East Devon Beaches Guide – Exmouth to Seaton

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East Devon stretches from the red sandstone headlands at Exmouth to the pale chalk cliffs near Lyme Regis. It’s one of the most distinctive and varied stretches among the beaches of Devon, with golden sands, pebble (shingle) bays, fishing coves and some of the finest cliff-top coast path walking in southern England.

From great family beach days out to quiet winter walks, this guide takes you from Seaton to Exmouth, beach by beach. We share local insight on tides, parking, swimming and seasonal conditions so you can enjoy the best beaches of the East Devon coast all year round.

If you are choosing between the best beaches in East Devon, this guide compares sandy family favourites, dog-friendly stretches and quiet places along the Jurassic Coast.

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The East Devon Coast

This is the western end of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, where 185 million years of geological history are on display. West of Sidmouth, the cliffs are composed of deep red sandstone, soft and sculpted, with broad sandy stretches revealed at low tide. East of Sidmouth, the rock changes to harder chalk and greensand, creating steep shingle shelves and clear turquoise water. The South West Coast Path runs along the entire length, linking beaches with viewpoints and picnic spots.

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Best Beaches in East Devon

From Exmouth and Sandy Bay to Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth, Beer and Seaton, these are the best beaches in East Devon for classic days by the sea. Scroll for tips on tides, parking and year-round conditions.

Beach safety and tides

Cliffs along much of the Jurassic Coast are active, and erosion is constant. We recommend keeping a generous distance from both the cliff base and the edge. Rockfalls and landslides can happen without warning, especially after heavy rain, strong seas, or frost. Do not sit beneath overhangs or crumbly faces, and avoid walking on the beach too close to the cliffs. Stay on waymarked paths, obey any closures and keep children and dogs close.

Many coves are tidal, so check a local tide table ( or the free-to-use Admiralty Easy Tide times ) before walking far along any beach to avoid the possibility of being cut off by the sea. The stretch from Sidmouth to Seaton is particularly prone to cut-offs at high tide. Lifeguard cover is generally limited to the main season, so assume self-reliance outside of October through to Easter. After rain or frost, coast paths can be slick and muddy; sturdy shoes and walking poles make a big difference. Mobile reception dips in sheltered valleys and coves.

If you or someone you see gets into difficulty on the coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Do not enter the water or attempt a rescue yourself; keep visual contact with the person in trouble and raise the alarm immediately.

For beach safety advice, tides, and what to do if you see someone in danger, visit the RNLI beach safety pages or the HM Coastguard guidance. Keep an eye on tide times, wear suitable footwear, and let someone know your planned route before exploring remote stretches of the coast.

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West to east: beach by beach

Exmouth Beach and Orcombe Point

Exmouth’s two-mile sweep of sand is the classic family beach of East Devon. Towards the town end, you will find a level promenade with cafés, ice cream kiosks, toilets, showers and watersports hire for paddleboards, kayaks and pedaloes. The beach shelves gently, the sand is firm for castles and cricket, and RNLI patrols usually operate in the main summer season.

Head east towards Orcombe Point and the crowd thins. Here, the striking Geoneedle marks the official start of the Jurassic Coast, and at low tide, vast sands reveal rockpools. On breezier days, windsurfers and kitesurfers skim the water, while early mornings and evenings are calm for paddleboarding.

There is step-free access from the promenade, beach wheelchair hire in season, and paid parking close by along Queen’s Drive and at Maer Road. The railway station and Exmouth town centre are a pleasant seafront walk away, and the Exe Estuary Trail links the beach with Topsham and Exeter for traffic-free cycling.

Family facilities include play areas, amusement arcades, beach huts, showers and tap points for rinsing. Seasonal dog restrictions apply on the central section of the beach, with year-round dog-friendly areas at either end. Tides can run strongly near the estuary mouth, so swim between the flags and keep clear of watercraft lanes. On clear evenings, the sunset washes across the River Exe and Dawlish Warren, with pastel skies and mirrored wet sand that make this one of the best early evening walks in East Devon.

