A true jewel by the water, Plymouth is one of UK’s premier holiday destinations. Proudly known as Britain’s Ocean City, Plymouth is located on the south coast of Devon and is a historic, vibrant waterfront city full of attractions. With gorgeous architecture and a breathtaking harbour, Plymouth is a beacon for sun-lovers during the warmer months. If you’re planning a holiday to Devon, speak to the Sixt team and find the perfect vehicle for your visit to Plymouth.
1. Bovisand Beach
A gentle arc of golden sand, Bovisand Beach is part of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The cliffs on both sides of the beach provide protection from the wind and ensure the water stays calm. When the tide is out, Bovisand Beach is the perfect place to set up a game of beach cricket or explore rock pools. Once the tide comes back in, the warm water is ideal for snorkelling. During good weather, visitors can enjoy a clear view of Plymouth Sound. Bovisand Beach has no lifeguard service and dogs are not allowed May 1st to Sept 30th.
2. Wonwell Beach
If you’re looking for a beach that’s a little bit out of the way, then head to Wonwell Beach for peace and quiet in a beautiful natural location. This beach is generally easier to explore when the tide is out and accessible from Mothecombe Beach. Beachcombers will be well rewarded for their efforts, as this lesser-known beauty sits on the east bank of the River Erme and the Erme estuary and is part of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Wonwell Beach has no lifeguard service and allows dogs year-round with no restrictions.
3. Bantham Beach
With awards from the Marine Conservation Society and Blue Flag certified by the Foundation for Environmental Education, Bantham Beach is simply stunning. Surrounded by sand dunes and undulating hills, Bantham Beach is one of the best beaches in South Devon. The shallow water, abundant facilities and lifeguard services mean that it’s a great beach for families. When conditions are right, surfers flock to catch a wave. Dogs are allowed on the Estuary year-round but banned from the beach from 1st May to 30th September.
4. Mothecombe Beach
Privately owned by the Flete Estate, Mothecombe Beach is revered by locals for its beauty and charm. This pristine beach sits near Ivybridge and the River Erme and is a favourite spot for sunbathers and swimmers. Dogs are allowed during low season and there is no lifeguard service. Look out for the famous ‘Bugle Hole’ at high tide!
5. Kingsand Beach
For amazing views of Plymouth Sound and a taste of true British beach life, bring the family down to Kingsand Beach. This charming sand and shingle beach neighbours with Cawsand Beach on the beautiful Cawsand Bay. Well sheltered, Kingsand has a lifeguard service, shops nearby and crystal clear water. Dogs are not allowed from Easter until October.
6. Wembury Beach
When it comes to beautiful Devon beaches, Wembury stands out from the rest. The beach lies in a cove and is backed by low cliffs surrounded by green hills and the picturesque Wembury Church. Although a shale beach, there is ample sand for sunbathing and a view of the Great Mewstone. Wembury’s intriguing rock pools are teeming with life at low tide and draw rock poolers from around the UK. There is no lifeguard service and dogs are banned from May to September.
7. Jennycliff
Romantic, windswept and secluded, Jennycliff is a fantastic picnic spot with a gorgeous grass area overlooking the beach. Jennycliff is a pebble beach that features many rockpools. It has long been a favourite spot for locals to come and admire the view across Plymouth Sound. There is no lifeguard service and dogs are allowed year-round.
8. Bigbury On Sea Beach
Safe swimming and a large expanse of gorgeous sand make Bigbury On Sea a popular choice for beachgoers. The shallow water makes it great for kids and there are plenty of facilities nearby. During low tide, a causeway – or ‘sea tractor’ – links the beach to the famous Burgh Island. A lifeguard is on duty and dogs are not allowed.
9. Portwrinkle Beach
Cornwall’s Portwrinkle Beach gives visitors a two for one experience as its eastern point links up with Finnygook Beach. Situated near Tamar, this sand and shale beach is very popular with local surfers and replete with rockpools. There is no lifeguard service and dogs are banned between Easter and October.
10. Tregonhawke Beach
Tregonhawke beach is part of the much loved Whitsand Bay, often considered to be East Cornwall’s loveliest beach. Despite strong rips and a long climb down some steep steps, visitors will be rewarded with an immaculate beach set in a stunning landscape. Ever popular with surfers, Tregonhawke houses the Whitsand Bay Surf Lifesaving Club. Some restrictions may apply for dogs from Easter through to the end of Summer.
