One of the best things about a holiday in the South Hams is exploring the coastline with your four-legged friend.
From wide sandy beaches and hidden coves to scenic coastal walks, there are plenty of places where dogs are welcome throughout the year.
However, it’s worth knowing that a handful of popular beaches have seasonal restrictions during the summer months. To help you plan your stay, we’ve put together this guide to some of the best dog-friendly beaches in the South Hams.
Beaches With No Seasonal Restrictions
These beaches are dog friendly all year round, making them perfect whatever time of year you’re visiting.
North Sands, Salcombe
Just a short walk from Salcombe, North Sands is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. At low tide there’s plenty of sand for dogs to explore, while the nearby Winking Prawn is a popular stop for breakfast, lunch or coffee after your walk.
Facilities: Parking, café, and toilets.
Mill Bay, East Portlemouth
A beautiful sheltered beach opposite Salcombe, Mill Bay can be reached by passenger ferry or via the South West Coast Path. It’s a peaceful spot that’s ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and relaxing with your dog.
Facilities: Passenger ferry nearby, coastal walks.
Leas Foot Beach
Tucked away at Thurlestone, Leas Foot Beach is a quieter choice if you’re looking to escape the crowds. It’s ideal for rock pooling, beach walks and enjoying spectacular coastal scenery.
South Milton Sands
One of the South Hams’ most picturesque beaches, South Milton Sands offers stunning views across to Thurlestone Rock. At low tide there’s plenty of space for dogs to run, and Beachhouse is just steps from the sand.
Facilities: Parking, café/restaurant, toilets.
Slapton Sands
Stretching for almost two miles, Slapton Sands is perfect if your dog enjoys a long walk. With plenty of space year-round, it’s one of the easiest beaches to visit with a dog.
Facilities: Parking, cafés nearby, toilets.
Beesands
A peaceful shingle beach with clear water, Beesands is perfect for a quieter day by the sea. The surrounding coastline also offers some wonderful walking routes.
Lannacombe Beach
A hidden gem nestled between Start Point and East Prawle, Lannacombe is popular with walkers and those looking for a more secluded beach experience.
Gara Rock Beach
Reached by foot via the South West Coast Path, Gara Rock rewards visitors with spectacular scenery and a peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for adventurous dogs and owners alike.
Soar Mill Cove
This secluded cove is another favourite for walkers and nature lovers. Access is via a coastal footpath, but the stunning views make the walk worthwhile.
Beaches With Seasonal Restrictions
The following beaches have restrictions during the main summer season.
South Sands, Salcombe
From 1 May to 30 September, dogs are not permitted on South Sands at any time.
The only exception is during ferry operating times, when dogs are allowed to cross the beach on a lead to board or leave the passenger ferry.
Outside these dates, dogs are welcome.
Bigbury-on-Sea
Between 1 May and 30 September, dogs are restricted on parts of the beach between 10am and 7pm.
If you’re visiting during the summer, check local signs as dog-friendly areas remain available.
Mouthwell Sands, Hope Cove
Mouthwell Sands has seasonal restrictions between 1 May and 30 September from 10am until 7pm.
If you’re visiting Hope Cove with your dog, it’s worth noting that Harbour Beach in Inner Hope welcomes dogs throughout the year, although dogs should be kept on a lead.
Bantham Beach
Bantham is one of Devon’s most famous beaches and is incredibly popular with families and surfers.
During the summer months, restrictions apply to parts of the main beach. The River Avon side of the beach remains a popular option for dog walkers, but always check the signs when you arrive as restrictions can vary depending on where you access the beach.
Our Top Picks
Best beach for families: North Sands
Best hidden gem: Mill Bay
Best beach for long walks: Slapton Sands
Best for peaceful escapes: Lannacombe
Best for spectacular scenery: Gara Rock
Before You Visit
Beach regulations are managed by South Hams District Council and can occasionally change. Signage is displayed at beach entrances, so it’s always worth checking the latest information before setting off.
Where dogs are permitted, please remember to:
– Keep dogs under close control around wildlife and livestock.
– Pick up after your dog.
– Respect other beach users.
– Carry plenty of fresh water during hot weather.
Looking For A Dog-Friendly Holiday?
At Quay Holiday Lettings, we know that dogs are part of the family. Many of our holiday homes welcome well-behaved dogs, putting you within easy reach of some of the South Hams’ most beautiful beaches and coastal walks.
If you’re planning a holiday with your four-legged friend and need help choosing the perfect location, we’d be delighted to help.
Hope Cove
Hope Cove is one of our favourite places in the South Hams, but it catches out a lot of visitors.
The main village car park uses RingGo.
Clare’s Local Tip
Download RingGo and set it up before you arrive.
The mobile signal in Hope Cove can be unreliable, and although there is Wi-Fi near the payment machine, it does not always cooperate.
Whenever I am heading to Hope Cove, I usually start my parking session before driving into the village.
The RingGo location code is 16099.
It saves a lot of stress.
South Milton Sands
South Milton Sands is managed by the National Trust.
The car park uses ANPR, so there are no paper tickets.
Simply enter your vehicle registration at the payment terminal.
If you’re a National Trust member, scan your membership card.
If you’re not a member, simply pay by card.
Clare’s Local Tip
If you regularly visit National Trust beaches and beauty spots during your holiday, membership can quickly pay for itself.
Leas Foot Beach, Thurlestone
The closest parking for Leas Foot Beach is the upper grassy field managed by Thurlestone Golf Club.
This is privately managed rather than being a council car park.
Parking is available using RingGo.
Location code: 48036
There is also a pay-and-display machine on site.
Clare’s Local Tip
Download RingGo before travelling. Signal is not always reliable around the coast, so having everything ready makes life much easier.
Bantham Beach
Bantham is privately owned and has one of the best beaches in Devon.
Parking works a little differently here.
Rather than paying through an app, you will normally pay at the entrance kiosk when you arrive.
Parking is relatively expensive during the height of summer, but prices reduce later in the afternoon.
Clare’s Local Tip
If you’re planning an evening beach walk or sunset picnic, arriving later in the day can save you money.
Kingsbridge
Compared with Salcombe, parking in Kingsbridge is much easier.
There are several long-stay car parks within walking distance of the town centre, making it an excellent base for shopping, cafés and exploring the estuary.
Most council-operated car parks use PayByPhone.
National Trust Car Parks
Many of the South Hams’ most beautiful walks and beaches have National Trust car parks.
These include:
– South Milton Sands
– East Soar
– Mill Bay (East Portlemouth)
– Bolberry Down
– Snapes Point
– Start Point
If you’re planning several National Trust visits during your holiday, membership can represent excellent value.
Renting a holiday home without a Parking Space
Many of Salcombe’s beautiful cottages don’t include private parking.
If that’s the case, I would check Just Park.
JustPark allows homeowners to rent out driveways and private parking spaces by the day or week.
If you’re staying for several nights, it is often more convenient than moving your car between public car parks.
Our Top Tips
– Download your parking apps before travelling.
– Don’t rely on mobile signal in coastal villages.
– Always check the maximum stay before leaving your vehicle.
– National Trust membership can save you money if you’re visiting several beauty spots.
– If your accommodation doesn’t include parking, check JustPark before you arrive.
– During school holidays, arrive early, popular beach car parks fill quickly on sunny days.
A Final Word
Parking in the South Hams isn’t designed to make life difficult it helps protect our beautiful coastline, historic villages and narrow streets from becoming overwhelmed during the busiest months of the year.
With a little planning, you’ll spend less time searching for a parking space and much more time enjoying everything this wonderful corner of Devon has to offer.