Here are our top 5 family friendly beaches to head to in Devon with your family.
Learn to surf at Saunton Sands
Address: Saunton EX33 1LQ
Saunton Sands is a true gem of a beach. The UK’s largest sand dunes, Braunton Burrows, gives it an already impressive backdrop whilst the beach itself is over three miles long. It’s an ideal place to learn to surf owing to the shallow water, which is also great for paddling. Even strong swimmers, however, should not try to swim nearer the North end of the beach as the tides are known to be strong and there is no lifeguard cover, even in the Summer months.
Kids will love Dawlish Warren
Address: Beach Rd, Dawlish EX7 0NF
Dawlish Warren is a blue flag awarded beach that is vast and wide. It has an easily identifiable landmark in Langstone Rock that stands at an impressive 45 foot high. At low tides, the sandbank, Pole Sand, is visible and walkable from the beach. Nearer the tip of the spit, where Warren Holiday Village is situated, there are arcades to entertain older children as well as go karting and other kid’s rides. On the beach itself, there are often shows and various entertainments throughout the Summer months like a fireworks display and air show. Lifeguards work on the beach from May to September.
Great family facilities at Woolacombe beach
Address: Woolacombe EX34 7DL
Woolacombe beach is popular with locals and tourists alike due to the wide stretch of beach as well as picturesque sand dunes in addition to rock pools to investigate marine life. The beach has lots of facilities perfect for families with young children, including baby changing rooms, cafes and shops. Swimming is possible here, though those looking for surfing may find the waves a little small. Lifeguards watch the beach all the way from Easter to October. Tractor tours are possible nearby at Morte Point.
Snorkelling at Blackpool Sands
Address: Blackpool, Dartmouth TQ6 0RG
Blackpool Sands is suitable for all ages so families with many kids will enjoy a visit here. Plus it is one of the prettiest beaches that the UK has with gold sand and beautiful blue seas set against grass topped cliffs. Those who love water sports will have fun visiting here as well as keen swimmers. There are lifeguards working all summer in addition to beach cleaners coming every day too. For those with kids that need more than just a bucket and spade, Play Sands Pits is open from May with a bathing raft open from July. There are several pieces of equipment available to hire from the center including snorkels, kayaks and boogie boards.
Teach the kids to swim at Bigbury-on-Sea
Address: Bigbury-on-Sea, Kingsbridge TQ7 4AZ
For families that are trying to teach their children how to swim, Bigbury-on-Sea is perfect owing to the gently sloped sand – especially the area that is away from the river’s mouth. It has even won a blue flag and has lifeguards on the beach from May to September. For those that need a more energetic activity, there is canoeing and windsurfing available. When the tide is out, some beach goers even get their kite buggies out. Plus when it is high tide, punters can grab a lift with a sea tractor to see Burgh Island. Kids will love any visit here.