Sandy Bay

Sandy Bay is the smaller, more tucked-away beach beyond Exmouth. You can walk there along the sand from Exmouth at a good low tide, or follow the South West Coast Path through the Devon Cliffs Holiday Park, where steps lead down to the shore. The bay sits beneath red cliffs and can sometimes feel more sheltered when Exmouth’s main beach is breezy. The sand is soft and gently shelving with clear, shallow water on calmer days.

Lifeguard patrols operate seasonally. The RNLI staffs Sandy Bay on set dates through late spring and summer, with daily cover in the peak holiday period and typical patrol hours of 10 am to 6 pm. Always swim between the red and yellow flags and check the RNLI page for the current season dates before you go.

Facilities on the beach are limited. You will find seasonal toilets, cafés and shops up in the holiday park, and opening times vary, so bring what you need and take your litter home. Dog restrictions usually apply during the peak season, with more flexibility outside the summer. Please follow the signs on arrival.

At low tide, the sands open out, and you will find patches of rockpooling near the headlands. In the off-season, it is wonderfully quiet, making a peaceful coastal walk with just the ever-present seagulls and lapping waves for company. For a longer outing, combine Sandy Bay with the cliff top section of the South West Coast Path to Orcombe Point and return along the beach when the tide allows.

Budleigh Salterton

Budleigh Salterton offers two miles of perfectly rounded pebbles, big skies and notably clear, deep water. At the eastern end by the River Otter, you will find a large seafront car park, public conveniences and a café. This is where the river meets the sea beside the nature reserve, and at quieter times you can often see herons, egrets and wintering waders working the estuary. Traditional beach huts line stretches of the promenade and can be hired via the Tourist Information Centre. Even on busy summer days, there is plenty of room to spread out.

The town backs the central section of Budleigh beach, so ice creams, fish and chips and shops are a stroll from the shingle. The water here drops off fairly quickly because the beach shelves steeply, which helps with clarity but can make entry and exit awkward in a swell. Other than during the peak season, there is usually no regular lifeguard cover, so treat it as an unpatrolled beach. Keep an eye on conditions and supervise children closely. Pebbles shift underfoot, so sturdy beach shoes are helpful for swimming or launching kayaks and paddleboards.

The western edge grows wilder beneath tall red sandstone cliffs. These cliffs here are beautiful but unstable, with rockfalls possible year-round. Enjoy the views from a distance, keep well clear of the cliff base and avoid sitting directly below the slopes.

Budleigh beach is dog-friendly, with restrictions on the busiest central stretch in summer and year-round dog-friendly areas towards either end. Always follow local signage. Accessibility is good along the level promenade. Parking is available at both ends of town, and regular buses link Budleigh with Exmouth and Sidmouth.

For a longer outing, combine the beach with the flat paths of the River Otter nature reserve. It is a rewarding, accessible walk at any time of year, with changing birdlife through the seasons and sheltered sections on windy days. Whatever the weather, Budleigh delivers simple, timeless pleasures: wave watching on a blustery afternoon, a summer swim from the steep shingle, or a quiet winter walk as the low sun lights the pebble beach.

Ladram Bay

Ladram Bay is famous for its vivid red sea stacks, sculpted from Triassic sandstone and privately owned by Ladram Bay Holiday Park. The bay is a photographer’s favourite: at low tide, you can frame the stacks from the shore, while from the coast path, you get sweeping views back over the bay towards Sidmouth.

There is no public car parking at Ladram Bay; access is restricted to holiday guests and residents. Public access is best via the South West Coast Path and a steep ramp down to the beach. There are toilets, a café, a shop and takeaways, plus a slipway and beach attendants during busy periods. Out of season, many services reduce or close, and the bay takes on a rugged, quieter feel.

The coast path approach from Budleigh Salterton and Otterton is a highlight in its own right, with wide views west over High Peak and east towards Orcombe Point. For a fine half day, walk the Otterton to Ladram Bay loop, pausing at the clifftop benches for classic views over the stacks.

Dog rules are seasonal and can change; follow current signage on arrival and keep dogs away from nesting or roosting seabirds on quieter headlands.

Sidmouth Town Beach and Jacob’s Ladder

Sidmouth’s long shingle bay sits against its elegant Regency esplanade. The main beach is predominantly pebbles, but at lower tides, patches of firm sand appear, especially towards the western end. In settled weather, the water is clear and inviting, though the beach shelves quickly in places, so take care with small children and in any swell.

