Bantham Beach - Image 1

Bantham Beach

Bantham, United Kingdom•4.6(1.1k)•Beaches, Nature Reserve

Explore Devon's premier family beach with shallow sandy waters, warm rockpools, and panoramic views over Bigbury Bay.

Bantham Beach is one of South Devon's most celebrated beaches, nestled at the mouth of the River Avon in the South Devon National Landscape. Listed by Lonely Planet as one of Europe's best beaches and the only English beach on their prestigious list, Bantham offers a stunning coastal destination for families of all ages. The beach features a shallow, sandy shoreline perfect for paddling and swimming, making it ideal for young children. At low tide, the beach reveals shallow sandy pools that warm quickly in the sun, creating safe play areas for toddlers, while older children can explore the array of natural rockpools teeming with marine life. The beach is dog-friendly, allowing families to bring their furry companions along for seaside adventures. Beyond the beach itself, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including surfing lessons, beach walks across the 728-acre Bantham Estate with its woodlands and grasslands, and access to the South West Coast Path. Food and refreshment options are available through the Gastro Bus and Bosko Bus, which regularly operate on-site. Additional amenities include accessible parking, beach wheelchair availability, and facilities such as toilets and safety services provided by RNLI lifeguards during peak seasons. The estate also features a working vineyard, scenic estuary walks, and the historic charm of the South Devon National Landscape.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Venue Details

Venue Type

Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

0 months (newborn)+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Gastro Bus x Bosko Bus

Mobile food vendor offering pizzas and other delicious treats

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Google Reviews

4.6(1.1k reviews)
A
Abbie

Abbie

a month ago

Really pleasant beach. Pros *Beautiful views *Clean overall *soft sand *Peaceful *Toilets *Food trucks Cons *Tricky to get to, very narrow road *Expensive parking (Flat rate £12) *Main sitting area of beach not cleaned *Food trucks over priced

M
Matus Moravcik

Matus Moravcik

3 months ago

Lovely clean beach with amazing sand and reasonably high waves so you can really surf it. No shadow here so make sure to wear or bring sun protection. Water is so freaking cold you either love it or hate it. There is a separate beach for people with dogs.

F
Finlay Dodgson

Finlay Dodgson

6 months ago

Bantham Beach features some of the most beautiful golden sands and surf in South Devon, but the access route requires significant caution. The road leading down to the village and the main car park is a single track road with passing places dotted along it. Please do not drive down here if you are not comfortable reversing long distances along tight, single-track roads. The road down to bantham can be carnage as often city drivers will try to make their way down there in the height of the summer. Encountering oncoming traffic often involves reversing to the nearest gap. Once you arrive, the beach itself is expansive with excellent rock pools and a clear view of Burgh Island. It is a fantastic spot for families and surfers, though parking fees vary depending on the season.

D
D Bitner

D Bitner

a year ago

A beautiful beach with a very cool vibe in a lovely Devon village with so much to offer. Yes the parking is pricey but in the big scheme of things if you are a family of 4 or 5 the parking is great value for all day and you can always bring a picnic. Just chill, enjoy and have fun on the beach and water. Toilets, lots of parking food trucks, surf, great local pub, estuary, board hire.

T
Tiffany Stinson

Tiffany Stinson

2 years ago

Gorgeous beach with amazing views ! Very spacious stretch with clear water and not very deep straight away which was great for wading around or paddle boarding. Big plus ! ...it's Life Guarded so families with kids feel safe swimming It does get really busy however, it doesn't feel like you're sitting on top of each other. The lane to get to the beach it bloody narrow and bit tricky when busy with cars getting passed but overall clean and safe beach ⛱️

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at Bantham Beach

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about Bantham Beach

Is Bantham Beach free to visit?

Entry to Bantham Beach is completely free — there are no admission charges, making it a great no-cost option for a family day out.

What ages is Bantham Beach suitable for?

Bantham Beach is suitable for visitors of all ages, from babies through to adults.

Is Bantham Beach dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Bantham Beach.

Is there parking at Bantham Beach?

Yes — Bantham Beach has on-site parking, plus additional parking nearby.

Is there food at Bantham Beach?

Yes — Gastro Bus x Bosko Bus is on site at Bantham Beach. Mobile food vendor offering pizzas and other delicious treats

Is Bantham Beach pushchair-friendly?

Bantham Beach isn't the easiest for pushchairs, prams or buggies — stairs or uneven terrain may make a baby carrier a better option.

How long should we plan to spend at Bantham Beach?

Bantham Beach is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to Bantham Beach by public transport?

Bantham Beach isn't on a major public transport route — driving is recommended.

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