Make the most of the beautiful outdoors by enjoying one of the many stunning beaches near Plymouth.
We are spoilt to have quite a few on our doorstep, some are perfect for rockpooling, others are great for building sandcastles and some are amazing for dogs.
Wembury Beach
PL9 0HR
Owned by the National Trust with its own Marine Conservation Centre and guided rock pool rambles, Wembury Beach, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is not short of ways to keep you entertained.
There's safe, clean bathing from gently shelving sand and shale, with beautiful cliff walks to Bovisand in the west and Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo to the east.
Dogs are not permitted on the main Wembury beach between 1 May and 30 September, however, they are allowed all year on the beach west of the main beach.
Mothecombe beach
PL8 1LB
One of the quieter beaches in South Devon. Mothecombe Beach is a large and unspoilt sandy paradise and comes into its own with fine sand allowing plenty of opportunities for shallow, sheltered bathing. When the tide goes out there are rockpools visible.
Dogs are not permitted during the summer (from 1 May until 30 September). However, they are allowed on Coastguards beach year round.
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Bigbury on Sea
TQ7 4AZ
Bigbury on Sea features a stunning sandy beach, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is joined by a causeway to the iconic Burgh Island, home to the famous Burgh Island Hotel.
There is shallow water for paddling and rock pools for exploring. Explore the island which has stunning views down the coast. Bigbury on Sea is a popular family beach and great for windsurfing and kite surfing too.
Parking is available at the on-site car park, although if this venue is full car parks are available nearby but may operate on a cash-only basis.
Dogs are not permitted between 1 May to 30 September from the causeway east to Sedgewell Cove. To the west of the causeway and at the far east of Sedgewell Cove, dogs are allowed all year.
Cawsand and Kingsand beaches
PL10 1NA
Kingsand and Cawsand are twin seafront villages on the Rame Peninsula in Cornwall. Kingsand Beach overlooks Plymouth Sound and has fantastic views of the ships coming and going.
Like neighbouring Cawsand Beach, it is a sheltered beach that reveals some good rock pools at low tide. It's a great venue for a picnic, but alternatively, there are a couple of restaurants, pubs, and pasty shops in the village if you are looking for a bite to eat.
Dogs are accepted on the beach all year round at Kingsand Beach, however they are not permitted in July and August at Cawsand.
You can get to Cawsand and Kingsand easily by hopping on the Cawsand Ferry, which runs daily during the seasonal months, between the Barbican Landing Stage and the beautiful beaches and Cornish villages of Cawsand and Kingsand on the Rame peninsula.
Bovisand Beach
PL9 0AD
Relax in a sheltered bay of yellow sand at Bovisand Beach. Located within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), it is popular with locals and families. There is a large expanse of flat sand when the tide is out, ideal for ball games. The beach is split into two areas – Bovisand Bay and Crownhill Bay.
Dogs are allowed all year at the Bovisand Bay beach (however please note they are banned at Crownhill Bay beach)
Whitsand Bay Beach
PL11 3BY
The beaches of Whitsand Bay offer three miles of stunning sand from Rame Head to Portwrinkle and are considered one of Cornwall’s hidden gems.
Reached by steep paths and steps that wind down between the verdant vegetation, these beaches are never crowded.
At low tide, the long stretches of glistening sand provides great walking or jogging opportunities, whilst the constant swell keeps surfers happy riding some huge waves.
Dogs are permitted all year round.
Parking is limited on the roadside opposite the entrance down to the beach or at the extensive car park less than 5 minutes walk away.
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