Long before our hearts were stolen by Raynor Winn’s powerful book, The Salt Path, the South West Coast Path has been a beloved destination for many, whether for leisurely afternoon strolls or epic hikes that traverse the coastline’s impressive clifftop trails. And, of course, the beaches!
From great sweeps of golden sand to hidden coves and sheltered bays, the South West Coast Path boasts a smorgasbord of beautiful beaches for every occasion. They make wonderful pitstops when walking the coast and memorable days out in their own right, with lots of beach cafés and waterfront pubs waiting to welcome you in - sandy paws and all - with open arms.
Running through three counties, the South West Coast Path is the ultimate way to explore the many glorious beaches that pepper the South West, from Devon and Cornwall’s dramatic clifftop vistas to Dorset’s famous landmarks and fossil-hunting hotspots.
It’s safe to say that whichever stretch of the South West Coast Path you choose, you’ll have your pick of some of the best beaches in the country, from sandy havens to surfing capitals.
Best beaches in Devon
With two stunning coastlines to choose from, Devon certainly isn’t skimping when it comes to beautiful beaches to explore, from the wild and wonderful north coast to the sun-soaked charms of the south.
Saunton Sands Beach
Wide, sweeping sands and some of the best surf in the country, Saunton Sands attracts beachgoers from all over the UK. Dog-friendly throughout the year and with 3 miles of beach, this golden haven is perfect for sandy zoomies and winter beach walks. Extending your walk further, head along the South West Coast Path to Crow Point for simply unbeatable views across the coastline, or head inland for a look around the UNESCO Biosphere, Braunton Burrows.
Westward Ho! Beach
Boasting a mix of seaside pursuits, Westward Ho! is a mecca for visitors craving variety. Surfing is always popular here, with North Devon Surf School offering lessons for those wanting to try their hand at the sport, and there’s plenty of sand for sandcastle competitions with the kids. Pack a picnic or head into Westward Ho! for some Devonshire fish and chips you can enjoy on the beach.
Slapton Sands Beach
An arc of picturesque pebbles, Slapton Sands Beach has long been a favourite spot for a relaxed beach day. Dog-friendly and with plenty of space for all, this pretty beach invites beachgoers of every kind to enjoy the sweeping setting the bay enjoys. The beach also has interesting ties to World War II, which can be explored at the stone monument. A welcoming beach café is on hand for those wanting refreshments and the nature reserve is a fantastic spot for wildlife watching.
Croyde Bay
One of Devon’s top beaches, Croyde Bay is a heady mix of dunes and waves, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. There are lots of superb eateries nearby to fuel your waterside pursuits, as well as ice cream parlours and beach cafés for a scoop of something tasty and oh-so-summery. If your feet are itching to explore the surrounding South West Coast Path, take the short walk to nearby Baggy Point where incredible views of the surrounding coastline await.
Soar Mill Cove
Reached along the South West Coast Path from Salcombe, Soar Mill Cove is a haven of tranquillity, with the South Ham hills providing a simply stunning backdrop. This secret cove forgoes the usual beachside facilities in favour of a wilder outlook, so pack up a picnic full of local goodies and enjoy a day wrapped in a salt-kissed embrace.
Mill Bay Beach
A pocket paradise on Devon’s south coast, Mill Bay Beach is a National Trust-owned cove that’s become very popular with families and sea swimmers as the waters here are wonderfully safe. You can access the beach via the South West Coast Path making it great for a summer stroll and swim. The views here are second to none, with little boats often tootling past but the beach can fill up fast so make sure to arrive early to claim your space on the golden sand.
Beer Beach
With a setting that could easily be found in the Med, Beer Beach is a true treat for the senses. Dramatic cliffs tower above the pebbled beach, while smooth waters tempt you in for a swim. Hire a boat to explore the South West Coast Path from a whole new angle or simply relax on the sun-warmed beach with an ice cream in hand (when at the beach, after all). Beer itself is home to some lovely pubs, perfect for a refuel when walking the undulating coast paths.
Bigbury-on-Sea Beach
Boasting two shores at low tide, Bigbury-on-Sea Beach is a family-friendly favourite, with oodles of space for everyone and a backdrop worthy of National Landscape status. The inspiration for Agatha Christie’s famous whodunnit, And Then There Were None, Burgh Island makes for a fascinating visit, especially when taking the sea tractor! Lots of watersports are available here or you can stroll along the coast to Ayrmer Cove Pikes for some eye-catching rock formations. There’s a particularly good pub walk between Thurlestone and Bantham.
Broad Sands
Nestled on North Devon’s dramatic coastline, Broad Sands is a little slice of wilderness we can’t get enough of. Boasting a name that has very little to do with the beach itself (which is not particularly broad and offers shingle in place of sand), this sheltered little cove is a favourite amongst swimmers despite there being no lifeguards as the waters are often lovely and calm. Access to the beach comes via some 240 steps that wind down the coast path, the perfect warm-up to your refreshing dip in the sea!
