Wonwell Beach

Wonwell Beach sits on the eastern bank of the River Erme estuary in South Devon, reached via a narrow lane from the village of Kingston that ends in a small turning area with limited roadside parking. The beach itself is largely submerged at high tide, but at low water a substantial flat expanse of sand opens up, flanked by the tidal mudflats and saltmarsh of the estuary and backed by rolling farmland. It is accessible at all tide states via a slipway, and at complete low water the river can be waded to reach Mothecombe Beach on the far bank. The approach road and the lack of facilities ensure it stays quiet even in high summer, which is part of its appeal.

Wonwell is year-round dog friendly with no restrictions in place, and the combination of estuary walking, calm shallow water and near-total absence of crowds makes it a genuinely useful option when the more popular South Devon beaches are either packed or restricted. Dogs with a taste for water will enjoy the choice between estuary swimming and open sea, and the tidal sand provides good walking in either direction along the shoreline. Kingston village is a short walk away and has a pub. Parking is limited and the road is tight: arrive early on fine days and be prepared to park and walk a short distance if the turning area is full.