Beaches in Dartmouth
Hit the beach in Dartmouth
If you’re looking for sand, sea and perhaps more than a glimpse of sunshine, Dartmouth is a great base. Sitting in an enviable position on the banks of the River Dart, historic Dartmouth has some of Devon’s best beaches within easy reach. The beaches near Dartmouth are all quite unique and offer a different experience.
So whether you fancy rockpooling or watersports, a romantic picnic and wild swimming or a spot of doggie paddle for the family pooch, there’s a perfect beach near Dartmouth for you. And if you need to find out the top spots for hitting the beach, we can help with a list of Dartmouth beaches with access details and facilities.
Dartmouth has a couple of secluded coves tucked away in a quiet location near Dartmouth Castle at the mouth of the River Dart:
Castle Cove
A rocky, shingle beach which is completely covered at high tide, Castle Cove Beach has stunning views of Dartmouth Castle and out to sea.
Access
Take the A379 from Dartmouth. The road narrows as it nears the Castle and the beach. Take the coastal footpath from the road, 200 meters then down 70 steep rock steps. No disabled access. Take the 100 wooden and concrete steps from Dartmouth Castle car park down to the beach, about 50 meters. Parking on Castle Road is free. Limited pay and display parking at Dartmouth Castle Car Park.
Facilities –
- Dartmouth Castle with tea rooms is just 50 meters from the beach
- Picnic area
We love – the secluded location plus tea at the Castle!
Blackpool Sands Beach
This award winning beach for water quality is perfect for families. Blackpool Sands sits on a sheltered bay backed by pine and evergreen trees. This popular, privately owned beach is one of the prettiest along the coast sitting in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Great for watersports, swimming and chilling on the sands. The beach is open all year round but has a dog ban from March to October.
Access
Just off the A379 Blackpool Sands, Blackpool, Dartmouth TQ6 0RG’
Facilities
- RNLI Lifeguards – seasonal, on duty during July to September
- sand pits for building sandcastles
- water sports equipment is available for hire.
- first aid facilities.
- Blue Flag Awarded Beach
- car parks
- toilets
- cafe and takeaway
- beach shop
We love – awesome location, perfect for a picnic on the sands.
Slapton Sands Monument Beach
A beautiful long stretch of pebble and shingle beach which is very rarely packed! Access to the sea is steep but it’s a lovely spot for relaxing with a book, paddleboarding and swimming. It’s also popular with fishermen casting a line to lure in the mackerel during the summer and Autumn months. Look out for dolphins and seals bobbing around. There’s easy access to the beach which is alongside the car park but wheelchair access is restricted. Dogs are allowed all year round.
Access
Slapton Sands can be found just off A379 main road.
Facilities
- toilets
- picnic on the beach and on the grassy area behind the beach
- ice cream van
- cafes, fish and chips and a pub in Torcross 0.5km
- water sports – great for sailing, canoeing and kayaking but no sports hire shops.
Attractions
Visit Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve and take the circular walk around the Ley which takes you through the village of Slapton and back down towards the car park.
We love… a great place to escape the crowds and it’s east facing so it’s protected from the strong westerly winds!
Torcross Beach
This stunning stretch of shingle beach is very popular with families (it’s very rarely packed!) and it’s a great place for sailing, canoeing and wild swimming. No water sports hire but there’s a slipway down to the beach for easy access. Torcross Beach lies at the far end of Slapton Sands and has a charming promenade lined with old fishermen’s cottages, cafes and a pub. This is a great place for fish and chips, an ice cream or a cream tea. Just opposite the beach is a freshwater Ley, known as Slapton Ley. The Ley is considered to be of special scientific interest and attracts many migrant birds and wildlife to its shores. Relax on the sands and take in the spectacular, far reaching views to the Start Point lighthouse. Dogs are allowed all year round.
Look out for the Sherman tank by the car park – During WWII the beaches were used as a training ground in preparation for the D-Day Landings so the residents of Slapton and the surrounding villages were evacuated. The Sherman amphibious tank stands as a memorial to the lives lost in WWII “Exercise Tiger,”
Access
The beach is open all year round and can be found on the A379, Torcross, Kingsbridge TQ7 2TQ
Facilities
- Toilets
- cafes and pubs along the promenade 20m from the beach.
- Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve
- Car parking available 20m from the beach across the A379. Disabled access to the beach (but no boardwalk on the shingle)
- RNLI Lifeguards – seasonal, on duty during July to September
We love… Great family friendly beach, perfect for fish and chips at the seaside!