Best beaches in Cornwall
With over 300 beaches on offer, Cornwall’s stretch of the South West Coast Path is a haven of sandy swathes and pebbled coves - not to mention some of the most iconic landmarks in the country.
Porthminster Beach
Famed for its white-gold sands and near-tropical scenes, Porthminster Beach is one of the highlights of any visit to St Ives. Powder-soft sand makes it ideal for basking in the sun, while fairly consistent surf makes it a favourite with surfers. The turquoise waters are also excellent for seal-spotting, especially in the quieter months. A lovely beach café and restaurant overlooks the beach, providing delicious Cornish treats whether you want to eat in or on the beach with the sun-warmed sand between your toes.
Kynance Cove
Of the most instantly recognisable beaches in Cornwall, Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula is as dramatic as it is beautiful. Unique serpentine cliffs and pebbles add a wash of dark colour to the salt-kissed scenes while azure waters shimmer in the summer sun. Visit in the summer for a swim and a pasty at the beach café or in the winter for a breathtaking walk along the South West Coast Path to Lizard Point.
Fistral Beach
Newquay is packed with lots of excellent beaches, but Fistral Beach has become world-famous thanks to its consistent and wonderfully epic waves. Oh yes, known far and wide as one of the best surfing beaches in the UK, Fistral is a mecca for surfers, whether you're a wave-riding newbie or an experienced pro looking to test your skills in the annual Boardmasters surfing open. Dog-friendly year-round and boasting a series of restaurants and beach cafés overlooking the beach, it’s a fantastic destination for a family-friendly day out by the sea.
Gyllyngvase Beach
One of the many gorgeous beaches in Falmouth, Gyllyngvase Beach is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike thanks to the powder-soft sand and famous foodie hotspot the Gylly Beach Café. There are lots of things to do here, with watersports a popular choice, especially in the summer months. When the seas are calm, you can often see groups of paddleboarders making their way around the coast. There’s oodles of space for families, and the volleyball net at the back of the beach is great for some summer fun.
Porthcurno Beach
Boasting a dramatic setting between towering granite cliffs, Porthcurno Beach is a beautiful place to while away the hours surrounded by sun, sand, and sea. There’s a car park and a café a short stroll from the beach, and the fascinating PK Porthcurno museum invites you to discover the important role this wild corner of Cornwall played in the future of technology. Built into the cliffs above the beach, the Minack Theatre promises a breathtaking visit, whether you stop by for a show or simply to soak up the iconic setting.
Sennen Cove
Continuing around West Cornwall’s stretch of the South West Coast Path, past ancient stone circles and the soaring heights of Land’s End, Sennen Cove is another of Cornwall’s beaches for surfing. The steady waves and on-site surf school make it great for beginners and families, while a set of showers on the beach makes ditching the sand a breeze. Take a picnic to enjoy on the sun-warmed sand or settle down in the fabulous beachfront restaurant for a tasty meal with an unbeatable view.
Summerleaze Beach
Bude boasts a number of superb beaches, but Summerleaze will always hold a special place in our hearts thanks to the popular sea pool that nestles beneath the cliffs and promises refreshing swims throughout the year. Colourful changing huts line the back of the beach, while the Atlantic invites surfers to enjoy a range of waves. You’ll find all the beach amenities you could need, from ice creams to surfboard hire - there’s even a sand wheelchair for hire, making this one of Cornwall’s most accessible beaches.
Lantic Bay
There are some lovely beaches around Fowey, and while the sheltered waters of Readymoney Cove are quick to bring a smile, there’s just something utterly transfixing about the sweep of coast around Lantic Bay. South-facing and utterly breathtaking on a sunny day, this heady mix of turquoise depths and white-gold sand is a little pocket of paradise on South Cornwall’s beautiful coastline. There are no facilities and the steep path makes access a little tricky, but all your efforts will be well and truly rewarded when you step onto the sun-warmed sand and are faced with paradisiacal views ahead.
Perranporth Beach
Situated on Cornwall’s wild and wonderful north coast, Perranporth Beach is a popular spot along the South West Coast Path whatever your day by the coast includes. Home to the UK’s only bar on a beach - and one of Cornwall’s top music festivals - it’s the place to be for live music and relaxed vibes (plus it’s as dog-friendly as the beach it sits on).
Best beaches in Dorset
Famous for its fossil hunting and unique geological formations, Dorset’s coastline boasts a merry mix of beautiful beaches to uncover.
Durdle Door
One of the most instantly recognisable beaches in Dorset - and possibly the UK - Durdle Door boasts a breathtaking setting full of chalk-white cliffs and golden sands. The famous arch can’t help but draw the eye, while the surrounding coastline promises just as many eye-catching rock formations, whichever direction you choose. Durdle Door is also famously dog-friendly throughout the year, so pack up the pup and a picnic and head to this gorgeous Dorset beauty spot for a sun-kissed afternoon by the sea.
