Tavistock Beaches

Overview

Nestled inland on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, Tavistock offers a charming base for exploring the diverse coastlines of both Devon and Cornwall. While not a coastal town itself, its location makes it ideal for visitors who want to combine countryside adventures with day trips to the sea. Reaching the nearest beaches typically requires a drive of around 45 minutes to an hour, so having a car is essential for coastal exploration from here.

From Tavistock, you have easy access to two distinct coastal experiences. Head north into Cornwall for the wild Atlantic coast, known for its dramatic cliffs, surfing hotspots like Fistral Beach and expansive sandy stretches such as Widemouth Bay. Alternatively, drive south to the Devon coast, which generally offers calmer waters, picturesque estuaries, and popular family beaches like the expansive Bantham Beach.

The variety continues with editor's picks such as the stunning, Mediterranean-like scenery at Blackpool Sands (a shingle beach despite its name) in South Devon, and the watersports hub at Watergate Bay in Cornwall. For those willing to venture a bit further, the iconic turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs of Kynance Cove in Cornwall make for an unforgettable day trip.

Whether you seek thrilling surf, sheltered coves, or simply beautiful coastal scenery, Tavistock serves as a convenient gateway. Explore our full list below to discover the wide array of beaches accessible for day trips from this unique Devon market town.

FAQ

People Also Ask

What kind of holiday is Tavistock best for if I also want to visit beaches?

Tavistock is ideal for a holiday combining countryside exploration (Dartmoor National Park) with occasional coastal day trips. It suits travellers who enjoy walking, history, and market towns but also want the option to drive to different beaches in both South Devon and North Cornwall without committing to a single coastal spot.

How far is Tavistock from the nearest beach?

The nearest beaches are typically on the South Devon coast around Plymouth (like Bovisand or Wembury) or the North Cornwall coast near Bude. Expect drive times of approximately 45 minutes to an hour or slightly more, depending on traffic and the specific beach chosen.

Bovisand Bay

What are the closest beaches to Tavistock?

Some of the closest options include beaches around Plymouth Sound (approx. 40-50 mins drive) like Bovisand and Wembury in South Devon. On the North Cornwall coast, beaches near Bude like Widemouth Bay are roughly an hour's drive away. Travel times can vary.

Bovisand Bay

Widemouth Bay

Can you easily visit both Devon and Cornwall beaches from Tavistock?

Yes, Tavistock's location near the Devon/Cornwall border makes it feasible to take day trips to beaches on both the South Devon coast and the North Cornwall coast. However, reaching beaches further down into Cornwall or East Devon will involve longer drives.

Is Tavistock a good place to stay for a beach holiday?

Tavistock is an inland market town on the edge of Dartmoor, not a coastal resort. While it's a charming base for exploring Dartmoor and West Devon, accessing beaches requires driving. It can work if you want a mix of moorland and coastal day trips, but if your primary focus is spending every day on the beach, staying closer to the coast might be more convenient.

Which coast is better to visit from Tavistock - North Cornwall or South Devon?

It depends on your preference. The North Cornwall coast (e.g., Bude, Widemouth Bay) is known for its Atlantic waves, surfing, and dramatic cliffs, often reached in about an hour. The South Devon coast (e.g., Wembury, Bigbury-on-Sea, Bantham) generally offers calmer waters, estuaries, and coves, also typically within a 45-60 minute drive.

Widemouth Bay

Are the beaches near Tavistock good for swimming? What's the water like?

Swimming is popular at many beaches accessible from Tavistock, particularly in summer. South Devon beaches often have calmer waters suitable for family swimming, while North Cornwall can have larger waves. Water temperatures are typical for the UK - chilly, even in summer! Check local water quality reports and safety flags before swimming.

What are the best family-friendly beaches reachable from Tavistock?

For families, beaches like Wembury (South Devon) offer rock pooling and facilities, while Bigbury-on-Sea (South Devon) has shallow waters and the sea tractor to Burgh Island. Widemouth Bay (North Cornwall) has vast sand and lifeguard cover in season. Many beaches have seasonal lifeguard services; check beforehand.

Widemouth Bay

Are there dog-friendly beaches near Tavistock?

Yes, many beaches in Devon and Cornwall have sections that allow dogs year-round or have seasonal restrictions (often allowing dogs outside of the main Easter to October period). Examples include parts of Whitsand Bay (Cornwall) and Northcott Mouth near Bude (Cornwall). Always check specific beach signage for current rules.

Whitsand Bay

Northcott Mouth Beach

Do I need a car to get to beaches from Tavistock?

Yes, a car is highly recommended, if not essential, for accessing beaches from Tavistock. Public transport options to coastal areas can be infrequent, time-consuming, and may not reach all beaches directly.

Are there any sandy beaches near Tavistock, or are they mostly pebbles?

You can reach plenty of sandy beaches from Tavistock. Popular sandy options include Bigbury-on-Sea and Bantham in South Devon, and Widemouth Bay and Summerleaze in North Cornwall. Some coves might be pebbly or shingle, but large sandy expanses are accessible within an hour's drive.

Widemouth Bay

What's the drive like from Tavistock to the coast?

Drives typically involve a mix of A-roads and smaller country lanes, especially for accessing more secluded coves. Roads can be narrow and winding in places, particularly closer to the coast. Allow extra time during peak season due to potentially increased traffic.

Are there less crowded or hidden gem beaches accessible from Tavistock?

While popular beaches can get busy, exploring smaller coves along the South Devon coast path or sections of Whitsand Bay in Cornwall can offer quieter experiences, especially outside peak season. Researching specific locations like Lantivet Bay (South Cornwall, longer drive) or beaches further from main access points can yield less crowded spots.

Whitsand Bay

Besides beaches, what coastal activities can I do on a day trip from Tavistock?

Coastal day trips from Tavistock can include walking sections of the South West Coast Path, exploring coastal towns like Looe or Polperro (Cornwall) and Salcombe or Dartmouth (Devon), visiting fishing villages, sea kayaking, paddleboarding, or taking boat trips.

Is it better to stay in Tavistock or closer to the coast if beaches are my main priority?

If spending most of your time on the beach and enjoying coastal evenings is your main goal, staying in a coastal town or village in South Devon or North Cornwall would likely be more convenient than basing yourself in Tavistock. Tavistock is better suited if you want a mix of moorland and coast.