Devon completely stole my heart. The moment I stood on the wild cliffs at Salcombe, watching waves crash against red sandstone rocks while seabirds soared overhead, I knew this wasn’t just another pretty English county. The sea breeze carried the scent of salt and wildflowers, and I couldn’t stop smiling at how ridiculously beautiful it all was.
From the dramatic rock formations of Ladram Bay to the rolling hills of Dartmoor, where wild ponies roam free, these are the most beautiful places in Devon that will take your breath away. This slice of England feels like it was pulled straight from a fairytale, and I can’t wait to show you my 12 favorite spots that made me fall completely in love with this magical corner of Britain!
Top-Rated Places to Visit in Devon
Devon totally swept me off my feet, and after exploring sea cliffs, fairy-tale villages, and surfy beach towns, you’ll get why. Here’s a quick breakdown of my absolute favorite spots around the county, with clickable links so you can jump to any section in the full guide.
- Best Surf Beach: Bantham Beach
- Top Coastal Village Vibes: Beer and Lyme Bay
- Most Mediterranean Feel: Blackpool Sands
- Best Fossil-Hunting Escape: Branscombe
- Most Magical Historic Hamlet: Clovelly
- Best Combo of Surf + Sunset: Combesgate Beach and Woolacombe
- Top Surf Town Energy: Croyde
- Best Riverfront Heritage Spot: Dartmouth
- Most Dramatic Coast Meets Moorland: Lynmouth Harbour and Lynton
- Most Luxurious Seaside Escape: Salcombe
- Best Beach + Nature Reserve Duo: Slapton Sands and Torcross
- Top Spot for English Riviera Vibes: Torquay
If it were me? I’d base in Salcombe or Croyde, add a few day trips to spots like Clovelly and Dartmouth, and leave time for sunset strolls on the South West Coast Path. The full guide is packed with insider tips and photo inspo! Whether you’re into coastal walks, history, or countryside charm, here are 12 of Devon’s most breathtaking spots!
1. Bantham Beach
Bantham Beach totally delivers on its reputation as South Devon’s premier surf spot, and honestly, it’s way more accessible than people make it out to be. The parking situation is real – you’re looking at £8.50 for a full day in high season (£3.50 off-season), with gates closing at 9pm sharp. But here’s the thing: this place is actually worth every penny.
The surf here works for everyone, which is pretty rare. When it’s pumping, experienced surfers can catch waves at the back while beginners practice on the inside sandbar closer to shore. I’ve watched kids nail their first waves while pros are getting barreled just 100 meters away. The Bantham Surfing Academy runs lessons year-round, and they’re really good at matching conditions to your skill level.
What makes Bantham special isn’t just the surfing – it’s the whole setup. The Avon River meets the sea here, creating this protected estuary that’s perfect for paddleboarding when the surf’s flat. Burgh Island sits right offshore like something from a movie set, and at low tide you can explore rock pools that are packed with marine life.
The Gastrobus food vans by the car park serve decent coffee and surprisingly good pizza. The beach gets properly busy in summer, but there’s enough space that it never feels cramped. Just wear decent shoes – that narrow Devon lane to get here is notorious for being tight, but it’s totally manageable if you take it slow.
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2. Beer and Lyme Bay
Beer remains one of Devon’s most genuine fishing villages, and that’s exactly why it’s brilliant. Unlike some coastal spots that feel touristy, this place still has working boats launching from the shingle beach every morning. The Beer Quarry Caves are open daily 10:30am-2:30pm (£13 adults, £11 concessions) from April through November 1st, 2025, and they’re honestly fascinating – these limestone quarries provided stone for St. Paul’s Cathedral.
The village sits in this perfect natural amphitheater of white limestone cliffs, so it’s sheltered from most weather. I always recommend the clifftop walk from Beer to Seaton – it’s about 45 minutes and the views across Lyme Bay are incredible. The beach itself is all shingle, which means easy access for the fishing boats but comfortable enough for families. The water’s surprisingly clear for southern England.
Beer has kept its character because it’s still a working village. You can buy fresh crab and mackerel right off the boats, and places like The Anchor Inn serve proper local food with beer garden views over the beach. Parking is straightforward with several car parks in the village center, and the whole place has this relaxed vibe that’s getting harder to find. The Heritage Centre near the beach tells the story of local fishing and even celebrates the four Beer lads who won the Atlantic rowing race in 2005. It’s not flashy, but it’s authentically Devon, and that’s why people keep coming back.
