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Located in the south of England, Devon is one of the best destinations for summer holidays.
The coastline and beaches are simply stunning and there are so many cute seaside towns in Devon that are perfect for a getaway.
Whether you’re after sandy beaches, charming harbours or just a lovely spot to enjoy a Devon cream tea, you’ll find it here.
So, are you ready to discover the most beautiful coastal towns in Devon? Let’s get started!
1. Salcombe
Located in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Salcombe is a haven for water sports fans and beach lovers alike.
This town is renowned for its sailing scene, stunning estuary views, and beautiful sandy beaches like South Sands.
The town centre, with its boutique shops and seafood restaurants, adds to Salcombe’s charm, making it a top pick for a chic seaside getaway.
It’s also ideally located by the coastal path which connects several cute coastal towns in South Devon. If you are into hiking, you will love it.
It’s also home to the Overbeck’s Garden which is a stunning National Trust property.
PRO TIP: If you like to discover hidden gems, head to Soar Mill Cove. It’s a cute sheltered cove and the perfect place to enjoy the Devon coastline while staying away from the crowds.
2. Dartmouth
Located along the picturesque River Dart, Dartmouth is one of the most beautiful and colourful towns in the UK.
Its picturesque harbour, lined with historic buildings and boats, is perfect for leisurely strolls.
You will also enjoy roaming around the town centre. It’s full of local shops (and some chains) as well as cute cafés.
If you want to try a traditional cream tea, it will be a great place to do so.
Hikers will also love it since it’s very close to the South West Coast Path, offering breathtaking walks with scenic views.
If you are a history buff, make sure to visit Dartmouth Castle. It’s a very interesting landmark and if you are an English Heritage member, you can visit for free!
Finally, make sure to book a ticket for the local steam train and cruise. It’s a great way to discover this part of the country and it really adds to the picturesque feel.
3. Westward Ho!
Westward Ho! Is a seaside town in North Devon.
Famous for its unique pebble ridge and long sandy beach, it’s a paradise for surfers and kite flyers.
Whether you are an advanced surfer or a complete beginner, you will love Westward Ho!. There are loads of surfing schools offering lessons and it’s actually quite affordable.
Another place that is worth visiting is Northam Burrows Country Park. It’s a lovely place for a walk (especially if you have a dog) and you can go all the way to Appledore!
The town centre is also very cute. It’s full of colourful houses and places where you can eat fish and chips or seafood.
I also recommend walking to the beach huts. They are a great photo spot and you can find rock pools where you can go for a swim.
4. Ilfracombe
Ilfracombe, nestled on the North Devon coast, is renowned for its Victorian charm, dramatic cliffs, and quaint harbour.
This town is an artistic hub, with galleries, shops and the striking Verity statue by Damien Hirst overseeing the harbour (this is a bit of a controversial statue so I will let you decide whether you like it or not).
Make sure to walk from the harbour to the chapel of St. Nicholas and then Capstone Hill. It’s not a long walk and the views are absolutely stunning.
For beach lovers, Tunnels Beaches offers a unique experience with hand-carved tunnels leading to secluded pools.
PRO TIP: For a taste of adventure, take the ferry to the nearby Lundy Island. It’s a peaceful escape from the mainland with incredible wildlife and breathtaking views. It’s a great day trip option from Ilfracombe and a great thing to do if you like discovering more remote locations.
5. Torquay
Torquay is a bigger town compared to the ones mentioned before. It’s located on the English Riviera and is a great destination for families.
It boasts several family-friendly beaches, including the popular Torre Abbey Sands. But Torquay is not just about the beach; it’s also the perfect destination for adventure lovers.
One of the best things to do is to go on a sea safari. You’ll board the boat in Torquay and see a lot of wildlife (if you’re lucky, you should see dolphins).
You can also visit the Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves. It’s always a winner with kids and adults alike.
Finally, you can head to the Babbacombe Model Village which is a miniature village set in a garden. It’s super cute.
PRO TIP: Explore the Agatha Christie Mile to discover the places that inspired the queen of crime, who was born here. It’s a must for literature fans.
6. Appledore
Appledore, nestled in an estuary where the River Torridge meets the River Taw, is a picturesque fishing village in Devon that is perfect for those looking for some peace and quiet.
Its narrow streets are lined with colourful houses, leading down to a quay that’s perfect for watching the world go by.
There is also an ice cream van by the harbour where you can get a delicious local ice cream and enjoy it while walking along the promenade.
Appledore is also very Instagram friendly as well since it’s colourful and very quaint.
7. Exmouth
Exmouth is famous for its wide, sandy beach and is a hotspot for water sports fans.
The town marks the start of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, offering miles of stunning coastal walks.
FUN FACT: The Jurassic Coast is the only natural UNESCO site in England.
The Exe Estuary is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with beautiful trails and opportunities for bird watching cruises.
For a unique experience, try your hand at windsurfing or kitesurfing with one of the local schools. Exmouth’s conditions are perfect for beginners and advanced enthusiasts alike.
If you’d like to learn more about the history of the town, make sure to join this local walking tour. It’s very interesting and a great way to make the best of your time here.
8. Croyde
Croyde is a small village in North Devon. Boasting one of the best beaches in the UK for surfing, it’s the ultimate destination for people who want to enjoy a surfing or yoga retreat.
The village itself oozes charm, with thatched cottages and traditional pubs creating a cosy atmosphere.
Nearby, Baggy Point offers excellent hiking opportunities with spectacular views of the coastline.
This is a National Trust site but if you are a member you will get free parking. The views are amazing and you get beautiful views of Woolacombe beach.
PRO TIP: The walk is on the edge of the cliff and while it’s very safe, it can trigger some vertigo so be careful if you are scared of heights.
9. Hope Cove
Hope Cove is a quaint village located in South Devon.
It’s ideal for families looking for safe swimming conditions and stunning sunset views. The village itself has a charming atmosphere, with a few pubs and cafes where you can enjoy local cuisine.
You will also find a few houses with thatched roofs which makes it even more picturesque!
Hope Cove is also located on the SW Coastal walk so you can easily explore the surrounding areas and go all the way to Salcombe for example.
10. Sidmouth
Sidmouth is a beautiful coastal town that captivates visitors with its Regency era architecture, pebbled beach, and the striking red cliffs of the Jurassic Coast.
Make sure to visit the Connaught Gardens. The flowers are incredible and it boasts beautiful sea views.
For those interested in geology, the Sidmouth Museum offers fascinating insights into the area’s unique geological features.
Finally, make sure to go to Jacob’s Ladder beach, it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK. You’ll love it!
11. Bigbury-on-Sea
Bigbury-on-Sea is known for its sandy beach and the iconic Burgh Island, accessible by foot at low tide or by the unique sea tractor when the tide is in.
Burgh Island was made famous by Agatha Christie as the large art deco hotel that was the inspiration for the setting of the book ‘Evil Under the Sun’.
This area is perfect for families and offers a variety of water sports activities. The beach is ideal for surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
I hope you enjoyed this article and that you have a better idea of where to find the cutest coastal towns in Devon.
Map of the best seaside towns in Devon
If you think others should be added, pop it in the comments below!
You may also be interested in:
- 9 Top Colourful Villages and Small Towns in the UK That Are Simply Picture Perfect
- These 11 Beautiful Villages in England Look Like They Belong in A Fairytale
- 10 Beautiful Places in Devon You Must Visit At Least Once in Your Life
- 5 Beautiful Villages in the Peak District To Visit At Least Once in Your Life
