Bantham Beach

Bantham Beach sits at the mouth of the River Avon within the South Devon AONB, with fine golden sand, rolling surf and sweeping views across to Burgh Island. The setting is more sheltered and intimate than the big North Devon surf beaches, and the estuary adds a different character to the usual open-coast experience. Facilities include a large car park, the seasonal Gastrobus food vans, and The Sloop Inn in the nearby village. The beach is privately owned and well-managed, with a gatekeeper who can direct visitors to the right section.

The main beach is off-limits to dogs from 1 May to 30 September, which is a significant summer restriction. However, dogs are welcome year-round on the River Beach north of Hams End — the estuary section — which at low tide opens into a large sandy area with the warm, brackish scent of river mud, tidal pools and washed-up bladder wrack. This is a genuinely rewarding dog friendly beach in its own right, not just a consolation prize. The dog-friendly area can be harder to access at high tide, so timing your visit around lower water is wise. Outside the restricted months, the full beach is superb — excellent for paddling, digging and rock pool exploration. The Sloop Inn welcomes dogs.