Beaches in Kingsbridge

There are plenty of beaches near Kingsbridge to discover, whether you want shingle or sand. Its central location on the southern tip of the South Hams peninsular allows for easy access to South Devon’s wonderful coastline. Simply take your pick of which beaches you want to visit during your stay.

Thurlestone and South Milton Sands

Just a fifteen-minute drive west of Kingsbridge is the town of Thurlestone. From here, walk down to South Milton Sands. This beach is easily accessible from the nearby car park and even has a beach house where you can pick up refreshments. 

The long sandy beach makes the perfect family day out. It has lots of rock pools for your little explorers to investigate and lovely clear water to swim in. 

If you are feeling adventurous, why not try snorkelling or diving in the bay? The wildlife at Thurlestone is various (keep your eye out for dolphins, seals, and basking sharks) and there is also plenty to see beneath the surface. The 1939 sunken wreck of Louis Sheild makes a great beginner’s scuba dive! 

Bantham

A little further up from Thurlestone and you will find Bantham Beach. This sandy stretch is perfect for surfers and sunbathers alike. The bay is shallow and at low tide exposes sandy pools that are ideal for little ones to play in. 

Start at Bantham village and walk down to the beach along the sand dunes for stunning views over the water and out to Burgh Island. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch to indulge in once you reach the inviting golden sand.

Hope Cove

Hope Cove is a small slice of paradise tucked away in the South Hams. It is made up of two beaches, Mouthwell Sands to the north and Harbour beach to the south. Mouthwell Sands is both rocky and sandy, making it a bit of a rock pooling hotspot and great for families with young children. It also has lifeguards on duty during the warmer months. 

Hope Cove is the perfect destination for a day trip. Accessible by bus or just a short drive by car from Kingsbridge, this old fishing village has a range of great amenities, including a car park right next to the beach and a pub overlooking the bay aptly named the Hope and Anchor.

North and South Sands, Salcombe

Salcombe is another of South Devon’s vibrant seaside towns to explore during your stay in Kingsbridge. The beaches it has to offer are some of the best in the county. To reach Salcombe, follow the estuary down from Kingsbridge on the ferry. This scenic cruise takes around thirty-five minutes in total and allows you to take in some of the spectacular scenery of South Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

Salcombe North Sands is an easy walk from the town. It has a safe bay that is ideal for swimming and bathing, and dogs are also welcome all year round. Although make sure you time your visit right as at high tide the bay can be completely submerged! 

Salcombe South Sands is the perfect little sun trap. Located right in the mouth of the estuary, this cove is sheltered and boasts clear water as well as soft sand. The beach is also home to a passenger ferry that takes visitors to Whitestrand Quay in Salcombe so is especially handy if you are planning on staying a little longer and visiting the town for a bite to eat.