Things to do in Bantham

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Things to do in Bantham

The charming coastal village of Bantham sits on the edge of the Avon Estuary, surrounded by rolling countryside and golden sands. This unspoilt corner of Devon is a haven for holidaymakers seeking natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and a slower pace of life. Whether you prefer to relax and watch the waves roll in with a drink in hand or get out and explore the coast on foot or by paddleboard, Bantham offers the perfect balance of tranquillity and activity.

What’s on in and near Bantham

There’s always something to look forward to in and around Bantham, with a vibrant line-up of annual events that celebrate the best of Devon. Nearby, Kingsbridge hosts the popular Food and Music Festival, the traditional Kingsbridge Fair, and the agricultural Kingsbridge Show. Just up the road, the Aveton Gifford Classic Car Show delights motoring fans each summer. In Bantham itself, the Bantham Swoosh draws wild swimmers from across the country, while the nearby Hope Cove Weekend offers live music, games, and seaside fun. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or just looking to soak up the local atmosphere, there’s always something happening nearby.

Bantham Swoosh courtesy Graham Wynne/Outdoor Swimming Society

Bantham Beaches

Bantham is home to one of Devon’s most stunning beaches, with golden sands, rolling dunes, and sweeping views of Burgh Island. It’s a hotspot for surfers thanks to its consistent waves, while paddleboarding and kayaking are popular along the calmer Avon Estuary. At low tide, the beach reveals a maze of rock pools teeming with marine life, perfect for little adventurers. Bantham is dog-friendly outside of peak summer restrictions, and nearby beaches like South Milton Sands and Thurlestone Beach, both under 15 minutes away, offer scenic walks and year-round dog access. Whether you’re riding the waves or exploring the shoreline, Bantham’s beaches promise unforgettable days by the sea.

Bantham Walks

Bantham offers a variety of scenic walks for all abilities, with routes that showcase the best of Devon’s landscape. A popular choice is the circular walk from Bantham to Thurlestone, taking you along the South West Coast Path past dramatic cliffs, sandy coves, and iconic rock formations like Thurlestone Rock. For a more leisurely stroll, follow the Avon Estuary inland towards Aveton Gifford, a peaceful route rich in birdlife and estuary views. At low tide, walkers can stroll across the sands to Bigbury-on-Sea and Burgh Island, returning inland for a varied loop. Whether you’re seeking clifftop vistas or riverside tranquillity, Bantham is a walker’s paradise with trails to suit every pace.

Walk The Salt Path, inspired by Raynor Winn

Bantham Attractions

Bantham is perfectly placed for exploring some of Devon’s most iconic coastal experiences. Just across the Avon estuary, a charming passenger ferry carries visitors from Bantham to Bigbury-on-Sea, offering a memorable and scenic route that’s especially fun for families. From there, you can embark on a truly unique adventure: a ride aboard the famous Burgh Island sea tractor. This eccentric vehicle transports guests across the tidal sands to Burgh Island, a historic and atmospheric destination famously linked to Agatha Christie, who set two of her novels here. The island is also home to the striking Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel and the characterful Pilchard Inn, perfect for a memorable meal or drink with a view. For those drawn to the water, boat trips from nearby Salcombe or Kingsbridge reveal hidden coves, secret beaches, and glimpses of coastal wildlife including seals and seabirds. A short drive inland brings you to the market town of Kingsbridge, full of independent shops, local art galleries, and beautiful estuary views.

View more things to do in Devon

Date: 15th May 2025

Walking The Salt Path: Follow in Raynor Winn’s Footsteps

Follow in Raynor Winn’s footsteps along the Salt Path in South Devon, staying in Finest Stays homes from Newton Ferrers to Salcombe and Torquay.

