As summer is on the way and the sun comes out more, now is the perfect time to explore more of Devon! When you need a break from assessments or are looking for a fun day out – why not try and visit one of these five amazing beaches?
1. Exmouth
Often described as the gateway to the UNESCO Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, this long sandy beach is perfect for having a scenic walk on a sunny day. It’s also great for swimming and water sports such as surfing, kayaking, and windsurfing. The promenade also has swing boats, crazy golf and cafes to keep you entertained all day. The best part is it’s only 30 minutes away by car or public transport!
2. Beer
Beer is a village that has a sheltered beach that catches the sun, making it ideal for a relaxed beach day. This is a beautiful location composed of limestone cliffs, pebbles, and clear blue water and is protected as England’s first natural World Heritage Site. The village itself is also scenic, with the Jubilee Gardens created for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee being a must-see attraction. Beer is approximately fifty minutes away by car, and one and a half hours on public transport.
3. Salcombe
Salcombe is a hotspot for surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and other water sports, but if that doesn’t appeal to you, the views overlooking the Estuary definitely will! Salcombe is also a lively town, with a host of shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore. It takes an hour in the car and two hours on public transport to get there but exploring the beach and picturesque town is well worth the journey. To top your day off, make sure to try their famous Salcombe Dairy Ice Cream on your visit!
4. Woolacombe
Woolacombe’s sandy beach spans three miles and has been widely recognised for its beauty, not just in the United Kingdom, but internationally as it was voted the sixth best beach in Europe in 2020! With opportunities for seal spotting, surfing, and wandering around rockpools, this beach has an abundance of activities to enjoy. Around an hour and a half’s drive, or two and a half hours on public transport, this beach is a bit further out, but has the added advantage of the nearby village of Mortehoe which has a rich history of pirates shipwrecking and smuggling you can discover.
5. Dawlish Warren
It only takes 30 minutes to get to this lovely sand and shingle beach. Dawlish Warren is perfect for a short trip, where you can walkalong the Exe Estuary, swim in the sea, or explore the arcade right by the beach. If you’re wanting to get more involved with societies in final term, why not go along to one of Exeter University Open Water Swimming Society’s Sunday swims which take place in Dawlish Warren? Find more information here.
Have you got a favourite beach in Devon? Tag us on instagram @exeterguild with your beach snaps. Of course, if you'd rather keep your faves a secret, we understand!