The Best Beaches in The South West
Discover the stunning beaches of the South West of England, where breathtaking coastlines meet golden sands and crystal-clear waters. From family-friendly bays to hidden coves and surfing hot spots, this region offers a diverse range of seaside destinations perfect for relaxation, adventure, and everything in between. Explore the beauty and charm of these coastal gems. (Excluding Cornwall
Weymouth Beach – Dorset
A classic family seaside beach with a long stretch of golden sand, relatively sheltered water and plenty of traditional seaside entertainment. It’s particularly good for families who want a beach with lots to do nearby.
Lyme Regis – Dorset
Combines a lovely seaside town with sandy beach areas, the famous Cobb harbour and spectacular Jurassic Coast scenery. The sheltered bay makes it particularly popular with families.
Dawlish – Devon
A traditional Devon seaside destination with a long beach, dramatic red cliffs and the famous railway running alongside the coast. Great for combining a beach day with exploring Dawlish itself.
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Combe Martin – North Devon
A beautiful sheltered cove surrounded by dramatic Exmoor coastline. At low tide more golden sand is exposed, making it excellent for families, rock pooling and exploring the shore.
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West Bay – Dorset
Instantly recognisable for its towering golden Jurassic Coast cliffs. There are several beaches around the harbour, with West Beach being particularly suitable for families.
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Babbacombe Beach – Devon
A peaceful shingle cove beneath Babbacombe's dramatic cliffs, with clean water, beautiful scenery and a more secluded atmosphere than many of Devon's larger resort beaches. Dogs are also allowed throughout the year.
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Weston-super-Mare Beach – Somerset
One of the best choices for a traditional seaside day out. There's a huge sandy beach, Grand Pier, promenade, cafés, summer donkey rides and spectacular Bristol Channel sunsets.
Kilve Beach – Somerset
Completely different from a typical sandy resort beach. Its rocky shoreline and dramatic cliffs make it particularly good for coastal walks, geology and fossil hunting.
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Charmouth Beach – Dorset
One of the South West's great fossil-hunting beaches and part of the Jurassic Coast. It combines spectacular scenery with a traditional, relatively unspoilt seaside atmosphere and is especially popular with families looking for fossils.
Brean Beach – Somerset
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Fantastic if you want space. There are miles of sand for walking, playing and enjoying the coast, while nearby Brean Down provides superb views. It's also dog-friendly throughout the year.
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Sandy Bay – Exmouth, Devon
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A beautiful golden-sand bay backed by distinctive red cliffs. Low tide exposes a much larger area of sand and rock pools, while the surrounding coast is excellent for walking.
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Lynton & Lynmouth – North Devon
Best for people who want dramatic scenery rather than a conventional bucket-and-spade resort. The combination of rocky coastline, towering cliffs, wooded valleys and the picturesque harbour gives this area a distinctive character.
Minehead Beach – Somerset
A good all-round family beach with sand, a wide promenade and plenty of facilities nearby. It's also brilliantly positioned as a gateway to Exmoor and the spectacular coastline further west.
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Watchet Beach – Somerset
One of the more unusual entries on your list. Watchet's rocky coastline, geology, harbour and coastal scenery make it beautiful. St Audries Waterfall is a short walk and a huge visitor attraction.
Woolacombe Beach – North Devon
Its huge sandy beach makes it one of the South West's most famous surfing and family beaches, with plenty of space even on busy days.
