Newton Abbot Beaches

Overview

While Newton Abbot sits slightly inland, it serves as a fantastic and convenient base for exploring the diverse beaches of South Devon. Good transport links, including trains and buses, make reaching the coast straightforward, often in just 15-25 minutes. From here, you can discover a shoreline known for its striking red cliffs, wide sandy stretches, and charming estuary coves.

The most accessible seaside town is Teignmouth, home to the classic Teignmouth Beach, perfect for a traditional day out. Just across the estuary, accessed via a unique smugglers' tunnel, lies the secluded Ness Cove Beach in Shaldon. Nearby, the expansive sands of Dawlish Warren are also a popular choice, particularly favoured by families. These options provide a taste of the different atmospheres available, from bustling seaside resorts to quieter village spots.

For dramatic scenery, venture slightly further to Oddicombe Beach, reached by a charming cliff railway offering stunning views. If you're seeking iconic natural beauty and don't mind a day trip, the privately managed bay of Blackpool Sands is a renowned regional highlight, distinct from its northern namesake.

Whether you prefer vast sandy shores, hidden coves, or traditional piers, the area around Newton Abbot offers plenty of choices. Explore our full list of beaches below to find the perfect spot for your South Devon coastal adventure.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Newton Abbot a good base for a beach holiday?

Newton Abbot isn't directly on the coast, but it's a very convenient inland base for exploring the many beaches of South Devon. Popular coastal towns like Teignmouth, Shaldon, and Dawlish are just a short drive or train/bus ride away (typically 15-25 minutes). It offers good transport links and amenities, often at a lower cost than staying right on the seafront.

How do the beaches near Newton Abbot compare to Torbay (Torquay/Paignton)?

Beaches near Newton Abbot, like Teignmouth and Shaldon, generally offer a slightly more traditional seaside town feel compared to the larger resort towns of Torbay. While Torbay has extensive sandy beaches and more attractions, the Teign estuary area provides a mix of sandy beaches (Teignmouth Town Beach, Dawlish Warren) and smaller coves (Ness Cove, Maidencombe), often feeling a bit less commercialised. Both areas are popular, offering different atmospheres.

Can you swim in the sea near Newton Abbot? What's the water quality like?

Yes, swimming is popular at the main beaches near Newton Abbot, particularly Teignmouth Town Beach, Ness Cove, and Dawlish Warren. These beaches often have designated bathing waters, and water quality is regularly monitored by the Environment Agency during the bathing season (May to September). Check the latest reports online, especially after heavy rain. Some prefer the open sea beaches over the estuary for swimming.

Teignmouth Beach

Ness Cove Beach

Dawlish Warren Beach

What are the main beaches easily reachable from Newton Abbot?

The closest and most popular beaches are Teignmouth Town Beach (sandy, traditional pier), Shaldon Beach (on the estuary), Ness Cove Beach (secluded, accessed via a tunnel in Shaldon), and Dawlish Warren (large sandy beach and nature reserve). Maidencombe Beach is also relatively close.

Where's good to stay if I want to be right by the beach near Newton Abbot?

If being directly by the beach is your priority, look for accommodation in Teignmouth (seafront hotels, guesthouses, apartments), Shaldon (village cottages, some B&Bs), or Dawlish/Dawlish Warren (hotels, holiday parks, apartments). Newton Abbot itself is inland, so you'd need to travel to the coast each day.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Are there sandy beaches near Newton Abbot?

Yes, Teignmouth Town Beach and Dawlish Warren are the main large sandy beaches near Newton Abbot. Shaldon Beach has sand, especially at lower tides, mixed with some shingle. Ness Cove is predominantly shingle and sand. Many smaller coves in the area are pebbly or shingle.

Teignmouth Beach

Dawlish Warren Beach

Ness Cove Beach

Which beaches near Newton Abbot are best for families?

Teignmouth Town Beach is very popular with families due to its large sandy area, pier, promenade, play park, and nearby facilities. Dawlish Warren is also excellent for families, offering vast sands, calmer waters for paddling (especially near the groynes), amusements, and the nature reserve.

Teignmouth Beach

Dawlish Warren Beach

Are dogs allowed on beaches near Newton Abbot?

Dog restrictions vary by beach and time of year. Generally, main sections of popular beaches like Teignmouth Town Beach and Dawlish Warren have restrictions (dogs banned or must be on leads) between May 1st and September 30th. However, there are usually designated areas where dogs are allowed year-round (e.g., parts of Dawlish Warren, Shaldon Beach, Ness Cove). Always check local signage for the specific rules.

Teignmouth Beach

Dawlish Warren Beach

Ness Cove Beach

People Also Ask

How do you get to Ness Cove Beach?

Ness Cove Beach in Shaldon is famously accessed via the original 'Smugglers Tunnel', which goes through the red cliff headland. You walk through the tunnel from the Ness car park area to reach the secluded beach. It's a unique feature of the local coastline.

Ness Cove Beach

Is Teignmouth or Shaldon beach better?

It depends on what you're looking for. Teignmouth Town Beach is larger, sandier, faces the open sea, and has more traditional seaside attractions like the pier. Shaldon Beach is smaller, sits on the estuary side facing Teignmouth, has a mix of sand and shingle, and offers a village atmosphere. Many people enjoy visiting both, often using the small passenger ferry that connects them.

Teignmouth Beach

Is parking difficult at the beaches near Newton Abbot?

Parking can be challenging and relatively expensive, especially during peak season (summer holidays, sunny weekends) at popular spots like Teignmouth, Shaldon (Ness car park), and Dawlish Warren. Arriving early is recommended. Consider using public transport like trains (to Teignmouth/Dawlish) or buses from Newton Abbot as an alternative.

Teignmouth Beach

Dawlish Warren Beach

Can you swim in the River Teign estuary?

While people do swim in the Teign estuary, particularly off Shaldon Beach, be aware of strong tidal currents, boat traffic, and potentially variable water quality compared to designated coastal bathing waters. It's generally safer to swim at the main sea-facing beaches like Teignmouth Town Beach or Ness Cove.

Teignmouth Beach

Ness Cove Beach

Are there quieter, less crowded beaches near Newton Abbot?

While the main beaches get busy, you can sometimes find quieter spots. Maidencombe Beach, north of Shaldon, can be less crowded. Exploring smaller coves along the coast path can reveal less busy areas, though access might be more challenging. Visiting outside peak hours or seasons also helps.

Maidencombe Beach

What's the best way to get to the beaches from Newton Abbot without a car?

Public transport is a good option. Regular train services run from Newton Abbot to Teignmouth and Dawlish/Dawlish Warren stations, both located close to the respective beaches. Buses also connect Newton Abbot with Teignmouth and Shaldon frequently.

Teignmouth Beach

Dawlish Warren Beach