When it comes to planning a family beach holiday in the UK, everyone often thinks of Cornish beaches. But here’s a little secret… the best beaches for kids in Devon are equally as breathtaking. With over 120 miles of stunning coastline, Devonshire beaches offer some of the most family-friendly experiences you could wish for.
Having grown up between Devon and Cornwall and extensively explored the beaches of the area through my childhood, I can confidently say that Devon’s beaches deserve a top spot on your family holiday bucket list. What I love most about the beaches around Devon is their variety, accessibility, and family friendly facilities – which make them perfect for a family day out.
Another important consideration is that there are loads of nearby cafes, toilets, and parking options, so you can spend more time enjoying the beach and less time worrying about logistics. The goal of every parent.
The big positive of not being Cornwall is that Devon’s beaches are often less crowded than their Cornish counterparts, so you get a more relaxed environment too.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the top 7 family-friendly beaches in Devon, each with its unique charm and reasons why it’s perfect for families. If you’re planning a weekend staycation or a longer holiday, these coastal gems should be on your list.
So grab your buckets and spades – let’s hit the beach!
Table of Contents
1. Blackpool Sands: A Blue Flag Beauty
The first time I heard about this beach I genuinely did think Blackpool in Lancashire. Imagine my surprise when we ended up in Devon instead!
So, why is Blackpool Sands such a gem for families? For starters, it’s got that coveted Blue Flag status. It’s all about clean water and top facilities.
The water at Blackpool Sands is crystal clear, and it’s relatively shallow near the shore, which is amazing for toddlers who are still getting their sea legs. GG is a real waterbaby, but when TJ was younger he used to be terrified of the waves. But here- He’s like a little fish. It’s amazing what a difference a safe swimming environment can make.
Now, let’s talk about amenities. Because as parents, we know the importance of a well-placed toilet or a decent cup of coffee. Blackpool Sands has a great little café right on the beach. The coffee’s decent (thank goodness), and they do a great ice cream too. There’s also a small shop where you can get sunscreen or an emergency bucket and spade.
As for the toilets- they’re clean and easily accessible. Gamechanger.
Early summer is ideal for visiting Blackpool Sands. It’s warm enough for swimming but not so crowded that you’re fighting for space. We usually aim for June or early July. The water’s had a chance to warm up a bit, but you beat the school holiday rush.
If you do end up visiting in peak season, try to get there early. Like, really early. I’m talking pack-the-car-the-night-before early. It might seem like a hassle, but trust me, it’s worth it. You’ll get your pick of the best spots on the beach, and the kids can run around freely before it gets too busy.
If you’d like a little break from the sand and sea, there’s a lovely walk through the woods behind the beach. It’s a great way to cool off if the sun gets too much, and the kids love it.
All in all, Blackpool Sands is a winner in my book. Clean, safe, and full of fun.
2. Woolacombe Beach: Three Miles of Family Fun
What makes Woolacombe such a hit with the kiddos? Well, for starters, it’s huge. And I mean HUGE. Three miles of golden sand stretching as far as the eye can see.
But it’s not just the size that makes Woolacombe special. It’s the sheer variety of things to do. Take surfing, for instance. The surf schools are fantastic – and patient instructors who somehow manage to wrangle a group of excited kids and terrified parents into somewhat competent surfers.
And of course all the options of beach games. Frisbee, volleyball, kite flying – you name it. There’s so much space that you don’t have to worry about bonking someone on the head with a wayward throw.
When it comes to facilities, I strongly believe that a day at the beach with kids is only as good as its nearest toilet. Thankfully, Woolacombe has clean loos, showers to rinse off the sand, and places to grab a bite to eat.
Because Woolacombe is so big, it can be a bit daunting when you’re trying to keep track of little ones. So, here are a few tips I’ve picked up over the years:
1. Bring a flag or a bright umbrella. Sounds silly, but trust me, when everything looks the same, you’ll be glad for a landmark. We use a garish Hawaiian print umbrella. You can spot it from space.