Lulworth Cove
A little along the coast from Durdle Door, past the equally captivating Man O’ War Beach, Lulworth Cove is another jaw-dropping beach along the Jurassic Coast section of the South West Coast Path. Known for its dramatic geology, Lulworth Cove is a merry mix of natural history and natural beauty. Walk up to Lulworth Crumple and Stair Hole for even more geological marvels or settle yourself down on the beach with an ice cream in hand and enjoy the turquoise waters and sun-soaked vista.
Shell Bay
A sweep of sun-warmed gold along Studland Bay, Shell Bay is paradise on earth for those who fancy a spot of wilderness while exploring the South West Coast Path. Undulating dunes shoulder the sandy beach, making it great for dog walks (the beach is dog-friendly throughout the year, although leads must be used between May and September). Enjoy beautiful walks along Studland Peninsula, which is maintained by the National Trust, or simply sit and watch the boats glide in and out of Poole Harbour.
Chesil Beach
If you’re looking for a nice long walk, Chesil Beach has you well and truly covered with 18 miles of shingle and pebble shoreline. Promising a slightly wilder expanse compared to Weymouth’s sand and spade vibe, it’s the perfect place to visit in the winter months when nothing but the gentle sound of waves rolling over stone fills the air and soothes the soul. We also recommend visiting with a portion of fish and chips from nearby Chesil Chippie - it is a seaside tradition after all.
West Bay
Backed by striking, golden cliffs, West Bay continues Dorset’s powerhouse collection of eye-catching beaches. Golden sandstone cliffs (made famous by TV’s Broadchurch) back East Beach, while West Beach promises a quieter setting with waters ideal for paddling children. Climb the cliffs for sweeping views across Chesil Beach and Portland or head in the other direction for the historic Jurassic Pier. There are lots of amenities nearby, including a lovely sea view café, making this beach great for families.
Lyme Regis
Home to four great beaches, it’s hard to pick our favourite in Lyme Regis. Families flock to the sandy stretch near Cobb Harbour, where lifeguards patrol in the summer months and the promenade promises plenty of opportunities for an ice cream (check out our webcam for a live view). Monmouth Beach follows the curve of the Cobb wall and is one of the best places in Dorset to find fossils. Church Cliff Beach is a favourite with rock pool enthusiasts, while East Cliff Beach boasts even more fossil-hunting possibilities.
Kimmeridge Bay
Looking for something a little different? Swapping the usual sand-swept beach for a series of fascinating rock pools and curious rock formations, Kimmeridge Bay is as beautiful as it is fascinating. It’s also a hotspot for snorkeling, with the waters amongst the safest in the county, allowing you to explore above and beneath the waves during your visit. Children and adults alike will love a visit to the Wild Seas Centre, which sits by the slipway and offers visitors additional insight into the bay and its history.
Bournemouth Beach
Named the best beach in the UK in 2024 by the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, Bournemouth Beach is probably worth a visit (or two… or three). Gloriously soft sand, lifeguard cover in the spring and summer, and a slew of beachfront cafés for that all-important afternoon refreshment… There are so many reasons this Blue Flag beach beckons to so many. Enjoy a tootle down Bournemouth Pier with an ice cream for a pinch of history or embark on a slightly longer walk to nearby Hengistbury Head for unbeatable views across the nature reserve and ocean beyond.
Best beaches in Somerset
Starting in Minehead, the Sout West Coast Path might only skirt part of Somerset but it still boasts some unmissable beaches.
Minehead Beach
The official start (or end) of the South West Coast Path, you can’t miss out on a sandy visit to Minehead Beach. Perch on the rocks with an ice cream, explore the many rock pools with the little ones, or spread out on the sun-warmed sands and soak up some sun before stepping onto the coast path. The beach is backed by a bustling promenade too, offering plenty of refreshments to fuel your explorations.
Greenaleigh Sand Beach
Minehead’s wilder sister, Greenaleigh Sand is a wonderfully sheltered beach with a beautiful backdrop formed of lush woodland and rolling fields. At low tide, the beach boasts an impressive size, making it excellent for beach games and sandy zoomies with the dog. Accessible only on foot, this sandy haven makes for a wonderful first stop when setting out on the South West Coast Path.
Glenthorne Beach
You might not associate the beach with Exmoor National Park, but there are a few hidden gems dotted along the park’s coastal border. Tucked away down a beautiful wooded trail, Glenthorne Beach is an untamed patch of pebbled paradise. Waterfalls and caves add a touch of magic to the small beach, while the long path down ensures the Glenthorne is rarely busy - you will often find you’ll have the beach all to yourself! Pack a picnic full of local goodies and enjoy the beautiful walk along the coast path with a rewarding oasis at the end.
Itching to soak up a giddy mix of sun, sand, and sea? Explore our gorgeous holiday cottages in the South West and spend your days exploring every granite-hewn nook and sand-swept cranny along the South West Coast Path.
