Darthmouth Beaches

Overview

Dartmouth, nestled in South Devon, is a wonderful starting point for exploring a varied coastline. While the town is famed for its historic harbour, it also provides excellent access to the beautiful beaches of Start Bay and the South Hams. Many visitors ask if Dartmouth is a beach destination, and indeed it is, offering a range of coastal experiences. You'll discover that beaches here are typically shingle or pebble, each with its unique appeal.

The area features standout beaches catering to different tastes. Blackpool Sands is a premier choice for families, celebrated for its picturesque setting and clear waters, with fine shingle often likened to coarse sand. Nearer to town, Sugary and Castle Cove offer charming, secluded spots perfect for exploring and are popular for a dip. For a blend of nature and history, the expansive Slapton Sands is a must-see, while Landcombe Cove rewards those seeking true tranquility. Swimming is a popular activity at many of these locations, with generally good water quality.

These editor's picks are just a glimpse of what Dartmouth's coastline has to offer. From easily accessible shores to more hidden gems, there's a perfect spot for everyone. To discover more options and find your ideal seaside escape, be sure to consult the longer list of beaches featured in our guide.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Are there any sandy beaches right in Dartmouth town?

Dartmouth town itself has small shingle and rocky coves like Castle Cove and Sugary Cove, which are great for exploring and offer beautiful views but aren't large sandy beaches. These coves can also be covered at high tide. For more expansive, traditionally sandy beaches, you'll need to travel a short distance outside of Dartmouth.

Sugary and Castle Cove

Can you swim in the sea around Dartmouth?

Yes, you can swim in the sea at several beaches near Dartmouth. Blackpool Sands is popular for swimming and often has lifeguards in summer. Sugary Cove and Castle Cove are also used for wild swimming. The River Dart estuary also has swimming spots, with Warfleet Creek recently gaining bathing water status and a new swim zone established by Dart Harbour. Always check local conditions and safety advice, especially regarding tides and currents.

Blackpool Sands

Sugary and Castle Cove

Which Dartmouth beaches are best for families?

Blackpool Sands is highly recommended for families due to its facilities, including a café, toilets, watersports hire, and lifeguard service during peak season. It's a shingle beach but has sandpits for children in summer. Slapton Sands is another option, offering a long stretch for playing and exploring, with facilities at the Torcross end.

Blackpool Sands

Slapton Sands

Are dogs allowed on Dartmouth beaches?

Dog restrictions vary. Sugary Cove and Castle Cove generally welcome dogs year-round. Slapton Sands and Strete Gate Beach are also largely dog-friendly. However, Blackpool Sands has a seasonal dog ban, typically from Easter or May to the end of September. Always check local signage as rules can change.

Sugary and Castle Cove

Slapton Sands

Strete Gate Beach

Blackpool Sands

What's the best way to get to beaches like Blackpool Sands from Dartmouth?

Blackpool Sands is a short drive (around 5 miles) from Dartmouth. There is ample pay-and-display parking available at the beach. It's also accessible by bus; the number 3 service between Dartmouth and Plymouth stops near the beach entrance.

Blackpool Sands

Is parking difficult at Dartmouth beaches?

Parking availability varies. Popular beaches like Blackpool Sands have their own car parks, though charges apply and they can get busy during peak season, so arriving early is advisable. Smaller coves like Sugary Cove have limited parking near Dartmouth Castle. Some more remote beaches may require parking further away and walking.

Blackpool Sands

Sugary and Castle Cove

What is the water quality like at Dartmouth beaches?

Generally, the water quality at popular beaches near Dartmouth is good. Blackpool Sands is a Blue Flag awarded beach, indicating high water quality and environmental standards. Sugary Cove and Castle Cove, as well as the newly designated Warfleet Creek, have shown 'excellent' water quality in recent Environment Agency tests. Water is regularly tested, especially at designated bathing waters.

Blackpool Sands

Sugary and Castle Cove

Are Dartmouth beaches mostly sand or pebbles?

Most beaches in and immediately around Dartmouth, like Castle Cove and Sugary Cove, are shingle, pebble, or a mix. Blackpool Sands is famously a fine shingle beach, though often described as feeling like coarse sand. Slapton Sands is a long shingle beach. For larger expanses of true sand, you might need to travel a bit further along the South Hams coast towards Salcombe or Bigbury-on-Sea.

Sugary and Castle Cove

Blackpool Sands

Slapton Sands

Castle Cove

People Also Ask

How do Dartmouth beaches compare to Salcombe beaches?

Dartmouth offers a mix of intimate coves near the town (Sugary Cove, Castle Cove) and larger shingle beaches like Blackpool Sands and Slapton Sands a short drive away. Salcombe is known for its sandy beaches within the estuary, such as North Sands and South Sands, and nearby sandy coves. Both areas are beautiful, but Salcombe's beaches are generally sandier. Dartmouth can be a good base for exploring the wider South Hams coastline, including Salcombe.

Blackpool Sands

Slapton Sands

Are there any quiet, hidden gem beaches near Dartmouth?

Yes, there are several more secluded coves. Sugary Cove and Castle Cove, while close to the castle, can feel quite secluded. Landcombe Cove, accessible via the South West Coast Path, is a quieter option for those willing to hike. Man Sands is another remote beach that requires a walk, offering a peaceful escape.

Sugary and Castle Cove

Landcombe Cove

Man Sands

What facilities can I expect at beaches like Blackpool Sands?

Blackpool Sands is privately owned and well-equipped, offering a café/restaurant, beach shop, toilets with showers and baby changing, watersports equipment hire (kayaks, paddleboards), and sometimes a beach sauna. There are also sandpits for children during summer and RNLI lifeguard cover from July to September.

Blackpool Sands

Do any Dartmouth beaches have lifeguards?

Blackpool Sands typically has RNLI lifeguard cover from July to September. Slapton Sands also has lifeguards during the summer season, with a flag system indicating safe swimming areas. Smaller coves like Sugary Cove and Castle Cove do not have lifeguard services.

Blackpool Sands

Slapton Sands

Sugary and Castle Cove

Can you have BBQs on Dartmouth beaches?

At Blackpool Sands, BBQs are generally permitted after 5 pm during main summer months, but disposable BBQs are not allowed, and you must take everything away with you. For other beaches, specific rules may vary, and it's always best to check for any local signage or restrictions, and to be considerate of other beach users and the environment. Open fires are generally not permitted.

Blackpool Sands

What should I be aware of regarding tides at Dartmouth's coves like Sugary Cove?

It's very important to be aware of tide times at coves like Sugary Cove and Castle Cove. These beaches are small and can get completely cut off or submerged at high tide. Always check the tide timetable before your visit and ensure you leave plenty of time to exit safely.

Is Dartmouth a good destination for a beach-focused holiday?

Dartmouth is an excellent base for exploring a variety of beaches, from its own charming coves to the larger, well-facilitated beaches like Blackpool Sands and the expansive Slapton Sands nearby. While the town itself is more harbour-focused, its proximity to the beautiful South Devon coastline and Start Bay makes it a great choice for those wanting a mix of coastal scenery, historic town charm, and beach access.

Blackpool Sands

Slapton Sands