Dartmouth Beaches

Overview

Dartmouth serves as an excellent gateway to a diverse array of coastal experiences in the stunning South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. While the town itself graces the banks of the River Dart estuary, a short journey unveils a variety of beaches. You'll discover everything from intimate, secluded coves to expansive stretches of shingle and pebble, often framed by dramatic cliffs and verdant landscapes, offering something for every type of beachgoer.

Among the area's highlights is the award-winning Blackpool Sands, celebrated for its beautiful fine shingle that offers a sand-like feel and clear waters. For those seeking a quieter escape within walking distance from town, Sugary Cove provides a peaceful, pebbly retreat favoured by locals and wild swimmers, nestled near Dartmouth Castle. Adjacent to it, Castle Cove stands as the closest beach to Dartmouth, presenting wonderful views of the castle and estuary, perfect for a quick and scenic visit.

Further afield, Slapton Sands offers a unique experience with its extensive shingle bank, significant historical connections, and an adjoining freshwater nature reserve. Swimming is a popular activity at many of these locations, with the clear waters of Blackpool Sands and the calm conditions at Slapton Sands being particularly inviting. Exploring the South West Coast Path can also lead you to discover more hidden gems along this picturesque coastline. For a comprehensive look at all the coastal spots, be sure to explore our longer list of beaches in the area.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Dartmouth a good place for a beach holiday?

Yes, Dartmouth can be a great base for a beach holiday. While the town itself is on the River Dart estuary, there are several beaches nearby, ranging from small, secluded coves to larger stretches of sand and shingle. You can find beaches suitable for families, watersports, dog walking, and quiet relaxation.

What are the beaches like in Dartmouth?

Beaches near Dartmouth offer a variety of experiences. You'll find some small, secluded coves like Sugary Cove and Castle Cove, which are walkable from town and offer stunning views. Larger beaches like Blackpool Sands (actually fine shingle) and Slapton Sands are a short drive away and provide more space and facilities. The coastline features a mix of shingle, pebble, and some sandy areas, often backed by dramatic cliffs and lush greenery.

Sugary and Castle Cove

Blackpool Sands

Slapton Sands

Can you swim in the sea at Dartmouth beaches?

Yes, swimming is popular at many beaches near Dartmouth. Blackpool Sands is known for its clear waters and has won awards for water quality. Sugary Cove is a favourite spot for wild swimmers. Slapton Sands also offers calm waters suitable for swimming. Always be aware of tide times and sea conditions, and note that not all beaches have lifeguard services.

Blackpool Sands

Slapton Sands

Are there sandy beaches near Dartmouth?

While many beaches near Dartmouth are shingle or pebble, Blackpool Sands is often described as having golden sand, although it's technically fine shingle. It does have dedicated sand pits for children. Some more secluded coves might have patches of sand, especially at low tide. If you're looking for large expanses of traditional sandy beaches, you might need to travel a bit further along the South Devon coast, for example towards Salcombe or Bigbury.

Blackpool Sands

Where can I find accommodation near Dartmouth beaches?

There is a range of accommodation in Dartmouth town itself, which provides good access to the nearby coves and a base for exploring beaches further afield. Villages like Stoke Fleming are closer to Blackpool Sands. You can find hotels, B&Bs, self-catering cottages, and holiday parks in and around the Dartmouth area. Many booking websites list properties with proximity to beaches.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Blackpool Sands

Which beaches near Dartmouth are good for families?

Blackpool Sands is a top choice for families due to its excellent facilities, including toilets, a café, watersports hire, and lifeguard cover during peak season. It also has sandpits for children. Slapton Sands, being a long stretch of beach, offers plenty of space for families to spread out and play games, and Torcross at one end has amenities like cafes and toilets.

Blackpool Sands

Slapton Sands

Are dogs allowed on Dartmouth beaches?

Many beaches near Dartmouth are dog-friendly year-round, including Sugary Cove, Castle Cove, Slapton Sands, Strete Gate, and Man Sands. However, some beaches, like the privately-owned Blackpool Sands, have seasonal restrictions, typically not allowing dogs from late spring to early autumn (e.g., May 1st to September 30th). It's always best to check specific beach rules before you go.

Sugary and Castle Cove

Blackpool Sands

Slapton Sands

Strete Gate Beach

How do you get to the beaches from Dartmouth town?

Sugary Cove and Castle Cove are within walking distance from Dartmouth town centre, near Dartmouth Castle. For beaches further afield like Blackpool Sands and Slapton Sands, driving is the most common option, and there's usually parking available (charges may apply). Some beaches, such as Blackpool Sands and Strete Gate, are also accessible by bus services running from Dartmouth.

Sugary and Castle Cove

Blackpool Sands

Slapton Sands

Strete Gate Beach

People Also Ask

Are there any hidden gem beaches near Dartmouth?

Yes, there are several more secluded or lesser-known beaches. Sugary Cove is often described as a hidden gem, accessible via a path near Dartmouth Castle. Man Sands and Landcombe Cove are more remote, requiring a walk along the South West Coast Path, which means they are often quieter. Mattiscombe Sands, near Start Point, is another wild and remote option.

Man Sands

Landcombe Cove

Mattiscombe Sands

What facilities are available at Dartmouth beaches?

Facilities vary by beach. Blackpool Sands is well-equipped with toilets, showers, a café, a shop, and watersports hire. Slapton Sands has car parks, toilets at certain points (like Strete Gate and Torcross), and seasonal refreshment vans or nearby cafes. Smaller coves like Sugary Cove and Castle Cove have fewer facilities, though there are toilets and a tea room at nearby Dartmouth Castle. More remote beaches like Man Sands may have no facilities at all.

Blackpool Sands

Slapton Sands

Sugary and Castle Cove

Man Sands

Is there parking at Dartmouth beaches?

Most of the larger beaches near Dartmouth, such as Blackpool Sands and Slapton Sands (at various points like Torcross and the Memorial car park), have dedicated pay-and-display car parks. For Castle Cove and Sugary Cove, limited parking is available at Dartmouth Castle or on nearby roads. Some more remote beaches accessed via the coast path, like Man Sands, will not have direct car parking at the beach itself.

Blackpool Sands

Slapton Sands

Sugary and Castle Cove

Man Sands

What is the best time of year to visit Dartmouth beaches?

The summer months (June to August) are most popular for warm weather and swimming, but beaches can be busier. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) can also be lovely, with pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful coastal walks. Dog restrictions on some beaches like Blackpool Sands are typically in place from around Easter or May until the end of September.

Blackpool Sands

Are there any beaches you can walk to from Dartmouth town centre?

Yes, Castle Cove and Sugary Cove are both within walking distance of Dartmouth town centre. They are located near Dartmouth Castle, at the mouth of the River Dart. The walk involves some paths and steps.

Sugary and Castle Cove

Castle Cove

Can you have BBQs on Dartmouth beaches?

Rules for BBQs vary. At Blackpool Sands, BBQs are generally permitted after 5 pm during main summer months, but disposable BBQs are not allowed, and you must take all remains with you. For other beaches, it's best to check for any specific local signage or restrictions, as some beaches may prohibit BBQs or open fires. Always ensure you do so safely and leave no trace.

Blackpool Sands