The best South Devon beaches for all the family

05 June 2014

Beaches for all the family

Long Barn Cottages is ideally placed between moor and sea, and south Devon has plenty of both! For summer family fun it’s hard to beat a good beach - here’s our round-up of top beaches within a short driving distance.

North to South:

Teignmouth Town Beach
Ness Beach
Maidencombe Beach
Oddicombe Beach
Ansteys Cove
Goodrington
Broadsands

Teignmouth Town Beach

The beach: A sandy beach stretching from the mouth of the River Teign along the length of the town and past the iconic seafront railway line. There are various facilities next to the beach including toilets and showers and deckchair hire. The beach has an RNLI lifeguard in the summer.

What else to do: Crazy golf and amusements

Where to eat: There are numerous options in Teignmouth including, on the seafront, Beachcomber Restaurant, Café and Takeaway serving a range of options throughout the day, and the Crab Shack specialising in freshly-landed seafood – it’s worth booking well in advance to secure a table at this little gem.

Distance from Long Barn: 12 miles

Ness Beach, Shaldon

The beach: Accessed via a smugglers tunnel, this mainly shingle beach feels like a hidden treasure. The high cliffs make this a sheltered beach and the gentle slope into the sea make it great for paddling and swimming.

What else to do: Just around the corner from the main stretch of beach, there is a big area of rock pools, and at the entrance to the smugglers tunnel there you’ll find Shaldon Zoo.

Where to eat: The Ode Café close to the entrance to the smugglers tunnel and the same proprietors as the celebrated Ode Restaurant in Shaldon town serves hot and cold meals and snacks served in compostable containers, ideal for eating there or taking to the beach. (Closed Tuesdays).

Distance from Long Barn: 7 miles

Maidencombe Beach, Torquay

The beach: A world away from the traditional amusements and organised fun, this is a great beach for relaxing and swimming. The steep steps to access the beach aren’t recommended for little legs. The sandy beach is sheltered and has a café and toilets in the summer season.

What else to do: The beauty of this beach is that it is tucked away and a great place to make your own fun.

Where to eat: There is a café on the beach and pubs in the surrounding area. The nearby Orestone Manor offers more formal dining with 2 AA Rosette food.

Distance from Long Barn: 6 miles

Oddicombe Beach, Torquay

The beach: A shingle beach tucked away in a lesser-known area of Torquay. The beach is accessed by steep steps, but there is also a cliff railway, which makes an adventure out of getting to the beach. Facilities include toilets and showers and deckchair hire.

What else to do: There is boat and paddleboat hire from the beach.

Where to eat: There is a café on the beach and another on the cliff-top. For a more substantial meal or an afternoon tea, try the café at the Babbacombe Bay Hotel on ‘the Downs’, the highest cliff-top promenade in England.

Distance from Long Barn: 5 miles

Ansteys Cove

The beach: This small shingle beach can be another great place to escape the crowds and has deckchair and sun lounger hire and a café.

What else to do: There is kayak hire from the beach and the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust offer coasteering sessions. For breathtaking coastal views drive back via the Ilsham Marine Drive.

Where to eat: The Anstey’s Cove Café serves breakfasts, lunches, snacks and ice creams. A short drive away is Babbacombe with a choice of cafes and restaurants.

Distance from Long Barn: 6 miles

Goodrington

The beach: This long, sandy beach has a Quality Coastal award, safe swimming conditions and loads of activities including a wide range of water sports available. With a lifeguard from May to September, toilets, shower facilities and deckchairs available, this is definitely a winning beach.

What else to do: Just beyond the beach is a crazy golf course and loads of amusement arcades. As well as this, Splashdown at Quay West Water park has flumes, a swimming pool and a toddles play area to ensure fun for all the family. With the steam train running right past the beach, there is always something to do.

Where to eat: The View restaurant and beach bar is right on the beach offering a wide variety of food including pizza, pasta, salad, other mains and ice cream sundaes! Flip-flop friendly, this is a great family diner.

Distance from Long Barn: 7 miles

Broadsands

The beach: A sandy beach perfect for making sandcastles with a large area of park land behind for a kick around if you remember to bring a football! Deckchairs and shower facilities are also available by the on-site café.

What else to do: Nearby is a lovely South West Coastal Path which takes you in an easy circular route by Churston Cove and Elberry Cove, where you’ll see the beautiful South Devon countryside, spectacular coastal scenery and plenty of wildlife.

Where to eat: The Weary Ploughman, less than a mile away is a well-respected restaurant that serves locally sourced food. With a children’s play area as well, this is a great little find.