2. Set up camp near a lifeguard station. It’s easier to keep your bearings, and safer too.
3. Invest in some good beach shoes for the children. The sand can get hot, and there’s quite a walk from the car park.
4. Pack plenty of snacks and water. The beach is long, and the trek back to the shops can feel like an expedition when you’ve got hangry kids in tow.
All in all, Woolacombe is a beach that keeps on giving. It’s big enough to never feel crowded, varied enough to keep everyone entertained, and beautiful enough to make you feel like you’re in a postcard.
3. Sidmouth Beach: A Jurassic Coast Adventure
Every time I visit Sidmouth Beach it feels like I’m stepping back in time. And I’m not just talking about the quaint Victorian charm of the town – I mean way, way back. This stretch of the Jurassic Coast is a prehistoric treasure chest. Nothing gets kids more excited than the possibility of finding their very own dinosaur fossil!
Most of what you’ll find are ammonites – these cool spiral-shaped fossils that look like stone snails. But to a kid (and let’s be honest, to most adults too), finding even the tiniest fossil feels like striking gold.
But Sidmouth isn’t all about fossils. There’s plenty of other fun to be had on the beach, and the red cliffs make for a stunning backdrop for sandcastle building.
The sea at Sidmouth Beach is generally calm, which is great for young children paddling. Just be aware that the beach is a mix of sand and pebbles, so beach shoes are a good idea. I learned that the hard way…
The other reason hy Sidmouth is so good for families is that there’s plenty to offer beyond the beach. The Sidmouth Museum is a great shout if you want to learn more about the area’s geology and history AND they’ve got some impressive fossils on display – it’s like a preview of what you might find on the beach.
For the kids, the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary is also a must-visit. It’s free to enter, and there’s something magical about seeing these gentle creatures up close.
And let’s not forget the ice cream. There’s this little parlor in town that does the most amazing flavors. My personal favorite? Fossil Fuel – it’s a rocky road with chocolate “dinosaur eggs”!
So there you have it – Sidmouth Beach in all its Jurassic glory. It’s a place where you can be a beachgoer, a historian, and a palaeontologist all in one day!
4. Bigbury-on-Sea: Unique Island Experience
Bigbury-on-Sea has a beautiful storybook charm, with the star of the show being Burgh Island.
Burgh Island isn’t just any old island, sitting out there in the sea, tantalizingly close but cut off when the tide comes in. TJ was mesmerized when we took the kids last summer… “Mama, can we swim there?” he asked. Uh, no. But we can do something even cooler.
Enter the sea tractor.
It’s like someone took a tractor, put it on stilts, and said, “Yeah, that’ll work in the sea.”
And It does! The first time we rode it, I was a bit nervous. But the kids were squealing with delight as the water splashed around our feet.
Once you’re on the island, it’s like stepping back in time. There’s an art deco hotel that looks straight out of an Agatha Christie novel (I’m pretty sure she did actually write a book there). The whole place has this air of mystery and adventure. It’s a place you can spend hours exploring.
But let’s talk about the beach itself. Bigbury-on-Sea is a great beach – not too big, not too small, just right. The water here is generally calm, again, is great for the little ones. There’s a nice, gradual slope into the sea, so you don’t have to worry about sudden drop-offs.
When it comes to picnicking, Bigbury-on-Sea has some prime spots. My personal favourite is up on the grassy area overlooking the beach. You get a panoramic view of the sea, the island, and all the action on the beach. Plus, you’re far enough from the sand that you don’t end up with gritty sandwiches. Pro tip: bring a kite. The breeze up there is perfect for it, and it keeps the kids entertained while you’re setting up the picnic.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can picnic on Burgh Island itself. Just make sure you keep an eye on the tide times. Getting stranded on an island might sound romantic, but trust me, it loses its charm pretty quickly when you’ve got hangry kids and no more snacks.
All in all, Bigbury-on-Sea is like a little slice of adventure heaven amongst the best beaches for kids in Devon, where you can ride a sea tractor, explore a mysterious island, build award-winning sandcastles, and hunt for treasure!