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3. Blackpool Sands
Blackpool Sands has this Mediterranean thing going on that actually works – the turquoise water and pine trees create this scene that doesn’t feel like England at all. It’s a Blue Flag beach, so you know the water quality is top-notch, and they’ve got RNLI lifeguards during summer months which makes it perfect for families. The car park uses ANPR (pay on exit by card), and while it’s not cheap, the facilities are genuinely excellent.
This is a proper premium beach experience. Venus Cafe serves locally sourced organic food with outdoor seating that faces the water, and you can rent paddleboards, kayaks, and deckchairs right on site. Sea Kayak Devon runs coastal tours and they’ve even installed a beachfront sauna, which is pretty unique for the UK. I tried it last summer and it’s actually brilliant – nothing beats jumping from a hot sauna into that clear water.
The beach is shingle (fine, golden stuff), which works better than sand for water sports because you can launch kayaks right from the shoreline. There’s a swimming raft anchored offshore during lifeguard season that’s popular with kids. Blackpool Gardens are usually open April-September for £5 (adults), though they’re temporarily closed for restoration work until July 2025. The whole operation is family-owned and has been for generations, which shows in the attention to detail.
Dogs aren’t allowed May-September because of Blue Flag regulations, but the rest of the year it’s brilliant for four-legged friends. This isn’t a budget beach day, but if you want quality facilities and that crystal-clear water, it delivers.
4. Branscombe
Branscombe is the fossil hunter’s paradise that doesn’t get enough credit. The mile-long shingle beach sits at the bottom of these dramatic rust-red cliffs that are constantly eroding, which means you’re always finding new fossils after storms. I spent a morning here last autumn and found three ammonites and what looked like a belemnite. The beach is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, so you’re literally walking through geological history.
The village itself is spread out across the valley, with the National Trust owning most of it, including a working forge and an old mill. The Masons Arms is this fantastic 14th-century thatched pub that serves excellent food – their fish and chips uses beer batter made from local ale. The walk from the village down to the beach takes about 15 minutes through these narrow Devon lanes.
What makes Branscombe special is how untouched it feels. At low tide, the shingle gives way to patches of sand and those amazing rock pools. The South West Coast Path runs right along the clifftop, giving you these panoramic views toward Beer Head or Sidmouth. The cliffs here are soft, so they do occasionally have small rock falls – just don’t sit directly under them.
Spring is brilliant here because the cliff tops are covered in wildflowers, and autumn is perfect for fossil hunting because the winter storms have exposed new sections. It’s not as famous as some Devon beaches, but that’s exactly why it’s brilliant. You can spend hours exploring without seeing crowds of people.
5. Clovelly
Clovelly is the place everyone posts on Instagram, and yeah, it really does look like that in person. The catch? It’s privately owned and you’ll pay £9.50 for adults (£5.50 for kids 7-16) just to enter the village. But honestly, after walking down that famous cobbled street and seeing the harbor, most people think it’s worth it. The entrance fee includes parking, two museums, the visitor center film, and access to Clovelly Court Gardens.
This isn’t your typical village – it’s like stepping into the 1800s. No cars are allowed, so everything gets transported by sledge, often pulled by donkeys (rescued ones that live in the village stables). The walk down to the harbor is steep – we’re talking a 400-foot drop on ancient cobblestones – so wear proper shoes and take your time. There’s a Land Rover service back up the hill for £3.50 if you can’t face the climb.
The Red Lion Hotel sits right on the tiny harbor where fishing boats still land their catch. The New Inn halfway down serves decent food and has this cozy atmosphere that feels authentically old-world. I tried the dressed crab at the harborside tea room and it was genuinely excellent.
Clovelly gets absolutely packed in summer – I’m talking tour buses and queues – so visit in shoulder seasons if you can. The village has this timeless quality that’s increasingly rare, which is why they can charge admission and people still come. It’s touristy, but it’s also the real deal. Just budget for more than the entrance fee if you plan to eat or drink – everything here comes with what locals call the “heritage tax.”
6. Combesgate Beach and Woolacombe
Combesgate Beach is the hidden gem that sits right next to famous Woolacombe, and it’s where I’d go if I wanted the same incredible coastline without fighting for space. This small sandy cove emerges completely at low tide, revealing rock pools and sea caves that are perfect for exploring. The surf here can be excellent with smaller crowds than Woolacombe proper.
Woolacombe Beach itself is the main event – 3 miles of golden sand that TripAdvisor ranked as the 13th best beach globally. The Esplanade Car Park charges £1.50 for one hour up to £15 for all day, but there are multiple car parks serving the beach. This is North Devon’s premier surf destination, with consistent waves that work for all levels. Woolacombe Surf Centre runs lessons year-round, and there are RNLI lifeguards on duty Easter through September (10am-6pm).