It is a classic summer spot for deckchairs and lazy swims, yet Sidmouth excels in winter too. Wrap up, grab a coffee from the promenade kiosks and watch waves break against the sea wall before retreating to the shelter of Connaught Gardens above the western end. These terraced lawns and flowerbeds feel like a clifftop balcony over the sea, with the Clock Tower café a great possibility for a post-walk treat.

Round the western headland lies Jacob’s Ladder Beach, named for the white wooden stairway that drops from the gardens to the beach. At low tide, shallow rock shelves and pools appear here, perfect for gentle rockpooling and close-up views of the Triassic strata.

Facilities along the front are good. You will find cafés, ice-cream kiosks, toilets and seasonal beach huts around Jacob’s Ladder. The town centre is moments away for fish and chips, cafes and independent shops. Parking options include seafront and town car parks, a short walk from the beach, and regular buses link Sidmouth with Exeter, Honiton, Seaton and Exmouth. Access is mostly level along the promenade; the steps to Jacob’s Ladder are steep, but you can also reach that beach by a steep ramp or, at lower tides, along a path in front of the headland.

At higher water, the pebble beach narrows, while on a good low tide, the western end opens out with more sand and space to spread a towel. Paddlers and kayakers launch in calm conditions, and, in season, the independently operated Sidmouth Lifeboat provide lifeguards on the main beach. Seasonal dog restrictions usually apply on the busiest central stretch in summer, with year-round dog-friendly areas towards either end; always check local signs when you arrive.

Stay for the light. Sunsets are a favourite here, with the cliffs glowing red, the promenade lamps flickering on. Whether you come for a blustery winter stroll and a hot chocolate in one of the town’s cafes or a summer swim beneath the Regency terraces, Sidmouth beach delivers the timeless pleasures of a truly traditional English seaside town on the Jurassic Coast.

Salcombe Regis

Salcombe Mouth is one of East Devon’s most secluded coves, a peaceful shingle beach hidden between red cliffs east of Sidmouth. There’s no direct road access, which keeps it wonderfully quiet even in summer. The beach sits at the end of a green, wooded valley near the village of Salcombe Regis and rewards the effort of getting there with superb coastal views.

Parking is limited and informal. Most visitors leave their cars by St Peter’s Church in Salcombe Regis, where a small parking area operates on a donation basis. From here, a scenic footpath winds down through fields and woodland to the coast. The route is steep in places and can be muddy after rain, so sturdy shoes are a must. The walk forms part of the Salcombe Regis Circular Walk, described in detail on our site, which can easily be extended to include Weston Mouth or the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary.

The beach itself is a mix of shingle and scattered rock shelves. At lower tides, wide flat sections appear where you can picnic, skim stones or paddle. The cliffs are part of the Triassic sandstone sequence of the Jurassic Coast. Note that it is not possible to walk along the beach to Sidmouth as the River Sid blocks the route. Check tide times carefully before exploring too far, as parts of the beach will become cut off at high tide.

There are no facilities at Salcombe Mouth: no café, toilets, or lifeguard cover, and limited mobile signal, so come prepared with supplies and a good sense of tide times. This simplicity is part of its charm. You might share the cove with a handful of walkers, a few swimmers or the occasional kayaker landing from Sidmouth. The sea can be calm on still days but quickly turns choppy when the wind blows onshore, so swim only in settled conditions and stay close inshore.

Wildlife thrives here, with fulmars and kittiwakes nesting on the cliffs and peregrines sometimes seen overhead. In spring, the valley sides are rich with bluebells, and in autumn, the hedgerows drip with blackberries. The combination of wild scenery, quiet access and birdlife makes Salcombe Mouth one of the most atmospheric corners of the East Devon coast. A perfect detour for anyone exploring on foot from Salcombe Regis or following the South West Coast Path.

Weston Mouth

Weston Mouth is one of the most atmospheric and unspoilt coves on the East Devon coast. Reached only on foot along narrow lanes, footpaths and bridleways from Weston, Sidmouth or Branscombe, it feels a world away from the bustle of the nearby resorts. The descent from the inland plateau brings sweeping views over the red cliffs, wooded combes and the long, pebble beach stretched out below. There is no direct road access and no facilities, which keeps visitor numbers low even at the height of summer.

