Teignmouth Beaches

Overview

Teignmouth is a charming destination for a classic British seaside holiday, particularly appealing for families. The town offers a delightful mix of sandy beaches ideal for traditional fun, alongside more secluded coves for peaceful escapes. Visitors can generally enjoy good water quality for swimming in the main bathing areas, making it a welcoming spot to experience the Devon coast.

The heart of the town's seaside life is Teignmouth Beach, a vast sandy expanse featuring the iconic Grand Pier. For a more picturesque and secluded adventure, Ness Cove Beach offers stunning views of red cliffs and is uniquely reached via an old smuggler's tunnel. If you're seeking a quieter day by the sea, Holcombe Beach provides a peaceful retreat. A short distance away, the Blue Flag awarded Dawlish Warren Beach is a regional favourite, known for its extensive sands and nature reserve.

Teignmouth's coastline offers diverse experiences beyond these popular spots. The River Beach, also known as the Back Beach, presents a different character with its working harbour, fishing boats, and views towards Dartmoor; it's also a great choice for dog owners as dogs are welcome year-round. Whether you prefer bustling town beaches or tranquil hidden coves, many of which are sandy, you'll find a perfect spot. Our full guide details even more beaches waiting to be explored in and around Teignmouth.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Teignmouth a good place for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Teignmouth is considered a great destination for a family beach holiday. It offers traditional seaside charm with its long sandy beach, Victorian pier, and promenade. There are plenty of family-friendly activities, including a children's play park (The Den) with a splash zone, adventure golf, and a skate park. The main beach is suitable for swimming and building sandcastles.

Teignmouth Beach

What kind of holiday is Teignmouth best for?

Teignmouth is best for a traditional British seaside holiday. It's ideal for families seeking classic beach activities, couples looking for a relaxed coastal escape with scenic walks, and anyone interested in water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding in calmer waters. It offers a nostalgic atmosphere with its Georgian architecture and Victorian pier.

Teignmouth Beach

Can you swim in the sea at Teignmouth?

Yes, you can swim in the sea at Teignmouth Town Beach. The waters are generally clean, and the beach has received awards for its water quality. RNLI lifeguards are on duty at Teignmouth Town Beach from Whitsun to the first week in September. However, it's always advisable to check current water quality information, especially after heavy rain, as sewage discharges can occasionally occur. Swimming is not advised at the Back Beach (River Beach) due to boat traffic and its working harbour nature, though paddling at the shore is common.

Teignmouth Beach

What is the water quality like at Teignmouth beaches?

Teignmouth Town Beach has generally good water quality, with recent classifications (2022-2024) being 'good'. Teignmouth Holcombe beach has an 'excellent' water quality classification. Water quality is monitored by the Environment Agency, and daily pollution risk forecasts are available. It's worth noting that heavy rainfall can sometimes affect water quality due to runoff and potential sewage discharges.

Holcombe Beach

Are there many places to stay near Teignmouth beaches?

Yes, there is a variety of accommodation near Teignmouth's beaches, including family-run hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, self-catering cottages, and apartments. Some accommodations offer sea views and are within easy walking distance of the main beach and town centre.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Are dogs allowed on Teignmouth beaches?

Dog restrictions vary by beach and time of year in Teignmouth. Teignmouth Town Beach (the main seafront beach) does not permit dogs from 1st April to 30th September between the slipway at Eastcliff and the lighthouse at the Point. However, dogs are permitted on leads in and around The Den and Promenade. Teignmouth River Beach (Back Beach) and Holcombe Beach (from the Eastcliff slipway) allow dogs all year round. Ness Cove in Shaldon, accessible by ferry, also welcomes dogs year-round.

Teignmouth Beach

Holcombe Beach

Ness Cove Beach

What's the difference between Teignmouth Town Beach and the River Beach (Back Beach)?

Teignmouth Town Beach is the main, long sandy beach facing the sea, popular for swimming, sunbathing, and family activities, featuring the pier and promenade. The River Beach, also known as the Back Beach, is on the estuary side of town. It's a smaller, working harbour beach with fishing boats, offering a more tranquil atmosphere, views towards Dartmoor, and is dog-friendly all year. Swimming is not advised at the River Beach due to boat activity.

Teignmouth Beach

Is there parking near Teignmouth beaches?

Yes, there is parking available near Teignmouth beaches. There is a car park by Teignmouth Town Beach (Eastcliff Car Park) and on-street parking along the seafront, though some of this is seasonal. The River Beach also has parking options, including disabled parking. It's advisable to check for any seasonal restrictions or fees.

People Also Ask

How do you get to Ness Cove beach?

Ness Cove beach, located in Shaldon across the estuary from Teignmouth, is famously accessed via an old smugglers' tunnel through the Ness Headland. You can reach Shaldon from Teignmouth by a regular passenger ferry that operates from Teignmouth's River Beach.

Ness Cove Beach

Are Teignmouth beaches sandy or pebbly?

Teignmouth Town Beach is primarily a long, sandy beach, making it ideal for traditional beach activities. The River Beach (Back Beach) also has sand. Shaldon Beach, across the estuary, is a mixture of red sand and shingle. Ness Cove is mainly shingle but graduates gently towards the sea.

Teignmouth Beach

Ness Cove Beach

What facilities are available at Teignmouth beaches?

Teignmouth Town Beach offers a range of facilities including public toilets (with disabled access and baby care), showers, cafes, shops, deckchair hire, a pier with amusements, a children's play area, adventure golf, and a skate park. RNLI lifeguards are present seasonally. The River Beach has refreshment kiosks, toilets (including disabled), and access to pleasure boat cruises and the ferry to Shaldon.

Teignmouth Beach

Are there any quieter, more secluded beaches near Teignmouth?

Yes, Ness Cove in Shaldon is often described as a more secluded and picturesque beach, accessed via a smugglers' tunnel. Holcombe Beach, located between Teignmouth and Dawlish, is also generally quieter and popular with locals, offering a narrow strip of sand and shingle flanked by red cliffs.

Ness Cove Beach

Holcombe Beach

Which Teignmouth beach is better for young children?

Teignmouth Town Beach is generally considered better for young children. It has a long sandy expanse perfect for playing, relatively calm waters for paddling (lifeguarded in season), and is close to The Den, an award-winning play park with a splash zone and age-specific areas. The promenade also offers easy strolling with pushchairs.

Teignmouth Beach

Is it better to go to Teignmouth beach or Shaldon beach?

Choosing between Teignmouth and Shaldon beaches depends on your preferences. Teignmouth Town Beach offers a classic, bustling seaside experience with a long sandy beach, pier, and numerous amenities. Shaldon Beach, across the estuary (accessible by a short ferry ride), provides a more tranquil, village atmosphere with a mix of sand and shingle, and stunning views. Ness Cove in Shaldon is more secluded. Both have their unique charms.

Teignmouth Beach

Ness Cove Beach

What's the best way to get from Teignmouth to Shaldon beach?

The most direct and scenic way to get from Teignmouth to Shaldon beach is by taking the passenger ferry. The ferry operates regularly from Teignmouth's River Beach (Back Beach) across the Teign Estuary to Shaldon.

Teignmouth Beach