Beesands Beach

Beesands is a mile-long shingle beach overlooking Start Bay in South Devon, backed by fields and the freshwater Widdicombe Ley in a small fishing village that still feels wonderfully unchanged. The views stretch from Start Point lighthouse in the south to Dartmouth in the north, and the beach connects directly to the South West Coast Path toward Hallsands and Torcross. Working fishing boats are still pulled up on the shingle, and the village has two excellent dog-friendly eateries — Britannia @ The Beach and The Cricket Inn — both serving fresh seafood caught in the bay.

Dogs are welcome all year round on this dog friendly beach, and the relaxed pace here suits dogs and owners who prefer a quieter coastal experience. The coarse shingle suits steady walking rather than flat-out sprinting, but the sensory richness compensates — the sharp salt-and-fish smell of the working beach, the drag of waves on pebbles, and the constant movement of wading birds along the waterline. Grassy areas above the beach offer softer ground for resting, and the coast path provides the option to extend into a longer walk. The shingle is accessible at all tide states, and the rock formations at the cliff end add geological interest. A beach for dogs who enjoy investigating, sniffing and taking their time rather than racing.