What I love about this stretch is the variety. Combesgate gives you that secluded cove feeling, while Woolacombe offers everything from beach huts to the famous ‘Stoned’ pizza van (wood-fired pizzas from 5pm that are genuinely amazing). The South West Coast Path runs along the cliffs above both beaches, giving you those classic Devon views across to Lundy Island. The beach faces west, so sunset watching is spectacular.
Woolacombe can get crazy busy in summer – up to 20,000 people descend on this normally quiet village – but the 3-mile stretch means there’s usually space to spread out. Both beaches work on all tides, and the water quality is consistently excellent. It’s proper bucket-and-spade territory, but with world-class surfing thrown in.
7. Croyde
Croyde is where serious North Devon surfers go, and the village has this laid-back surf culture that feels authentic rather than manufactured. The horseshoe-shaped bay creates waves that can be powerful – locals call it “different gravy” compared to mellower Woolacombe. At low tide you get steep, fast barrels that demand respect, while mid to high tide mellows things out for less experienced surfers.
The village itself has kept its character despite the surf tourism. The Thatch pub is a proper local favorite that serves excellent food, and there are enough surf shops and cafes to keep you sorted without feeling commercialized. Croyde Bay is smaller than Woolacombe, but that creates this community atmosphere where you recognize faces after a few days.
What makes Croyde special is the consistency – this beach works in conditions that leave other spots flat. The South West Coast Path walk to Baggy Point offers incredible views and is brilliant for working off those pub lunches. Parking is mainly in the main village car park (operated by North Devon Council), though extra fields open during busy summer periods. The annual GoldCoast Oceanfest in June transforms the village into this brilliant celebration of surf culture and music.
Croyde attracts a different crowd than some Devon beaches – it’s more surfers and young families than traditional holidaymakers. The vibe is relaxed but genuinely passionate about waves and beach life. If you’re serious about surfing or just want to experience authentic surf culture, this is your spot.
8. Dartmouth
Dartmouth works perfectly as a base for exploring South Devon because it’s got this brilliant combination of maritime history and contemporary dining. The town sits where the River Dart meets the sea, creating this protected harbor that’s been strategically important for centuries. Dartmouth Castle (£6.20 adults) guards the river entrance and gives you proper insight into medieval coastal defense.
The Kingswear Castle paddle steamer and Dartmouth Steam Railway both run regular services – the railway journey along the coast to Paignton is genuinely scenic and costs around £16 for adults. The River Dart cruises from the town center show you Dartmouth from the water, passing those impressive waterfront houses and giving you views toward Greenway (Agatha Christie’s former home).
What I appreciate about Dartmouth is how it balances tourism with being a proper working port. The Royal Naval College still trains officers here, and there’s a thriving yachting community that keeps the harbor busy. Fore Street and the Butterwalk area have excellent independent restaurants – I’d particularly recommend trying the fresh seafood that comes in daily. The Dartmouth Royal Regatta in late August is spectacular if you can time your visit right.
Parking can be challenging in summer (the main car parks fill early), but there’s decent bus connections from other South Devon towns. The town has this authentic maritime atmosphere that places like Padstow have lost to tourism, and the River Dart setting is genuinely beautiful. It’s more expensive than some Devon destinations, but the quality of food and accommodation reflects that.
9. Lynmouth Harbour and Lynton
Lynmouth and Lynton are basically two villages that share one incredible location where Exmoor meets the sea. The Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway (£4 adults, £2 children) has been water-powered since 1890 and is an experience in itself – this Victorian engineering marvel connects sea-level Lynmouth with clifftop Lynton 500 feet above.
Lynmouth Harbour is tiny but perfectly formed, with working fishing boats and a rocky coastline that’s dramatic even by North Devon standards. The Rhenish Tower and harbor area create this almost alpine feel that’s unique in England. Watersmeet, about 15 minutes walk up the East Lyn River, is where two rivers converge in this gorge that’s straight from a fairytale – the National Trust tea room there is perfectly positioned.
The Valley of Rocks above Lynton is genuinely otherworldly – these massive rock formations where wild Exmoor goats wander around like they own the place (which they basically do). The literary connections are real – Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Shelley all spent time here and wrote about the landscape. Lynton has decent restaurants and B&Bs, while Lynmouth has the harbor charm and The Rising Sun pub right on the water. This area got hammered by flooding in 1952, but what they rebuilt has kept the Victorian seaside character.
