Thurlestone is one of those South Devon villages where several very different coastal experiences sit close together. There are well-known sandy and shingle beaches, views of the distinctive Thurlestone Rock and quieter stretches of coast reached on foot.
Yarmer Beach is the peaceful option. Surrounded by coast path, dunes and golf-course scenery, it has no beachfront car park or row of facilities. That is part of its charm, but it also means a little planning makes the day much easier.
I had not been to Yarmer since before having children. When a friend suggested going with our youngest children, who are a similar age, I was slightly nervous about how my four-year-old would manage the walk. We decided it would be easier to do it together.
It was the middle of summer, when so many South Devon beaches were extremely busy. Another friend had visited Yarmer a few days earlier and said it was peaceful, which was exactly what we wanted. She was right: there were hardly any people on the beach and the water was beautifully clear.
Which beach do we mean?
Local beach names can be confusing. Thurlestone Parish calls this Yarmer Beach, while Google and several established coastal references show it as Yarmouth Sand. Older local references also use Yarmer Sands. These names refer to the same quiet beach reached on foot beside Thurlestone Golf Club. It should not be confused with Ayrmer Cove, which is farther west near Ringmore.
Yarmer is a good-sized beach with sand, shingle, pebbles, rock pools and dunes. There is no direct public car park, beach café or toilet, so it suits people who are happy to walk and carry everything they need.
The walk to Yarmer Beach
We parked in the paid public car park beside Thurlestone Golf Club. Payment arrangements and tariffs can change, so check the signs when you arrive rather than relying on old app or machine information. At the moment it’s Ringo 48036. From there, we walked up the road beside the tennis courts and followed the marked route across the golf course before heading down to the beach.
The walk took us roughly ten minutes, although I was not timing it and it may have been a little less. Getting there was absolutely fine. Coming back after a full beach day, carrying all our things with a hot and tired four-year-old who no longer wanted to walk, felt rather more challenging.
There is a specific path across the golf course, so keep to it and be mindful of golfers teeing off and the possibility of flying balls. The final route off the beach includes a sandy slope, which can feel difficult underfoot when everyone is tired.
I would not describe Yarmer as an accessible beach. The uneven walking route and sandy slope would not suit a wheelchair, and a pushchair could be difficult. It is also worth travelling as lightly as possible rather than carrying half the contents of the house.
What Yarmer Beach is like
The appeal of Yarmer is its space and simplicity. It was wonderfully peaceful, with clear water and lots of little rock pools to explore.
The shoreline was much more pebbly and shingly than I remembered. Getting into the water was hard on bare feet, so I would absolutely take beach shoes or sea shoes next time. Once you are in, the crystal-clear water is beautiful.
There are no facilities on the beach, which helps explain why it does not draw the same crowds as easier-to-reach places. Take water, food, sun protection and everything else you need, then take all your litter home. Check the weather and current sea conditions before setting out.
Other beaches around Thurlestone
If Yarmer feels too remote, there are easier alternatives nearby.
Leasfoot is a smaller sheltered sandy bay with parking and a little mobile coffee bar nearby. Thurlestone Sands also commonly associated with South Milton Sands is larger and gives the classic view towards the arched Thurlestone Rock. Access and facilities vary, so check which beach best suits your group.
Our honest verdict
We had a lovely, peaceful day and I am really glad we went. Yarmer is best for people who want peace and tranquillity, do not mind walking and are happy without toilets, refreshments or other facilities.
It worked for us with young children because we went together, kept the walk manageable and knew we had to bring everything with us. However, I would choose one of the more accessible Thurlestone beaches for anyone using a wheelchair or pushchair, or if carrying beach equipment and tired children back uphill sounds like too much at the end of the day.
For quiet water, rock pools and a break from the busiest summer beaches, Yarmer was absolutely worth the effort.
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