Honiton Beaches

Overview

Honiton, a charming market town in East Devon, isn't directly on the coast. However, it serves as an excellent base for exploring the stunning beaches of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, most of which are just a 15 to 30-minute drive away. This dramatic coastline offers beautiful scenery and unique geological features.

The beaches near Honiton are varied, though many are pebble or shingle beaches nestled beneath cliffs, characteristic of this part of Devon and Dorset. Some beaches reveal sandy stretches, especially when the tide goes out. This coastline is perfect for traditional seaside holidays, scenic coastal walks, and world-class fossil hunting.

Among the highlights are the iconic Lyme Regis Beach, famous for its history and fossils, and the neighbouring Charmouth Beach, a prime spot for fossil hunters. For picture-perfect scenery, the charming fishing village and cove at Beer Beach are hard to beat, while Exmouth Beach offers a long stretch of golden sand ideal for families. Nearby Sidmouth is another popular choice, offering a traditional seaside town feel.

Many of these coastal spots are linked by the South West Coast Path, offering fantastic walking opportunities between beaches. For more details on these and other coastal gems near Honiton, explore our full list of recommended beaches.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Honiton itself a seaside town or good for a beach holiday?

Honiton is an inland market town in East Devon, not directly on the coast. While it's a charming town, you'll need to travel to reach the nearest beaches. It can serve as a convenient base for exploring the Jurassic Coast beaches, which are typically a 15-30 minute drive away, but it doesn't offer a direct 'on the beach' holiday experience itself.

What kind of holiday are the beaches near Honiton best for?

The beaches near Honiton are ideal for traditional seaside holidays, coastal walking (it's part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site), fossil hunting (especially around Lyme Regis and Charmouth), and exploring charming coastal villages like Beer and Branscombe. It suits families, couples, and those interested in geology and scenic walks more than those seeking large sandy resorts or vibrant nightlife.

What are the beaches like near Honiton? Are they sandy or pebbly?

Most beaches near Honiton along the East Devon and Dorset coast are predominantly pebble or shingle beaches, often backed by cliffs. Some, like Sidmouth and Lyme Regis, reveal sandy stretches, particularly at low tide. Don't expect vast expanses of golden sand like in some other UK regions.

Sidmouth Beach

Lyme Regis Beach

Can you swim in the sea near Honiton and is the water clean?

Yes, swimming is popular at many beaches near Honiton like Sidmouth, Beer, and Seaton during warmer months, though the water can be chilly even in summer. Water quality is generally good, with several beaches holding Blue Flag or Seaside Awards. Always check the latest water quality information online (e.g., Environment Agency) before swimming, especially after heavy rain.

Sidmouth Beach

Beer Beach

Seaton

Are there places to stay right on the beach near Honiton?

Directly 'on the beach' accommodation is rare due to the cliff-lined nature of much of the coast. However, towns like Sidmouth, Seaton, and Lyme Regis offer numerous hotels, B&Bs, and holiday lets very close to the seafront, often just across the esplanade from the beach, providing easy access and sea views.

Sidmouth Beach

Seaton

Lyme Regis Beach

Which is the closest beach to Honiton?

The closest beaches to Honiton are typically Sidmouth or Seaton, both roughly a 15-20 minute drive south. Branscombe and Beer are also nearby, usually within a 20-25 minute drive.

Which beach near Honiton is best for families?

Sidmouth is often recommended for families due to its long esplanade, mix of sand (at low tide) and pebbles, traditional seaside town amenities (cafes, shops, toilets), and relatively gentle slope into the sea at the main beach. Seaton also offers good facilities and a long pebble beach.

Sidmouth Beach

Seaton

Where's the best place for fossil hunting near Honiton?

For fossil hunting, the beaches around Lyme Regis and Charmouth (just over the border in Dorset, about a 30-40 minute drive from Honiton) are world-famous. Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is a great starting point. While fossils can be found elsewhere on the Jurassic Coast, these locations are prime spots.

Lyme Regis Beach

Charmouth Beach

Is Sidmouth or Beer a better beach town to visit from Honiton?

It depends on what you're looking for. Sidmouth is larger, with a long promenade, more shops, cafes, and a mix of sand/pebbles, often feeling more like a traditional seaside resort. Beer is a smaller, picturesque fishing village nestled in a cove with a shingle beach and a strong focus on fishing heritage. Both are charming, but Sidmouth offers more amenities while Beer offers quainter village atmosphere.

Sidmouth Beach

Beer Beach

Are the beaches near Honiton dog friendly?

Dog restrictions vary significantly between beaches and by season. Many beaches have restrictions from May 1st to September 30th, often limiting dogs to specific zones or banning them entirely from the main sections. However, some beaches like Branscombe (East Beach) and sections of Seaton allow dogs year-round. Always check the specific beach signage or local council websites for the latest rules before visiting with your dog.

Branscombe Beach

Is it easy to park at the beaches near Honiton?

Parking can be challenging and often expensive, especially during peak season (summer holidays and sunny weekends) in popular spots like Sidmouth, Beer, and Lyme Regis. Car parks fill up quickly. Arriving early or considering alternative transport like local buses where feasible is advisable. Some smaller coves like Branscombe may have limited parking.

Can you get to the beaches from Honiton using public transport?

Yes, there are bus routes connecting Honiton to coastal towns like Sidmouth and Seaton (e.g., Stagecoach services). However, services might be less frequent than driving, especially to smaller villages like Beer or Branscombe which may require a change or have limited schedules. Check current timetables carefully. A car offers more flexibility for exploring multiple beaches.

Are there any quieter, hidden gem beaches near Honiton?

While the main beaches get busy, you can find quieter spots. Weston Mouth (requires a walk), parts of Branscombe beach away from the main car park, and exploring smaller coves along the South West Coast Path can offer more seclusion. Salcombe Regis Mouth, accessible via a walk from Sidmouth, is also often less crowded than the main town beach.

Weston Mouth

Branscombe Beach

What's the vibe of the coastal towns near Honiton like?

The coastal towns near Honiton generally have a relaxed, traditional English seaside atmosphere. Sidmouth has a slightly more genteel, Regency feel, while Beer and Branscombe are quaint fishing villages. Seaton is a functional seaside town, and Lyme Regis has a vibrant, slightly bohemian feel mixed with its geological importance. They are generally family-friendly and popular with older visitors and walkers.