Hope Cove

Hope Cove is a picturesque former smuggling village in South Devon, split between two small beaches — Harbour Beach at Inner Hope and Mouthwell Sands at Outer Hope. Both are sandy and sheltered by red sandstone cliffs, backed by thatched cottages and narrow lanes that give the place immediate character. The South West Coast Path passes through the village, linking toward Bolt Tail to the south and Thurlestone to the east, and the rock pools here are among the best in South Devon. A stream runs across Mouthwell Sands, popular with dogs for splashing. Car parking at Outer Hope, village parking at Inner Hope.

Harbour Beach is dog-friendly year-round with dogs on leads, while Mouthwell Sands has a seasonal ban from 1 May to 30 September between 10am and 7pm. Outside restricted months, both beaches are accessible on this dog friendly beach. The rock pools at low tide provide exceptional investigation — crabs, anemones, blennies and seaweed in warm, sheltered pools. The air carries the warm, mineral-rich scent of tidal sandstone and drying sea lettuce. For a longer outing, the coast path around Bolt Tail offers stunning clifftop walking with views over Bigbury Bay. Be aware of the risk of being cut off at high tide around the headland between the two coves. Several dog-friendly pubs and cafes in the village.