Beesands Beaches

Overview

Beesands, England, offers a charming coastal escape for those seeking a traditional seaside experience. This peaceful village in the United Kingdom is known for its unspoilt character, providing a tranquil retreat. At its heart lies the shingle expanse of Beesands Beach, perfect for visitors wondering about the local beach scene.

The surrounding area boasts several noteworthy beaches. Beesands Beach itself captures the essence of a Devon fishing village. Nearby, the famous Slapton Sands stretches for three miles, rich in history and natural beauty. For a particularly scenic outing, many enjoy the popular Blackpool Sands. Further afield, Bantham Beach is a premier destination for surfing and family enjoyment. These beaches are generally welcoming for families and swimming is a common activity, though it's wise to be mindful of the sea conditions.

Beyond these editor's picks, the South Devon coastline near Beesands has more to discover. Many local spots, including Beesands Beach, are dog-friendly throughout the year, making it an excellent choice for visitors with pets. Whether you seek adventure or quiet relaxation, there's a suitable stretch of coast. For a comprehensive guide to all the local gems, explore our longer list of beaches.

FAQ

Is Beesands beach good for a family holiday?

Yes, Beesands is considered good for a family holiday. It's a mile-long shingle beach with a children's playground nearby. The village offers a traditional, unspoilt atmosphere, and the beach has won awards for cleanliness and safety. Dogs are also welcome year-round.

Beesands Beach

Can you swim at Beesands beach?

Yes, you can swim at Beesands beach, and it's a popular activity. The water is often described as clear. However, the beach is shingle and shelves steeply in places, so caution is advised, especially regarding large breaking waves at times. There is no lifeguard service.

Beesands Beach

Is Beesands beach dog friendly?

Yes, Beesands beach is dog-friendly all year round. Dogs are welcome on the beach, making it a popular spot for dog walkers. There are also nearby coastal paths for further exploration with your dog.

Beesands Beach

What are the parking facilities like at Beesands beach?

There is free road parking available along most of the beach at Beesands. You'll find parking bays near the Cricket Inn and Britannia @ The Beach, as well as another car park towards the centre of the beach. Access to the village is via a narrow country lane.

Beesands Beach

Are there places to stay with sea views directly at Beesands?

Yes, there are holiday cottages and apartments available in Beesands that offer sea views and are located very close to, or on the seafront. Some properties are traditional fisherman's cottages that have been renovated.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

What is Beesands beach like? Is it sandy or shingle?

Beesands beach is a mile-long shingle beach. It's backed by the village, fields, and a freshwater lake called Widdicombe Ley. It offers a traditional fishing village atmosphere.

Beesands Beach

Are there toilets and cafes at Beesands beach?

Yes, there are public toilets available at Beesands. You'll also find food and drink options, including the Cricket Inn pub and the Britannia @ The Beach café, which specialises in seafood.

Beesands Beach

How does Beesands beach compare to Slapton Sands or Torcross?

Beesands, Slapton Sands, and Torcross are all part of Start Bay and feature shingle beaches with generally calm, clear waters. Beesands offers a quieter, traditional fishing village feel. Slapton Sands is a much longer stretch of beach backed by Slapton Ley, a National Nature Reserve. Torcross is a village at the southern end of Slapton Sands, also with facilities.

Beesands Beach

Slapton Sands

People Also Ask

What is there to do at Beesands besides sitting on the beach?

Besides relaxing on the beach, visitors can enjoy coastal walks along the South West Coast Path, fishing (it's a popular spot), birdwatching at Widdicombe Ley, and exploring the traditional fishing village. Watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding are also possible.

Is Beesands beach accessible for pushchairs or wheelchairs?

Beesands beach has level access in several places from the road and parking areas. There are also concrete ramps for pedestrian access, and disabled users can access the beach via one of two slipways, though there isn't a boardwalk on the shingle itself. Widdicombe Ley has a wheelchair-accessible bird hide.

Beesands Beach

What's the best way to get to Beesands beach?

Beesands is typically reached by car. The postcode for Sat Nav users is TQ7 2EN. The village and beach are accessed via an old country lane which can be narrow, so careful driving is advised. Limited bus services may be available to nearby areas, but direct public transport to Beesands can be infrequent.

Beesands Beach

Are there any local quirks or special things to know about Beesands?

Beesands maintains a strong, traditional fishing village character, with crab and lobster fishing being important. You might see fishing boats offering the catch of the day on the village green. The Cricket Inn famously hosted an early public performance by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. The beach is also known for occasional large breaking waves.

Can you see seals or other wildlife at Beesands?

Yes, it's possible to spot wildlife around Beesands. Seals are sometimes seen in Start Bay, and the nearby Widdicombe Ley is a freshwater lake that attracts plenty of birds. Dolphins and porpoises have also been sighted in the wider Start Bay area.

Beesands Beach

Is Beesands a good destination for a quiet, relaxing beach holiday?

Yes, Beesands is often described as a peaceful and unspoilt village, ideal for those seeking a quieter pace of life and a traditional seaside experience. It's generally less busy than some larger, more commercialised beach resorts.

Beesands Beach

What are the typical concerns about swimming conditions at Beesands?

While swimming is popular, key concerns include the beach shelving steeply, the possibility of large breaking waves, and the absence of a lifeguard service. It's important to be aware of sea conditions and not to use inflatables when it's windy.

Beesands Beach