Is Totnes a good base for a beach holiday?
Yes, Totnes can be a great base for a holiday that includes beach visits. While Totnes itself is a historic market town located inland on the River Dart, it offers easy access to a variety of beautiful South Devon beaches. You can explore sandy stretches, shingle coves, and dramatic coastlines, all within a reasonable driving distance or accessible by public transport.
What kind of beaches can I expect near Totnes?
Near Totnes, you'll find a diverse range of beaches. There are popular sandy beaches ideal for families and surfing like Bantham and Bigbury-on-Sea. You'll also discover shingle beaches such as Blackpool Sands (despite its name) and more secluded, pebble coves like Elberry Cove, perfect for quieter escapes and swimming. Some beaches are backed by dramatic cliffs, while others offer gentle access and rock pools at low tide.
How far are the beaches from Totnes and how do I get there?
The closest beaches are generally a 20-40 minute drive from Totnes. For example, beaches in Torbay like Goodrington Sands and Broadsands are relatively close. Popular spots like Blackpool Sands, Bantham, and Salcombe are also within this driving timeframe. You can reach many beaches by car, and some are accessible via bus services from Totnes, such as the routes to Dartmouth (for Blackpool Sands) and Salcombe. There's also a 'Round Robin' ticket option involving a boat, train, and bus for a scenic journey to some coastal areas.
Are there many dog-friendly beaches near Totnes?
Yes, there are several dog-friendly beaches near Totnes. Some beaches welcome dogs year-round, such as the northern part of Goodrington Sands, Fishcombe Cove, and Ness Cove. Others have seasonal restrictions, typically allowing dogs from October to April. Examples include South Milton Sands, Broadsands, and Elberry Cove. It's always best to check local signage for the most up-to-date dog policies.
Can you swim in the sea near Totnes? What's the water like?
Yes, many beaches near Totnes are popular for swimming. The water quality is generally good, with some beaches like Blackpool Sands and those in Salcombe estuary known for their clear waters. Some beaches have lifeguards during peak season (May to September), such as Goodrington Sands. You can also find spots for wild swimming in the River Dart itself, like above the weir in Totnes or at Dartington 'Beach'.
Which are the best family-friendly beaches near Totnes?
Several beaches near Totnes are great for families. Bantham and Bigbury-on-Sea are popular choices with sandy expanses, rock pools, and surfing opportunities. Goodrington Sands offers a long sandy beach, safe swimming, and nearby amenities. South Milton Sands is another family favourite with sand, shingle, and rock pools. Blackpool Sands, despite being shingle, is also well-regarded and has good facilities.
Are there any quieter, more secluded beaches I can visit from Totnes?
Yes, if you're looking for quieter options, there are several secluded coves and less crowded beaches accessible from Totnes. Elberry Cove, reached via a walk from Broadsands car park, is a small pebble beach. Mattiscombe Beach, near Start Point, offers total seclusion and is good for wild swimming. Ayrmer Cove and Soar Mill Cove are other examples of more remote National Trust beaches. Exploring the South West Coast Path can also lead you to smaller, hidden gems.
What are the parking facilities like at the beaches near Totnes?
Parking availability varies by beach. Many popular beaches like Broadsands, Goodrington Sands, Blackpool Sands, and Bantham have dedicated pay and display car parks. Some smaller or more secluded coves might have limited parking or require a walk from the nearest car park (e.g., Elberry Cove from Broadsands car park, or South Milton Sands which has a National Trust car park accessed via a narrow lane). It's advisable to arrive early during peak season as car parks can fill up.
Are there beaches with cafes and other facilities near Totnes?
Yes, many of the more popular beaches near Totnes have good facilities. For example, Blackpool Sands has a cafe/restaurant right on the beach. Goodrington Sands has a restaurant and other amenities nearby. South Milton Sands also has a cafe. Broadsands offers toilets, two cafés, and water sports hire. It's common to find cafes, toilets, and sometimes shops or water sports rental at the main family-friendly beaches.
Is Totnes more of a countryside or coastal holiday destination?
Totnes offers a blend of both. It's a historic market town nestled in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with the River Dart flowing through it and Dartmoor National Park within easy reach, making it excellent for countryside walks and exploring nature. However, it's also very well-positioned as a base for exploring the diverse South Devon coastline and its many beaches, which are a short drive or bus ride away. So, you can easily combine a countryside experience with beach days.
What's the best way to get to Salcombe beaches from Totnes without a car?
You can take the Tally Ho 164 bus service from Totnes (outside the train station) directly to Salcombe. The journey takes approximately an hour. Once in Salcombe, you can access beaches like North Sands and South Sands, or take the passenger ferry across the estuary to East Portlemouth, which has lovely sandy beaches perfect for families.
Are there any beaches near Totnes good for surfing?
Yes, Bantham Beach is renowned as one of the best surfing beaches in South Devon and is relatively close to Totnes. Bigbury-on-Sea, opposite Bantham, also offers surfing opportunities. While South Devon waves are generally calmer than North Devon, these spots can provide good conditions, especially for families and learners.
Can I hire paddleboards or kayaks at beaches near Totnes?
Yes, paddleboard and kayak hire is available at some beaches near Totnes. For instance, Broadsands Beach offers water sports hire. Hope Cove is mentioned as great for kayaking and paddleboarding, and South Milton Sands is also popular for these activities, though direct hire at all these locations isn't always specified, so it's worth checking locally. You can also hire equipment in Totnes for use on the River Dart.
What is 'Dartington Beach' like?
Dartington 'Beach' isn't a coastal beach, but a popular local spot on the River Dart, located on the Dartington Estate, a short distance from Totnes. It features a gently shelving bank of shingle and sand, making it a favourite for families to play and swim in the river. It's also a launch point for kayak trips.
How do the beaches near Totnes compare to those in Torbay or further down in Cornwall?
The beaches near Totnes are part of the South Devon coastline, known for its mix of sandy bays, shingle beaches, and picturesque estuaries like Salcombe and Dartmouth. Compared to Torbay (which includes Torquay and Paignton), you'll find both bustling resort beaches and quieter coves. Torbay beaches are often easily accessible and family-friendly with traditional seaside amenities. Further afield, Cornwall is famous for its dramatic cliffs, wide surfing beaches on the north coast, and charming fishing villages with smaller coves on the south coast. South Devon beaches offer a slightly more gentle and varied landscape than some of the wilder parts of Cornwall, but still boast stunning beauty and award-winning spots.