The beach itself is formed of smooth pebbles and shingle, fringed by clear water and backed by steep cliffs of Triassic sandstone. At lower tides, the sea recedes to reveal firmer patches of sand and the remnants of low rock platforms. The soundscape is pure Devon coast: surf breaking on the stones, wind in the cliffs and the occasional cry of gulls. It’s a fine place to walk, swim or simply sit and take in the scale of the Jurassic Coast, especially on bright winter days.

High above the eastern end of the beach are the Weston Plats, a series of old cliff-top market gardens now managed by the National Trust. From the mid-19th century until the 1960s, local families cultivated these tiny, terraced plots, growing early vegetables, flowers and even fruit in the thin coastal soil. The plots captured the sun and sea warmth, creating a unique microclimate that allowed crops to mature earlier than those on inland farms. Produce was carried by hand or pony to Sidmouth’s markets and further afield. Today, the site is partly conserved as a reminder of this small-scale coastal horticulture, and you can still see the outlines of the terraces and stone retaining walls from the coast path. Information boards along the National Trust’s Salcombe Hill and Weston Plats Walks explain this fascinating history.

Weston Mouth is also known, discreetly, as an unofficial naturist beach. Visitors are mixed, and the beach is large enough for everyone to find their own space. Naturists typically use the western end, well away from the main access paths, especially outside the main summer weeks.

There are no lifeguards and no amenities, so come prepared with water and food, and remember to take all litter home.

Branscombe Beach

Branscombe is a long shingle beach backed by a postcard-pretty village of thatched cottages. It suits year-round visits: swim on calm days, fish for mackerel and bass in season, or warm up after a winter walk at the beach café or a thatched pub up the valley. The South West Coast Path east to Beer via Hooken Cliffs is one of the best short hikes in Devon for views and variety. See our Beer and Branscombe guide for details.

Facilities are simple. Toilets and a café operate at Branscombe Mouth in season.

Parking is available by the beach and behind the village hall, with a pleasant streamside walk linking the latter to the sea. Spaces are limited on peak summer days and bank holidays, so arrive early. Branscombe is a year-round dog-friendly beach, but dog rules are seasonal; check signs on arrival.

Hooken Beach

Hooken Beach lies hidden beneath the towering Hooken Cliffs between Beer and Branscombe, one of the most dramatic sections of the Jurassic Coast. Formed by a huge landslip in 1790, it’s a peaceful beach enclosed by white chalk cliffs and tangled woodland.

Access is only on foot, either along the shore from Branscombe at low tide or via a steep path from the South West Coast Path, making it one of East Devon’s most secluded spots. The descent from Beer Head offers spectacular views, though the route can be slippery and uneven.

Beer Beach

Beer is a working fishing cove set beneath bright chalk cliffs, with colour-washed boats pulled up on the shingle and nets drying by the beach. In summer, you can hire a boat for a short coastal run or a mackerel trip, or swim inside the shelter of the cove when the water is calm. The beach shelves quite steeply. On quieter days, like its near neighbour, Seaton Hole, it is ideal for a gentle paddle by the shore or a kayak launch when the sea is settled.

The cliffs give real character and proper shelter. Beer often feels milder than neighbouring beaches in a westerly, though easterly winds can push a surprising chop into the bay. Low tide reveals rockpools towards the edges of the cove and clear water for snorkelling in settled weather.

The facilities are good for a small village. Beach cafés, kiosks and deckchair or beach-hut hire operate through the season, and there are pubs, bakeries and shops a short walk up Fore Street. There are toilets close to the beach. Parking is in village car parks a few minutes’ walk away, with extra spaces at the clifftop; it can be busy on peak summer days, so arrive early if you can. Dog restrictions usually apply in summer on the main section of the beach; the eastern beach is dog-friendly year-round; check local signs.

The setting rewards a more extended visit. Walk the South West Coast Path up to Beer Head for a classic view across Lyme Bay to Dorset, or continue east to Branscombe via Hooken Cliffs for one of Devon’s best short hikes. Off-season, the cove takes on a quieter feel: gulls screeching, the lap of waves on shingle. Whether you come for a swim, a short boat trip or a winter sketching day, Beer delivers a popular slice of the Jurassic Coast.

