Beaches Near Plymouth Devon

Even though Plymouth is on the coast, known as Britain's Ocean City, there aren't any beaches in Plymouth. However, in a quick car ride, you can find yourself at some of the most beautiful beaches in the south Devon area. Here are all the beaches near Plymouth.

Best beaches near Plymouth

Whether you want to do a spot of sunbathing, check out the rock pools, do a bit of surfing, or just a walk along the shore, there are plenty of nice beaches near Plymouth. Make the most of the beautiful outdoors and plan your day trips to one of the beaches around Plymouth.

Jennycliff

Romantic, windswept and secluded, Jennycliff is a fantastic picnic spot with a gorgeous grass area overlooking the beach. It is a pebble beach that is a popular spot for locals to come and admire the views, which are awesome from the top of the cliffs. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a designated County Wildlife Site.

The car park is free.

From Future Inn Plymouth, it takes about 25 minutes.

Wembury Beach

Wembury Beach is an area of outstanding natural beauty; the beach is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and diverse wildlife. The beach is well known as one of the best beaches in the UK to explore rock pools. You'll find limpets, crabs, fish, sea scorpions and starfish. The clifftop climbs are ideal for walkers, as it is part of the South West Coast Path. If you want to swim, it is best to visit during low tide. It's also one of the dog friendly beaches near Plymouth, so you'll often see them playing in the sand and surf.

The car park is free for National Trust members, or £3 off-peak and £6 in peak season for the day. If you are a member or just interested, we've listed all of the National Trust in Plymouth.

From Future Inn Plymouth, the drive takes about 30 minutes.

Bovisand Beach Plymouth

Bovisand is one of the best beaches in Devon for families. When the tide is out, there is a large expanse of flat sand, ideal for ball games and building sandcastles. Whereas the water is perfect for swimming and snorkelling. On a good day, you can see across to Plymouth Sound. Just bear in mind that the only way to get on and off the beach is via steps and a path that some might find steep.

There are two car parks, both pay and display, for up to £5 for the day.

From Future Inn Plymouth, it takes about 30 minutes.

Mothecombe Beach

Privately owned by the Flete Estate, Mothecombe Beach is revered by locals for its beauty and charm. It is an unspoilt, sandy beach ideal for sunbathing, swimming, picnics and rock pooling. It sits near Ivybridge and the River Erme. One of the quiet beaches near Plymouth, so it is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds, especially during the summer months.

The car park costs £4.50 per day or £2.50 after 3pm. It is cash only, and there are no cash points nearby.

From Future Inn Plymouth, the drive takes about 30 minutes.

Whitsand Bay

Considered one of Cornwall's hidden gems, there are four miles of beaches at Whitsand Bay. The flat sand is excellent for walking or jogging, whereas the constant swell keeps surfers happy. Please note the beach is reached by steep paths and steps that wind down between the rocks and vegetation. Meaning they are never crowded.

Parking is charged between 9am and 5pm and is a maximum of £6.60.

From Future Inn Plymouth, it takes about 30 minutes.

Portwinkle Beach

Portwinkle links up with Finnygook beach. This sand and shale beach is popular with local surfers and rock poolers. Popular with families and used by experienced surfers when the conditions are suitable. The tiny village of Portwinkle was once the scene of a thriving pilchard industry. The old fish cellars are now holiday cottages, and the quaint harbour is now calm. There are short steep paths down to both beaches.

The car park only accepts coins. April to October starts from 50p for an hour, up to a maximum of £6 for the day. Between November and March, it is 10p for an hour or 50p all day.

From Future Inn Plymouth, the drive takes about 35 minutes.

Bigbury on Sea

The exciting feature about Bigbury on Sea is that it is joined by a causeway to the iconic Burgh Island. However, you can hitch a ride on the sea tractor if the tide is in. It is famed for its links to Agatha Christie, and the art-deco hotel was once a haunt for pirates and smugglers. In addition, the sandy beach is dotted with rock pools, and those into water sports will love the waves. If you want to try bodyboarding, surfing, windsurfing or kite-surfing, there are hire facilities on the beach.

Parking is charged between 8am and 6pm and is a maximum of £12.

From Future Inn Plymouth, it takes about 40 minutes.

East Looe Beach

The sandy beach in East Looe sits directly in front of the old town. Watch fishing boats pass throughout the day and those ferrying passengers to the nearby village of Polperro. The location is great for swimming, especially for little ones. Build sandcastles or walk along the promenade. A second beach can also be accessed, which is rocky. Ideal for getting away from the crowds.

The village is pedestrianised, so the walk from the car park takes 10-15 minutes. You may not want to burden yourself with too much to carry. Parking is charged between 9am-6pm and is a maximum of £6.

From Future Inn Plymouth, the drive takes about 40 minutes.

Bantham Beach

One of the sandy beaches near Plymouth is Bantham Beach. It has won awards from the Marine Conversation Society and has the converted Blue Flag status. The sea is shallow and safe for paddling, making it one of the child friendly beaches near Plymouth. Surfers also love it here as it caters to all levels. The mellow waves are fantastic for beginners. Meanwhile, where the River Avon meets the sea, more confident surfers can test the unique rips.

As an added bonus, foodies from across Devon and Cornwall flock to Gastrobus. Bringing street food and drink to the beach. You can dig into handmade burgers, gourmet hot dogs, salad boxes and ice cream. Expect a queue, but trust us, the wait will be worth it.

The car park has room for over 1,000 cars and is an easy walk over the sand dunes. It is £6.80 to park all day, or £4.20 if you arrive from 3pm.

From Future Inn Plymouth, it takes about 45 minutes.

Cawsand Beach

Cawsand and Kingsand are twin seafront villages which overlook Plymouth Sound. Both are east facing sand and shingle beaches which are sheltered and reveal good rock pools at low tide. It has fantastic views of the ships coming and going. Boats can be hired, and there is a slipway from the beach. The 17th Century fishing villages are renowned for their smuggling activities. The streets are narrow and twisting with pretty pastel-coloured houses.

Parking is charged between 9am-4pm and is a maximum of £5.70.

From Future Inn Plymouth, the drive takes about 45 minutes.

Readymoney Cove

In the harbour village of Fowey (pronounced Foy) is Readymoney Cove. The sandy beach is sheltered by cliffs and St Catherine's Castle. The castle was built by King Henry VIII as a defence against invasion and is now an English Heritage property. Locals can be seen wild swimming – whatever the weather. The South West Coast Path can also be accessed, which provides stunning viewpoints and excellent walking opportunities.

Parking is payable between 9am-6pm, up to £6.60.

From Future Inn Plymouth, the drive takes about 60 minutes.

Pictures copyright of Visit Plymouth.

Stay at Future Inn Plymouth

Future Inns near Derriford has 143 rooms with everything you would expect and more for a night away. The hotel offers free parking and free WiFi to all guests. All bedrooms sleep up to four guests, so they are family friendly and ideal for groups. Plus, under 12s stay for free, and kids eat free during the school holidays. Just under 4 miles north of Plymouth city centre, you are close to all of the attractions, including Plymouth Hoe, Royal William Yard and the National Marine Aquarium.

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