Within walking distance

East Portlemouth beaches

We’re within walking distance of some spectacular beaches. If you like to roll out of bed, pack a beach bag and head to the sand, you’ll be in the perfect setting. Let’s start with the beautiful Gara Rock Beach, just a mile’s walk from the farm. Sometimes known as Seacombe Sands, this sandy cove is one of the area’s most unspoilt stretches of sand. There are no facilities, but it’s a good one if you want to escape the crowds.

Next, there are the three beaches here at East Portlemouth – Mill Bay, Sunny Cove and Small's Cove, all just under a mile and a half away. Mill Bay is a privately-owned, sheltered sandy beach, ideal for family days. Then just around the corner, with its clean, shallow water Small's Cove is a lovely beach if you have children in tow.

If you park at Mill Bay, Sunny Cove can be reached on foot with a 10-minute walk through the woodland. This is a popular spot with boat enthusiasts and families, although there are no facilities.

For the intrepid adventurers amongst you, follow the South West Coast Path east towards the tidal beach at Moor Sand and the spectacular Maceley Cove near East Prawle. One of those secret beaches that makes you feel as though you’ve discovered something magical, with this sandy cove sitting at the foot of towering cliffs. 

A ferry hop and a walk

Salcombe beaches

The East Portlemouth ferry runs daily, so you can hop aboard and make your way over to Salcombe’s own beaches. You’ll be able to choose between North Sands and South Sands in Salcombe, and they’re both close to the resort’s many amenities. Just a 15-minute stroll from Salcombe town, North Sands beach is a huge sandy beach perfect for families.

If you continue on the road from North Sands, over the hill and back down you’ll find South Sands Beach, just a 1.5 mile walk from Salcombe town centre at the mouth of the estuary, this unspoilt cove has golden sands and scenic views as well as a great cafe and hotel bar. You can even reach it by water with the Salcombe to South Sands ferry that runs regularly through the busier months.

A short drive away

Beaches within 20-minutes

Just a short drive away, you’ll find even more beautiful beaches, perfect for unrolling your towel and enjoying the scenery. For a remote beach off the beaten track, there’s Lannacombe Beach. There is a small car park behind the beach, but you’ll need to set off early to nab a space. Set between Prawle Point and Start Point, this sandy beach is well worth an early start.

For a beach that the crowds of summer often overlook, head to Mattiscombe Sands. Tucked beside the South West Coast Path, this sandy beach is dog friendly all year round. If you head towards Kingsbridge, you’ll find Beesands Beach. This shingle beach is a mile long, and the fishing boats will be landing the catch of the day ready for those crab sandwiches the cafes serve at lunch.

In the picturesque village of Torcross, you’ll find the ever-popular Slapton Sands and Torcross Beach. Slapton Sands is a shingle beach that rolls on for 3 miles, and it turns into Torcross Beach at its southern tip. Torcross Beach is popular with swimmers, paddle boarders and kayakers.

Just under half an hour away by car, Blackpool Sands is a family favourite. With an idyllic beauty, it has seasonal lifeguards, toilets, disabled facilities, and clean waters.

A little further afield

The best of the rest

If you don't mind a little drive during your stay, it’s well worth heading a little further from Meadow Barn Farm to explore a few more of South Devon's best beaches.

Around 40 minutes away, Bantham Beach sits in the shadow of Burgh Island (once frequented by Agatha Christie and Noel Coward) and is one of the best beaches in Devon. With clear waters, huge shallow pools at low tide, some good swell for surfers and body boarders, a wide expanse of sand and ample parking and facilities, it’s a gorgeous destination that's a firm favourite for families.

A little over a half hour’s drive, the postcard-perfect village of Hope Cove sits in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. An old fishing village nestled in a sheltered bay, Hope Cove has two great family beaches offering excellent swimming, nearby parking and good facilities.

In between Hope Cove and Bantham, Thurlestone boasts a choice of four gorgeous sandy beaches. From the easy-access, family-friendly Thurlestone Sands and Leas Foot, to the harder to reach Yarmer Beach and cliff scramble to Broadsands, there's something for everyone along this stunning stretch of South Devon coast.