5. Bantham Beach: Surfer’s Paradise with a Kid-Friendly Twist
Bantham Beach is beach goals. It’s everything awesome about the coast, all crammed it into one spot. There’s something for everyone here, and the beach is a huge hit with both the surf crowd, and us mere mortals. For older kids and adults, there’s the option to have surfing lessons. But if you’re not interested in surfing and just there for the beach, picnics, sandcastles, and ice cream, Bantham has a great set up. The best waves for the surfers are out in the deeper water, which means for little kids paddling there’s plenty of space in the shallower sea water for them to play.
Whether you’re into surfing and looking to catch some waves, a parent trying to tire out your kids, or just someone who appreciates a good ice cream with a view, Bantham is for you.
6. Exmouth Beach: A Watersports Haven for Families
Exmouth Beach is like the energizer bunny of beaches, and best the best pick for you if you’re a more active family. The beach is huge, stretching for about two miles, which means there’s plenty of space for everyone to run around like crazy without bumping into each other.
For watersports, there are so many different activities to try out- from kayaking to paddleboarding, and even a bit of kitesurfing (in my opinion, a great way to find out just how uncoordinated you really are). If you are interested in the watersports, head to “Exmouth Watersports” right on the beach. They have equipment rentals, lessons, the whole shebang.
Exmouth isn’t just about the watersports though. The beach itself is brilliant with beautiful sand.
In terms of the best spots for all this fun – for sandcastle building, head towards the middle of the beach. The sand there is just right – not too dry, not too wet.
For beach games, the area near the lifeboat station is perfect. It’s wide and flat, ideal for setting up a game of rounders or cricket.
If you’ve had enough of the beach, there’s a place called World of Country Life just a short drive away. It’s like a farm meets a playground meets a time machine. They have animals to pet, vintage cars to gawk at, and even a wild west show that’s so cheesy it’s actually brilliant.
If you’re after something a bit more adventurous, check out Ocean on the seafront. There’s bowling, soft play, and a cafe with a view that’ll make your Instagram followers green with envy.
And then we can’t forget about the food. There’s an award winning fish & chip shop called Krispies that does amazing fish and chips. Just be prepared for a bit of a queue in the summer…
9. Saunton Sands: Endless Space for Family Adventures
Saunton Sands – it already looks big from the outside, but once you’re there, it seems to go on forever! So vast that you could probably land a small plane on it.
This endless expanse of sand is perfect if you want guaranteed space around you, and families with energetic kids where you can play beach ball games and not be afraid of your ball smashing into the face of a sunbather.
But here’s the really cool thing about Saunton Sands – it’s not just a beach. It’s right next to the Braunton Burrows UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
We explored it when I was pregnant with TJ, and it was so cool! it was an eye-opener. The dunes are huge – and you can spend hours climbing up and rolling down them (not ideal 8 months pregnant but lesson learnt). Pro tip: check your pockets before you start rolling, you don’t want to lose anything!!
But it’s not just about the dunes. The Burrows is home to all sorts of wildlife. We saw rabbits, butterflies,dragonflies, and even a lizard.
One of the things I love most about Saunton Sands is how accessible it is. They’ve really thought about families with diverse needs. There’s even a beach wheelchair service – it’s like an off-road wheelchair with big, chunky tires that can handle the sand.
Saunton Sands also has fantastic beach huts that you can hire. When you’ve got kids who need a nap, or you just need a break from the sun, these huts are a godsend.
Saunton Sands is known for its waves, and there are plenty of surf schools if you fancy giving surfing a go.
One last tip – bring snacks. Lots of snacks. There’s a great cafe at the top of the beach, but you don’t want to be making that trek every time someone decides they’re hungry.
Conclusion: Roundup of the best beaches for kids in Devon
Devon’s coastline is a playground paradise for families, offering a perfect blend of safety, fun, and natural beauty. From the fossil-rich shores of Sidmouth to the expansive sands of Saunton, each beach we’ve explored has its unique charm and family-friendly features.
Don’t forget to share your favourite family beach moments and recommendations with me in the comments!