Date: 22nd May 2023

Bantham Swoosh

Bantham Swoosh 2023 - The ultimate wild swimming adventure, an amazing 6km world class swim along the River Avon from Aveton Gifford to Bantham

Date: 1st August 2022

Watersports you must try in South Devon

If you want to explore the Devonshire coastline and see what makes it so beautiful, getting on the water is the best thing you can do. This blog reveals the top watersports you must try in the South Devon area. Surfing South Devon has a great mixture of beaches, with some providing big waves that are perfect for surfers, and others offering calmer waters that are ideal for family watersports such as canoeing and paddle boarding. Surfing is a popular watersport that many people will try out at some point during their visit to South Devon. All year round you will find surfers on the beaches in Devon. Whether you are new to the sport and are wanting some lessons, or if you have your own board and are looking for the best surf spots, look no further than the sea and sand in South Devon. What are the best beaches in South Devon for surfing? Bantham Beach Bantham is one of the most popular spots in South Devon for surfing. Its waves usually provide the perfect environment all year round for beginners and advanced surfers alike. Located between Salcombe and Plymouth, it is the perfect place to visit if you are staying in South Devon for a holiday or even a long weekend. The RNLI have lifeguards on the beach during the busier, summer months making it safe and accessible for many. Bantham Surfing Academy is one of the most popular surf schools in the county. It runs private and group classes for a range of abilities and ages so that those wanting to try out the sport for themselves or who wish to improve their surfing skills can do. Bantham also provides surfboard, bodyboard, wetsuit, canoe and kayak hire which is ideal for those wanting some more freedom in the water. You can even pack a picnic and explore nearby secret coves! Thurlestone Just south of Bantham is Thurlestone beach. Thurlestone is a popular place for those with surf experience to visit. Beginners may find the waves challenging and the sea stacks and rocks slightly intimidating so be sure to consider the other beaches in South Devon too if it is your first time out on a board. North Sands Despite its name, North Sands is located in the south of Salcombe. Due to its position on the estuary, which is often home to large swells that are brought up from the Atlantic, the bay frequently has large waves that are perfect for surfers. Hire your kit in town, then walk the short 15 minutes up to the beach, or drive and park at North Sands car park. Canoeing and Kayaking Canoeing and Kayaking are other watersports you must try in South Devon if you are visiting. If you are after a slightly more relaxed activity that still gets you moving, then this is the perfect solution. Canoeing involves using a paddle with one blade and kayaking involves using double-ended paddles. Both sports offer great days out for family and friends. Depending on the conditions, sea kayaking can prove quite a challenge - you may have to power through some waves before you reach the calm! Bigbury-on-sea has a kayak hire as part of the Discovery Surf School. With hire prices starting from £20, you can explore the entire stretch of the bay when the conditions are right. If the water is especially calm you can paddle around the island. Brixham also has great coves that you can explore in a canoe or kayak. Sailing South Devon is a well-known sailing destination. Located on the beautiful English Riviera, the area has the perfect conditions for sailing (made up of a mixture of sheltered bays and wide stretches of water) and international competitions are often held here. Salcombe is the home of sailing in Devon. Its estuary is the perfect place for the popular pastime and it is no wonder why so many visitors are keen to take up the sport when in the area. Residents often keep their boats moored in the harbour but you can hire a sailing boat to take out. Salcombe Dinghy Sailing offer sailing lessons as well as hire. For other types of boat hire, including self-drive boats, Salcombe Launch Company has a fleet that you choose from and pay a daily rate for. Paddleboarding Paddleboarding is taking the watersports world by storm! Many find that the relaxing nature of paddleboarding is what makes it so appealing. You have the freedom to choose whether to stand up or kneel on the board or even share it with someone else. With paddleboarding, you get the best view of the coastline. If it is safe to do so, take a trip around the headland or explore secret caves and coves. The best conditions for paddleboarding are when the water is still and calm. Some of South Devon’s most popular places to paddleboard include the Kingsbridge estuary, South Sands, and The River Dart. South Sands has a sandy bay that is perfect to launch your paddleboard from and return to when you fancy a picnic on the beach. Holiday Homes for Watersports Lovers If you are looking for a watersport-packed stay when you visit South Devon, Woodspring offers the ideal holiday home. Sleeping up to 14 guests and set along Bowcombe Creek, this luxury, contemporary house is the place for you to reunite with family and friends and spend some quality time together. Woodspring’s idyllic and rural location makes it perfect for those who love the great outdoors and getting active. With the water just metres from the doorstep where you will find a private mooring, and a boat store loaded with wetsuits, paddleboards, fishing gear and life jackets, you are fully equipped to explore the creek and paddle further afield onto the Kingsbridge estuary. If you want to stay in South Devon and try out some of the watersports for yourself, get in touch.

Things to do in Bantham