The Blue Flag Award is an International water quality award graded annually.
The Seaside Award rewards good management, good facilities, safe and clean beaches.
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The
symbol is awarded when we receive positive feedback from the guest’s at Hillfield Cottages & Country House. The
Symbol is awarded to business’s that have facilities and cater for babies and young children. The approximate travelling time from Hillfields to each beach is shown in brackets.
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Blackpool Sands
(12 min) (Seaside Award) (Blue Flag Award) (fine shingle) 01803 770606
An unspoilt picturesque cove at the northern end of Start Bay. This crescent of coarse golden sand 2/3 mile long is flanked by steep, wooded cliffs. Very popular among the families, the beach has a dog restricted area along with first aid and lifeguard facilities. Fishing is a favourite activity enjoyed at Blackpool sands. Stretches of lush countryside empowers the beauty of Blackpool Sands which remains a jewel amongst the beaches of the South Hams. Facilities - moored bathing rafts, sand pits, attended car park, facilities nearby – rural location. The award winning Venus Company now operates an evening Bistro at Blackpool Sands offering the very best of locally caught lobster & crab, Devon reared chicken & beef - all cooked in Mediterranean style on the BBQ. Children's menu offers a range of quality organic dishes. Fully licensed. Alfresco informal dining at its very best - located right on the beach with fabulous unique views. Reservations: 01803 839686.'
Strete Gate
(19 min) (Seaside Award) (fine shingle) (
Strete Gate lies at the northern end of the long shingle expanse of Slapton Sands. The beach itself is quiet, clean and unspoilt with spectacular views around Start Bay. Adjacent to the car park, is a picnic area and for those who are feeling adventurous, there is a small woodland walk. Car Park - unattended and surfaced.
Slapton Sands (24 min) (Seaside Award) (shingle beach)
The small village of Torcross with pubs, shops and cottages, lies at the southern end of the long shingle expanse of Slapton Sands. It is now well known as the beach where many lives were lost during rehearsals for the D-Day landings in 1944 and there is a memorial tank, which was recovered from the sea. Behind the beach is a freshwater ley, where wildfowl can be seen with abundant flora on the banks. Facilities - 1944 Sherman Tank; Bird Hide. Unattended and surfaced car parking.
Churston
(26 min) (Sand/Shingle)
A small, quiet sandy cove, somewhat hidden away. No discharge local to this beach. No Lifeguard. No Emergency Facilities.
Broadsands (28 min) (Seaside Award)
Broadsands is a beautiful beach in an idyllic rural setting. Consisting mainly of sand, it's gently slopping gradient and easy access make it a popular choice for families with children or those wishing to distance themselves from amusement arcades. The red sandy beach rests between rock headlands and provides a safe sheltered area with parkland at the rear. It's location also positions it as an ideal starting point for scenic coastal walks. Cafe, restaurant, shops, and toilets including disabled facilities are all available close by.
Goodrington Sands (28 min) (Seaside Award)
Goodrington Sands is a fabulous beach for families because the golden sands are next to the Quay West Water Park. Facilities are great especially for the young. At the heart of Quay West is a shipwreck island with half a mile of water slides. The water is heated for comfort but it is in the open air. There is also Torbay Leisure Centre nearby and Grand Prix Go Karts. The Paignton and Dartmouth Steam railway stops at a little station next to the beach.
Shoalstone (30 min) (Seaside Award) (blue flag beach)
Brixham’s outdoor seawater swimming pool is one of only a few left in the country, with large open areas to relax in and enjoy the sun. There is also a small shingle beach adjacent to the pool. There is easy access with adequate parking at the back of the pool and a nice café with superb views across the bay. It has magnificent views across Torbay and flies the Blue Flag.
Thurlestone South Milton (course sand) (36 min)
South Milton Sands is owned by the National Trust and is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The beach is coarse sand with rocky outcrops and there are plenty of rock pools to explore at low tide. The most prominent and talked about feature in the area is the famous Thurlestone Rock which is best seen at high tide. As painted by Turner, the name comes from the Saxon name Torlestone meaning 'pierced rock'
Torbay Abbey Sands (38 min) (blue flag beach)
This delectable beach is part of the glorious "English Riviera" and it lives up to that name with its stunning sands, views and sunshine. High Tides mean that is only a short walk to the water for a cooling dip in the Atlantic, but if you're not feeling that adventurous, there are deckchairs available for hire, so you can sit back and bask in the sun. Free parking is available on nearby streets, or a short, five-minute walk takes you to a pay car park.
Beesand’s (39 min) (Seaside Award) (fine shingle)
Beesands is situation in a peaceful rural location. The mile long stretch of shingle beach is backed by a large area of grassland and Widdcombe Ley freshwater lake, both of which are important sites for wildlife. The small village of Beesands with its public house and fresh fish shop sit behind a long shingle ridge that protects it from the ferocity of the crashing waves. Nearby are a small children’s play area and a free car park. Unatended car parking.
Bantham (39 min) (Seaside Award) (fine sand & rock pools)
Extremely popular with surfers, the beach at Bantham consists of an expansive stretch of fine sand backed by impressive dunes and an abundance of rock pools. Situated in an area of great natural beauty, the beach forms a promontory into the Avon estuary and has magnificent panoramic views. Expect kite flying and beach cricket when the tide goes out. No facilities so take everything with you but remember to take your rubbish home. The car parking charge pays for the upkeep of the beach.
Torbay Meadfoot (42 min) (Seaside Award)
A small stretch of shingle beach nestled below an array of spectacular cliffs provides a perfect setting for those who prefer a quieter environment in which to relax. The impressive crescent shape Osbourne Hotel overlooks the beach and features a restaurant and bistro open to the public. The spilt level promenade backs onto a tree covered hillside and facilities including, beach huts, lost child centre and deckchair hire make this location a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.