Seaton Beach and Seaton Hole

Seaton’s long pebble beach is the easternmost major beach in East Devon and one of the friendliest for year-round sea swimming. The water is often clear, the shoreline is easy to read, and the esplanade runs level for its full length, which makes winter walks and buggy or wheelchair outings straightforward.

Facilities are close at hand. Cafés, kiosks and toilets sit along the seafront, with shops a short walk inland. Parking (pay and display) is available by the esplanade and in large car parks such as Harbour Road, which is handy for the eastern end and the tramway. Seasonal dog restrictions usually apply on the central stretch in summer, with year-round dog-friendly areas towards either end. Follow local signage on arrival.

The western end, known as Seaton Hole, tucks under the first rise towards Beer Head. At low tide, the sea leaves flat rock platforms and small pools that are fun to explore slowly.

Away from the water, there is plenty to fill a day. The Seaton Wetlands sit just behind the town on the Axe estuary and draw birdwatchers through autumn and winter for wigeon, teal, redshank and egrets, with kingfisher and little grebe as regular highlights. Level paths and hides make it an easy add-on to a beach walk.

The Seaton Tramway runs beside the estuary to Colyford and Colyton, and is a good rainy-day option with big-sky views across the marshes. On brighter days, the South West Coast Path climbs west towards Beer Head for huge views across Lyme Bay.

Seaton is popular with year-round swimmers. In colder months, wear suitable thermal layers, limit your time in the water and warm up quickly after. On clear evenings, the light fades behind Beer Head and the beach throws long reflections across the pebbles, making Seaton as appealing for a sunset stroll as it is for a summer swim.

Axmouth Harbour Mouth & Haven Cliff

Where the River Axe meets the sea, strong currents make this more of a lookout point than a bathing spot. On stormy days, it’s a spectacular place to watch waves smashing against the shingle bar from a safe distance.

Further East and accessed through Axmouth Harbour, beneath the face of Haven Cliff, lies a quiet and little-visited stretch of beach. This section marks the point where the red Triassic rocks of Seaton give way to the chalk and greensand of the Jurassic Coast.

The beach here is mostly shingle with patches of sand at low tide, backed by steep cliffs and low scrub. It’s a peaceful spot for those who prefer solitude. There are no facilities or lifeguards, and the cliffs are prone to rockfall, so it’s best enjoyed as a scenic end to a coastal walk rather than a swimming beach. The views back across Seaton Bay are superb, especially in the late afternoon light.

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Choosing the right beach for the day

If the wind blows from the west (which is the prevailing direction), Beer and Ladram sit in sheltered bowls. For sandcastle days, Exmouth and Sandy Bay win every time. For calm, deep swims, Budleigh and Seaton shine when the sea settles. When the weather turns changeable, Exmouth or Sidmouth are ideal options because cafés, shops, gardens, and other attractions are just steps away. This short stretch of coastline is a microcosm of East Devon’s beaches, ranging from broad sandy beaches to quiet pebble beaches, offering a mix of family fun and solitude.

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Autumn and winter on the beaches of East Devon

Many people think the coast ‘closes’ when summer ends, but in many ways Devon’s beaches are at their best from October to March. The sea temperature in early autumn is towards its warmest, and sunny days are still possible. Late October brings lowering sunlight, the first storms of the season, and migrating birds. Winter rewards both visitors and locals with bracing walks in the wind and rain, or, perhaps best of all, the cold, crisp space, stillness, and spectacular winter sunshine on the coast that often follows bad weather.

Walking:

The coast path is quieter, and visibility is often better. Clear frosty mornings make for unbeatable views from High Peak near Sidmouth or Beer Head above Branscombe. Short days and more limited public transport mean planning circular walks with time to spare before dusk.

Cold Water Swimming:

Cold-water swimming has become increasingly popular. Wherever possible, join a local group; most seaside towns in East Devon have year-round swim groups. Wear neoprene gloves or a shorty wetsuit if you’re new to it, and always exit before you feel cold. Changing robes and thermos flasks are your best friends.

