Must-Visit South West Beaches

To celebrate the beginning of summer, we have put together a list of picture perfect beaches so that you can spend less time planning and more time exploring. After spending the last 2 years under the uncertainty of the pandemic, this summer is all about new adventures. So, we have found you a selection of beautiful family-friendly and dog-friendly beaches.

Somerset Beaches

Studland Beach (dog friendly beach) – Studland beach is accessible on foot from Bournemouth and Poole via the Sandbanks chain ferry. The beach stretches over 4 miles with sheltered waters and is perfect for paddling, kayaking, snorkelling and paddle boarding. With generous space, you have lots of room for beach games with the family as well as sections of the beach open for barbeques.

There are parking facilities as well as a café nearby. While this beach is extremely family-friendly, please note that there is no lifeguard service available on this beach. Studland beach is also dog friendly all year round, but some restrictions are in place through the summer months. 

Durdle Door Beach (dog friendly beach) – Durdle Door beach is situated on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset which can be accessed via a steep 15-minute walk so ensure you have appropriate footwear. The beach is famous for its stunning stone arch making it one of England’s must-visit landmarks.

During the summer months, the crystal clear water is ideal for swimming and snorkelling. If you prefer to relax, the incredible scenery makes the beach perfect for picnics. There are toilet facilities, parking and small food outlets nearby in the holiday park. Durdle Door beach is not monitored by lifeguards so please take extra care when swimming and keep children supervised. Durdle door is dog friendly all year round.

Canford Cliffs Beach – Canford Cliffs is a peaceful beach on the south coast of Dorset. One of the rare beaches to acquire the blue flag award for the quality of its maintenance and sustainability. Canford Cliffs is monitored by summer lifeguards, so you can visit with peace of mind. Unfortunately this beach is not dog friendly but is just a stone throw away from facilities such as toilets and cafés and between 6 pm and 10.30 pm, disposable barbeques are permitted.

Devon Beaches

Blackpool Sands– Blackpool Sands Beach sits in a sheltered bay near Dartmouth, the backdrop being pines and the countryside make this beach feel as though you are abroad. The beach has access to amenities such as showers, toilets, disabled facilities and parking.

However, there is only one food outlet at this location. Blackpool sands has also been awarded a blue flag beach award for its safety and accessibility. This beach is made up of mostly shingle, but there is sand at the top part and its also known for its exceptional water, perfect for those who love water sports – wetsuits and much more can be hired here. This beach is not dog friendly.

Woolacombe Beach – Woolacombe beach has been widely recognised as one of the UK’s best beaches. It can be located in north Devon between Croyde and Ilfracombe and is 3 miles long. The beach is extremely popular for surfers and families and has lifeguards in operation making this beach an excellent place for water activities. Dogs are allowed but are banned from zoned areas in operation from May to October.

Thurlestone Sands (dog friendly beach) -  Thurlestone Sands beach is around 8 miles from Salcombe. The beach provides shallow bathing waters, which are rated excellent making the beach exceptional for watersports. In summer months, the RNLI will be in operation and the nearest facilities can be found at South Milton Sands. If you’re feeling a little more energetic, there is also the coastal path that takes you Hope Cove and Salcombe in one direction, and Bantham in the other direction. This beach is dog friendly all year round.

Cornwall Beaches

Porthcurno Beach – Located in far west Cornwall, this beach has been described by many as complete paradise. Porthcurno Beach has beautiful white sands and turquoise waters; perfect for those looking to relax. Nearby is the charming Minack Theatre, a spectacular open air stage sat right on the edge of the Cornish cliffs.

There is lifeguard service in operation 10am to 6pm during summer and parking nearby, but spaces fill up quickly during the summer so ensure you arrive early to guarantee a space. There is a seasonal ban on this beach for dogs through the summer.

Hayle Towans Beach - Hayle Towans beach is situated between Hayle Towans and Gwithian Towans. There is a 3 mile stretch of stunning white sands and shallow waters. When the tide is out, you will find many rock pools, which warm up throughout the day, perfect for your little ones. The beach is so spacious that even on busy days you will not feel overcrowded. There is a car parking and toilet facilities nearby which can be located in the holiday park.

The lifeguard service runs throughout the summer giving you that extra peace of mind also permitted are disposable barbeques, perfect for taking the whole family for a summer day out. Dogs are banned from this beach during the summer.

Harlyn Bay (dog friendly beach) – You can find Harlyn Bay beach located near Padstow. This beach has been rated as one of the best spots to learn to surf in Cornwall, the seasonal lifeguard service also makes it one of the safest beaches in Cornwall.

Surrounded by sand dunes and low cliffs, the natural wind shelter, beautiful golden sands and excellent water quality makes this beach a firm family favourite. With amples of space, this beach will not feel overcrowded during summer holidays. This beach is also dog friendly all year round.

We hope this list has given you inspiration. With many stunning south west beaches there are plenty of places to visit this summer.