It’s more expensive than some Devon destinations, but you’re paying for one of the most dramatic coastal settings in England. The South West Coast Path here is challenging but the views are incredible. Best visited in late spring through early autumn when everything’s open and the weather’s more reliable.
10. Salcombe
Salcombe is Devon’s most upmarket coastal town, and honestly, it earns that reputation. Property prices here average over £1.2 million, which tells you something about the clientele, but you don’t need a trust fund to enjoy the place. The Kingsbridge Estuary creates this almost Mediterranean setting with turquoise water that doesn’t look like England at all.
The South Sands Ferry (£6 return) is essential – this little boat with its famous sea tractor landing platform runs from Whitestrand in town center to South Sands Beach. Watching that platform roll out into the water to meet the ferry never gets old. South Sands itself has excellent facilities and the South Sands Hotel beach bar, while Mill Bay and Sunny Cove offer more secluded spots accessible by boat or coastal walks.
Salcombe’s shopping is genuinely good – Fore Street and Island Street have independent boutiques that aren’t just tourist tat. The Winking Prawn and The Victoria Inn serve excellent food, though you’ll pay London prices. Salcombe Gin School offers tastings and tours if you’re into that. The East Portlemouth Ferry (£2.50) gives access to brilliant beaches across the estuary – Mill Bay Beach at low tide is spectacular. Water taxis run to various beaches and cost around £8-12 per person depending on distance.
Salcombe definitely attracts a wealthy crowd (locals call it the “Salcombe tax”), but the natural setting and quality of everything from restaurants to beaches justifies the cost. It’s sophisticated rather than stuffy, and the sailing culture keeps it lively. If you want Devon’s most polished coastal experience, this is it.
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11. Slapton Sands and Torcross
Slapton Sands is this remarkable 3-mile shingle beach that’s backed by Slapton Ley, the largest natural freshwater lake in Southwest England. The Sherman Tank Memorial at Torcross commemorates Exercise Tiger, the 1944 D-Day rehearsal that ended tragically when German boats attacked, killing over 700 American servicemen. It’s sobering history that gives this beautiful coastline additional significance.
Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve supports over 2,000 plant species and is brilliant for birdwatching – there are several hides positioned around the reedbeds. The contrast between the freshwater lake system and the open sea creates this unique habitat that attracts wildlife you won’t find elsewhere in Devon. I’ve spotted dolphins offshore here, particularly in summer months.
Torcross village sits right on the beach with The Start Bay Inn serving excellent seafood – they get daily deliveries from the local boats. The whole area has this wild, unspoiled feeling that’s increasingly rare on the South Devon coast. The A379 runs right along the beach, which sounds intrusive but actually works fine – there’s plenty of parking and easy beach access. Beesands village at the southern end is worth exploring, and the South West Coast Path continues to Start Point Lighthouse.
This isn’t bucket-and-spade territory – the shingle beach and exposure to weather make it more suitable for walking, wildlife watching, and appreciating the dramatic coastal scenery. The combination of wartime history, nature reserve, and raw coastal beauty makes it unique among Devon’s beaches. It’s also much quieter than the famous spots, which is part of its appeal.
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12. Torquay
Torquay really does live up to its “English Riviera” nickname – the microclimate here supports palm trees year-round, and the white Victorian villas cascading down to the harbor create this almost Mediterranean atmosphere. The Agatha Christie Mile celebrates the crime writer’s connection to the town, with plaques and locations that inspired her work scattered throughout the area.
Kents Cavern (£16.50 adults) offers tours through these spectacular limestone caves containing 40,000-year-old human remains. The 45-minute guided tours run throughout the day and are genuinely fascinating. Babbacombe Model Village (£11 adults, £8 children) is this incredibly detailed miniature world that adults find just as entertaining as kids – it’s quintessentially British and brilliantly done.
The harbor area buzzes with restaurants and bars, while Cockington Village (20 minutes walk or short bus ride) gives you that thatched cottage Devon experience without leaving town. Torre Abbey and its gardens provide culture and history, while the beaches like Oddicombe (accessible by cliff railway) offer traditional seaside fun. Living Coasts closed permanently in 2020, but Paignton Zoo is 15 minutes away if you want wildlife. The Grand Hotel where Agatha Christie spent her honeymoon still operates and maintains that Victorian elegance.
Torquay gets busy in summer – it’s a major UK resort – but the variety of attractions means there’s always something to do regardless of weather. The Agatha Christie Festival in September transforms the town with 1920s events and vintage cars. It’s more commercial than some Devon destinations, but it does that commercial thing well, with genuine style and those palm trees that remind you this corner of Devon has its own special climate.