Storm Watching:

When Atlantic systems roll in, Sidmouth’s seafront and Exmouth’s Orcombe Point cliffs put on a show. But this is when the sea is at its most dangerous. Keep well back and never walk under the cliffs or along sea walls near breaking waves. If waves are overtopping, they are best admired from above or, perhaps best of all, from inside a café window.

Photography:

Winter light, stormy seas, and late-afternoon sunsets are perfect for photography: long shadows, red cliffs against pale wintery skies, and sparkling sun on wet pebbles. Bring a lens cloth and keep a respectful distance from both the sea and the cliff bases

Birdwatching:

The Otter Estuary is rich in overwintering waders and ducks, and Beer Head is superb for seabird watching after gales. Add the Exe Estuary for big-tide spectacles of brent geese, avocets and godwits, with easy viewing from Bowling Green Marshes at Topsham, where hides overlook high-tide roosts. Closer to Axminster, Seaton Wetlands (between Seaton and Colyford) offers level paths, raised walkways and several hides across reedbeds and scrapes that attract kingfisher, snipe, teal and spring/summer warblers. Bring binoculars, check tide times for the estuaries, and tread quietly along marked paths; dawn and the couple of hours before high tide are often best.

Car Parking:

Out of season, parking is easier and cheaper. Some toilets and cafés close, but local towns stay open. Seaton and Sidmouth remain fully accessible all year.

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Weather-wise planning

A northerly breeze can give glassy seas, perfect for Budleigh or Seaton. South-westerlies funnel into Exmouth and Branscombe, but Beer and Ladram stay sheltered. After rain, river mouths carry silt, so pick coves like Ladram or Beer for clearer water.

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Walks that link your beach days

Exmouth to Budleigh (via the Geoneedle) offers gentle terrain and geological intrigue. Budleigh to Ladram and back via Otterton gives sea stacks, cliff-top drama and wildlife. Sidmouth to Beer is a full day’s workout. The Beer to Seaton route is shorter but stunning, with chalk cliffs and open views. Regular buses along the A3052 make one-way trips simple.

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Accessibility and facilities

Exmouth, Sidmouth and Seaton have level promenades suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, plus year-round loos. Budleigh’s shingle makes water access tricky, but the promenade is flat. Beer and Branscombe are steeper, and both Salcombe and Weston Mouth are a hike. Many cafés close in winter, so carry water or a flask and something to eat.

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Eating and drinking by the sea

In summer, you’ll find beach cafés at all of the larger beaches. Remember, though, no facilities at all at Salcombe and Weston Mouth. In winter, pubs and tearooms take over – try The Anchor at Beer, The Mason’s Arms at Branscombe, or the Clock Tower Café in Sidmouth’s Connaught Gardens for panoramic views. Our favourite in Exmouth for a traditional café feel with steaming mugs of tea is the Harbour View Café.

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Respecting a living coastline

Cliff falls are frequent, especially after wet winters. Keep clear of cliff bases, stick to signed paths and never climb fallen sections. Keep dogs under control. A significant number of Coastguard and RNLI rescues each year involve dogs that have fallen from cliff tops, and owners who have tried to go after them. Always carry litter home.

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Quick picks by mood

For easy days with facilities: Exmouth or Sidmouth
For long, peaceful swims: Budleigh or Seaton
For wild walks and solitude: Weston Mouth or Salcombe Regis
For classic coastal photos: Beer or Ladram Bay

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which beaches are sandy in East Devon?

There is plenty of variety across the beaches of Devon. Exmouth offers two miles of golden sand, ideal for families and watersports, while Sandy Bay provides a sheltered sandy cove backed by cliffs. Most other beaches in East Devon, including Budleigh Salterton, Seaton and Beer, are mainly shingle or pebble, though small patches of sand appear at low tide by Jacob’s Ladder in Sidmouth.

Are beaches open in winter?

Yes, all beaches remain open throughout the year. Winter brings quieter walks, easier parking and spectacular light for photography. However, lifeguard cover is seasonal, cafés may close midweek, and daylight hours are shorter. Always check tide times, weather forecasts and local notices before setting out.

Can I swim in winter?