Torbay Oddicombe (43 min) (Seaside Award) (blue flag beach) (sandy)
Oddicombe is a blue flag beach with a high standard of amenities. A cliff lift is available to those who do not want to make the steep climb. The car park is some distance away but when you get to the beach you will find everything you need including toilets, a shop, deckchairs, sunbeds and even safes.
Bigbury on Sea (45 min) (Seaside Award) (Blue Flag Award) 01548 811041
A blanket of stunning countryside covers the area preceding the golden sands of Bigbury on Sea. The beach itself is a fine expanse of clean sand sheltered by low cliffs, on one side lays the small estuary of the south Devon River Avon. Seaward lies Burgh Island, accessible across sand spit at low tide and via tractor at high tide. An ideal beach, very popular in summer, with good amenities including a free car park with reserved disabled spaces. Top notch lifeguard stations and good amenities including a pub/ restaurant make it an ideal destination for a day trip. Moored bathing rafts; sand pits.
Challaborough (46 min) (Seaside Award) (fine sand)
Challaborough beach is a sheltered horse shoe shaped cove made up of excellent fine sand. At low tide, there is plenty of interesting rock pools to explore or alternatively you could take to the coastal path and stroll along the commanding cliffs of the South Devon coast. The cove lends itself well to water sports and the nearby Holiday Park ensures that guests are never short of entertainment. Safety when bathing is also reassured by the regular presence of Life Guards.
Hope Cove Beach (48 min) (Seaside Award) (fine sand & rock pools)
Hope Cove is a beautiful coastal sanctuary, providing the perfect place to relax and unwind. Once a favourite haunt for smugglers it has now become a popular holiday destination amongst families. Although most boats now operate from bigger ports like Plymouth, the picturesque fishing village of Hope Cove is still famous for its Crabs and Lobsters. There are miles of delightful and varied scenery along this rugged Heritage Coastline.
Mouthwell Beach (50 min) (Seaside Award)
Mouthwell Beach is to the north of Hope Cove, is a small sandy beach with numerous rock pools exposed at low tide. Rugged in appearance but sheltered and quiet, it attracts windsurfers and canoeists.
Ness Cove Beach (56 min)
Ness Cove Beach is in the attractive waterside village of Shaldon. The beach is only accessible via an original smugglers tunnel which makes it harder to reach. When you get there you will find a secluded family beach and good amenities – deckchair hire, café, bowling and amusements are all nearby.
M*I
East Portlemouth (60 min) (fine sand) 01548 843558
The East Portlemouth side of the Salcome Estuary is lined by many beaches, and at low tide one can walk the entire fore-shore. The beaches include Fisherman’s Cove, Smalls Cove and the main beach Mill Bay. The sand is fine with sheltered water and fine views. There are toilet facilities at the Mill Bay and Fisherman’s Cove ends, as well as Cafe, beach shop and ferry to Salcombe from the Fisherman’s Cove steps. (Many facilities are seasonal). Safe bathing. Car parking approx 80 spaces total. Narrow, often busy lanes. Good access to beach. Dogs are allowed on this beach.
Salcombe North Sands (60 min) (Seaside Award) (sandy)
Nestled between two sheltering headlands, the beach at Salcombe North Sands features marvellous views out to sea. Popular with families in the summer months, the beach has an attractive rural character, but becomes totally submerged at high tide. Situated to the South of Salcombe town towards Bolt Head, the beach is adjacent to the ruins of Fort Charles Castle. There is a shop and café on location, however parking can be limited. General – stream. Car Parking - unattended and surfaced.
Salcombe South Sands (64 min) (Seaside Award) (sandy)
Situated near the mouth of a tidal estuary, this picturesque town offers some breathtaking scenery. Sailing is a great attraction and due to the large sheltered bay, Salcombe has become one of the largest yachting centres in England. Salcombe really offers something for everyone with its beautiful sandy beaches, water sports, coastal walking, and fishing, as well as the many varied shops, pubs, tearooms and restaurants situated amongst the bustling streets.
Naturist Beaches in the South Hams
Pilchards Cove (24 min) Slapton Sands, South of Dartmouth
Set on a beautiful part of the South Devon coast, this long-established and famous naturist beach is located on Slapton Sands, near Strete, south of Dartmouth. Access to the original nude section at Pilchards Cove was made difficult by a landslip and most use the nearer, north section of Slapton Sands. The name, however, persists.
Scabbacombe Sands (31 min) between Brixham and Kingswear.
There is a steep descent towards Scabbacombe Sands (a naturist beach). The scenery round Scabbacombe Head is excellent, and the rock formations here are interesting.
Petitor (45 min) North of Oddicombe Beach, Torquay
Petitor
also known as Petit Tor is a traditionally tolerated naturist beach on the northern outskirts of Torquay, near St. Marychurch Golf Club.
Bigbury Bay (45 min) West of Bigbury-on-Sea
A blanket of stunning countryside covers the area preceding the golden sands of Bigbury on Sea. The beach itself is a fine expanse of clean sand sheltered by low cliffs, on one side lays the small estuary of the south Devon River Avon. Seaward lies Burgh Island, accessible across sand spit at low tide and via tractor at high tide.
East Prawle, S. of Kingsbridge
Budleigh Salterton (99 min) West of town beach
Budleigh Salterton is a small and quiet seaside town between Exmouth and Sidmouth and a favoured retirement location beach. Nude use of the further western end of the beach is traditionally 'tolerated' and in recent years complaints have only arisen when naturists have strayed too close to the town and textile bathers - please exercise common sense.
Please note: The information on this web site is intended as a guide only. We cannot except responsibility for any inaccurate, Misleading or incomplete information about any Business and its facilities or services.
