is sat within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This beach is popular with locals and tourists due to its undeniable beauty and tranquillity. When the tide is out, a large expanse of flat sand is revealed, perfect for walking and ball games. On a clear day, you can see across to Plymouth Sound.
Getting there: Travel by train from Glasgow to Plymouth and take a bus to Bovisand.
9. Budleigh Salterton Beach
Located on the eastern side of the Jurassic Coast, Budleigh Salterton is home to one of the most unspoilt beaches in Devon. Sat beside the pretty town of the same name, Budleigh Salterton Beach is a long pebble beach, covering over two and a half miles of coastline. If you want to make yourself really comfortable, you can hire a beach hut for a day or a week. Also, there are three cafés to choose from if you’re feeling hungry or thirsty, or just fancy a break from sunbathing.
Getting there: Travel on a Great Western Railway service from Exeter to Exmouth and then take a bus to Budleigh Salterton.
10. Croyde Beach
Positioned on the North Devon Coast, the unassuming village of Croyde is the renowned surfing capital of Devon. The village’s beach is backed by sand dunes and its location in a small bay makes it very popular with experienced surfers. From Croyde Beach, you can climb up to Baggy Point, a headland offering awe-inspiring views across the coast and out to the Atlantic Ocean. At either side of the beach, you can try your hand at rockpooling. Or, you can make yourself comfortable on the sand and watch as surfers ride the waves. At low tide, Croyde Bay is one of the best spots for surfing in the country.
Getting there: Take the train from Exeter to Barnstaple and take a bus to Croyde.
11. East Portlemouth Beaches
Sat across the estuary from the popular resort town of Salcombe, East Portlemouth Beach is a collection of smaller beaches, including Mill Bay, Fisherman’s Cove and Smalls Cove. Together, they comprise a long sandy stretch curving around East Portlemouth village. The beach here is an ideal place to relax, build sandcastles and soak in the sun. The Venus Café serves local organic food and the beach welcomes dogs all year round.
Getting there: Travel by train from London to Totnes. From here, you can take a bus to Salcombe, before taking a boat across the estuary to East Portlemouth.
12. Exmouth Beach
Sat beside the mouth of the River Exe, Exmouth is a port town which has been a popular seaside resort since the 18th century. Regarded for its magnificent views and medicinal water, Exmouth Beach is as popular with locals and tourists today as it was then. Boasting over two miles of golden sand and fascinating rock pools, Exmouth Beach is considered the gateway to the iconic Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site. Adjacent to the beach, the promenade runs for two miles and is home to traditional seaside favourites such as crazy golf and swing boats.
Getting there: Travel on a Great Western Railway service from Exeter to Exmouth in just 22m. From here, Exmouth Beach is a short walk.
13. Fishcombe Cove
Nestled within Torbay, close to bustling Brixham, Fishcombe Cove is an idyllic shingle beach, perfect for those hoping to escape the crowds. Surrounded on all sides by craggy cliffs and wooded hillsides, Fishcombe Cove is a secluded spot for swimming and relaxing. If you’re feeling hungry, there’s a small beachside café for refreshments. Also, keep an eye out for seals swimming in the water and resting on the shore!
Getting there: Hop on a train from London to Newton Abbot. From here, take a bus to Brixham and walk to Fishcombe Cove.
14. Jacob’s Ladder Beach
One of two beaches in Sidmouth, Jacob’s Ladder is a large expanse comprised of sand and shingle. Taking its name from the wooden steps that lead up from the beach to Connaught Gardens, Jacob’s Ladder is one of the most beautiful beaches in Devon. Sheltered by steep cliffs, this beach is home to plenty of rock pools at low tide – especially at the western end of the beach!
Getting there: Travel by train from London to Exeter and then take a bus to Sidmouth. From here, you can walk to Jacob’s Ladder beach.
15. Ladram Bay
Stationed on the East Devon coastline, close to the lovely town of Sidmouth, Ladram Bay sits in a sheltered bay on the dramatic Jurassic Coast. Perfect for swimming and sunbathing, Ladram Bay is a sand and pebble beach backed by red sandstone cliffs. If you’d like to explore the waters, you can hire a kayak, paddleboard, or a motorboat from the beach. It’s also a popular spot for anglers, so make sure you bring your fishing rod along!
Getting there: Travel on a Great Western Railway service from Exeter to Exmouth and then take a bus to Otterton. From here, you can walk to Ladram Bay.
16. Putsborough Beach
Sandwiched between Croyde Bay and Woolacombe Beach, Putsborough Beach comprises three miles of golden sands on the North Devon Coast. This beach is one of the finest stretches of coast in not only in Devon, but in all of the UK! The sand is renowned for its cleanliness and beauty, perfect for walkers, playing children and swimmers. Quieter than its neighbouring beaches, Putsborough Beach is protected from south-westerly winds and is very popular with longboarders.
Getting there: Take the train from Exeter to Barnstaple and hop on a bus journey to Woolacombe. From here, you can walk to Putsborough Beach.
17. Saunton Sands Beach
Located on the North Devon coast, looking out at the Atlantic Ocean, Saunton Sands is a long, straight stretch of sandy beach. Backdropped by Braunton Burrows, a fascinating UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Saunton Sands is a popular destination for surfers and swimmers. From here, you can follow the beach round to Crow Point and marvel at the panoramic views of the coastline. Saunton Sands is popular with beginner and intermediate surfers, as the water is more mellow than nearby Croyde Bay.
Getting there: Travel from Exeter to Barnstaple by train and take a bus to Saunton.
18. Tunnels Beach
Sat on the north coast of Devon, just west to the seaside resort of Ilfracombe, Tunnels Beach is a unique setting, steeped in fascinating history. The beach can only be accessed via a network of four tunnels, hand carved in the 1820s by Welsh Miners to allow access for horse-drawn carriages. The tunnels lead to a sheltered beach and a tidal Victorian bathing pool. Sit on the beach and admire the rugged scenery and unique history of Tunnels Beach.
Getting there: Travel by train from Exeter to Barnstaple and take a bus to Ilfracombe. From here you can walk to Tunnels Beach.
19. Westward Ho Beach
Located on the edge of the Hartland Devon Heritage Coast, Westward Ho! is a seaside village teeming with charm and beauty. Sat on the edge of the village, Westward Ho! Beach has something for everyone, including shops, toilets, food outlets and of course, shimmering waves. Comprised of a long sandy beach, backed by a pebble ridge, this beach exhibits sand rock pools and a diverse array of nature. Westward Ho! Beach is popular with walkers, windsurfers, surfers, dogwalkers and wild swimmers.
Getting there: Travel by train from Exeter to Barnstaple and take a bus to Westward Ho!
20. Woolacombe Beach
Situated on the northwest coast of Devon, close to the village of the same name, Woolacombe Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the West Country. As you wander over this three-mile stretch of golden sand, you’ll understand why this beach has won numerous awards. Woolacombe Beach is popular with dogwalkers, families and surfers. In fact, surfing fanatics travel from all over the UK to take advantage of the waves that crash in from the Atlantic Ocean. Once you’ve enjoyed a refreshing walk along the coastline, you can head into the village and find refuge in one of the cosy pubs there.
Getting there: Take a Great Western Railway train from Exeter to Barnstaple and hop on a short bus journey to Woolacombe. The beach is located adjacent to the village.
If you’re considering a trip to one of these incredible Devon beaches, why not take the train? Taking the train to Devon is easy due to the comprehensive rail network provided by Great Western Railway. Looking for more inspiration for your next trip to the coast? Check out our guide to the best UK beaches you can reach by train and start planning your next holiday!