Yes, but only if you are experienced and properly equipped. Cold water swimming is increasingly popular across the South West, yet the risks are significant. Cold water shock and strong currents can quickly overwhelm even confident swimmers. Wear a wetsuit or neoprene accessories, swim with others, and know your exit points. Local wild swimming groups in Exmouth, Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton welcome newcomers.

Where is best for storm watching?

Sidmouth promenade, Budleigh’s cliffs and Seaton’s esplanade offer dramatic winter sea views. The South West coastline is beautiful but unpredictable. Stay behind barriers, keep clear of cliff edges, and never stand too close to the water during high tide or rough weather. Always respect warning signs and Coastguard advice.

What outdoor activities can I try along the coast?

The South West is a paradise for outdoor adventure. Try surfing at Exmouth, coasteering, or paddleboarding on the calm waters of the Exe Estuary. You can learn to sail at RYA approved schools or hire a kayak for gentle exploration. Reputable providers include Edge Watersports in Exmouth and Saddles & Paddles at Exeter Quay. Always wear buoyancy aids, check tide times and if inexperienced go with qualified instructors.

How clean are the beaches?

Many of the beaches in the South West hold the prestigious Blue Flag for water quality and facilities. Even those without the award can be pristine, especially in quieter coves. For real time water quality data, check the Surfers Against Sewage map, which monitors pollution alerts and storm overflows across the region.

What should I know about tides and beach safety?

Tides in the Westcountry can rise faster than expected. Plan walks and swims around local tide times, and always swim between the red and yellow flags on lifeguarded beaches. If you see someone in difficulty, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Remember the RNLI’s advice: Float to Live – lie on your back, stay calm and wait for help.

Where can I learn sailing or watersports?

The region has a wealth of RYA approved sailing schools and community watersports centres.

Can I bring my dog to the beach?

Yes, many beaches in East Devon welcome dogs, though restrictions apply on some main bathing beaches during summer. Exmouth Beach allows dogs year round at the far eastern end, while Budleigh Salterton and Sidmouth Town Beach have designated sections open to dogs outside the main season. Always check local signage for seasonal dates, keep dogs under control near wildlife, and bag and bin waste. The Countryside Code also applies to coastal walks; keep leads short around livestock and birds.

Where can I check weather and sea conditions?

For reliable local forecasts, use the UK Met Office website for coastal and inshore waters, or check tide and surf reports via Magic Seaweed or the RNLI beach safety pages. Conditions can change quickly, so always check before heading out.

What are the top tips for staying safe outdoors?

Plan ahead, respect the sea and countryside, and prepare for changing weather. Carry a phone in a waterproof pouch, wear suitable footwear, take drinking water, and let someone know your plans. Avoid cliff edges and unstable paths, and if in doubt about the tides or sea conditions, ask a lifeguard or local expert before setting out.

Other Helpful Links

• Booking.com – for most accommodation needs. Look out for options that include free cancellation.
• Easy Tide – Free UK tidal prediction service, providing tidal data and tide times for the current day and 6 days into the future.
• Expedia – good for flights and packages.
• Get Your Guide – find and book things to see. Includes unusual things to do.
• Hostelworld – Hostel-focused booking platform that fosters backpack connections.
• MetOffice – Weather forecasts from the UK official meteorological office.
• National Express – UK-based coach operator providing long-distance bus services
• Omio – Book travel tickets by comparing trains, buses and planes in one search.
• Rental Cars – to search out and book hire cars.
• Rome2Rio – Great for comparing local transport options (and for locating bus stops).
• Ticketmaster – What’s On – Major Events – Venues – Bookings
• Trainline.com – our go-to online platform for booking train and bus tickets, offering route planning, price comparisons, seat reservations, and ticket sales.
• Traffic England – for live traffic updates on major roads.
• Traveline SW – Comprehensive public transport information from A to B by bus, coach, train, ferry in South West England and Great Britain.
• TripAdvisor – for reviews of… pretty much everything. Our go-to before booking anything.
• Vrbo – Great for self-catering and vacation holiday home rentals.

Over to you … have you recently travelled to South West England? What worked for you? What advice would you give to others? Please leave your comments below or join in the discussion in our Facebook Group.