Beaches on the English Riviera

Discover some of the best beaches along the South Devon coast on the English Riviera. The South Devon coastline offers an ever-changing feast of sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, secluded coves, historic viaducts, elevated cliff tops, rockpools and wooded areas. And Devon’s famous English Riviera, a designated UNESCO Global Geopark, is the perfect base to experience it all. 

Strolling and Hiking

Walking the South West Coast Path is one of the finest ways to get fully immersed in the joys of South Devon’s spectacular marine environment. There are jaw-dropping views, picturesque paths, perfect picnic spots, secluded coves to paddle or swim plus lots of wildlife to spot and photograph.  Look out for pods of dolphins and porpoises out to sea and the curious seals that nose around our rocky outcrops and beaches.  If hiking on the Coast Path is not for you, take it easy and enjoy one of the many coastal cruises that ply the waters of this stunning area.

The South Devon stretch of coastline is around 125 miles long and the South West Coast Path will lead you through many of the area’s lovely towns including the English Riviera with ever-popular Torquay, Paignton, Brixham and Babbacombe.  Further along the coast you’ll discover the ‘yachtie’ towns of Dartmouth and Salcombe to the west and the fascinating seashore towns of Dawlish, Teignmouth and Shaldon to the east.

Beauty and Wildlife

Large stretches of South Devon’s coastline are officially designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).  These include the English Riviera’s Brixham and Berry Head plus Dartmouth, Salcombe and round to Wembury.  There are many protected landscapes here with some of the rarest plants, birds and animals as well as some wonderful nature reserves.  Don’t miss renowned Berry Head National Nature Reserve with its jaw-dropping views out to sea, its historic forts and lighthouse and its amazing guillemot colony. You have every chance of spotting pods of dolphins and porpoises from the 200ft cliff top.  There are endless day trips to be had in these special places, all within easy reach of the English Riviera.

South Devon Beaches

South Devon has many of the finest beaches in the country and they range from long sandy crescents with lots of fun, cafes and watersports, to hidden coves where you can play the castaway to your heart’s content. Try idyllic Elberry Cove, a stroll along the coast path from Brixham.   It is sheltered by lovely woodland, has a gently curving beach, crystal clear waters plus Lord Churston’s historic bathhouse. It’s also one of Agatha Christie’s famous murder scenes (the murder of Sir Carmichael Clarke in The ABC Murders). 

Further along the coast, you’ll find the fun and family friendly beaches of Broadsands and Goodrington with watersports galore and delicious food, drink & ice creams to hand. The coast path has many more beaches dotted along its meandering route including the delightful Paignton Beach with its historic pier, beautiful Abbey Sands in Torquay and Oddicombe and Babbacombe beaches at Babbacombe Bay.  The English Riviera has the highest concentration of Blue Flag Beaches in England so come on in – the water’s lovely.

Many of South Devon’s beaches are dog friendly all year round so your beloved family pooch can come too!

England’s Seafood Coast – The Foodie Walk

The English Riviera is England’s Seafood Coast with world-famous Brixham Fish Market providing delicious fresh seafood daily to restaurants and eateries in the South Devon area as well as in the best restaurants in London and Europe.  Discover the delights of the English Riviera renowned for its seafood with the popular 7-day Seafood Coast Walking Itinerary.