Part of the designated South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bantham beach is a large sandy beach with shallow water and beautiful scenery.
Although privately owned, the beach is accessible to the public and with its reliable waves is renowned for surfing. The gentle waves near the shore are ideal for beginners, while there are plenty of rips and breaks near the mouth of the River Avon to challenge the more experienced. Kite-surfing is also popular as are kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkelling.
Bantham Surf Academy, which is situated on the beach, offers lessons, courses, and coaching for surfers of all skill levels. You can also hire equipment from the school from an hour to a whole day if you prefer to go it alone.
With plenty of facilities, including RNLI lifeguard cover on the beach from May to October, it’s a fantastic beach for families, and children will enjoy paddling in the clear water, building sandcastles, and exploring rockpools.
After a session of swimming, surfing, or sunbathing, head to the Gastrobus, a street-food van serving breakfasts, burgers, hot dogs, pizzas, and a wide range of hot and cold drinks, as well as ice cream and a traditional cream tea in a box.
Alternatively, The Sloop Inn, situated just a stone’s throw from the beach offers a range of traditional pub food including fish and chips, pies, and handmade sandwiches.
Backed by sand dunes and the rolling hills of the South Hams, and with panoramic views over Bigbury Bay and Burgh Island, Bantham beach is a lovely spot for walkers. Try the seven mile round trip from Bantham to Hope Cove along the coastal path which has numerous stopping points including the wet meadows of South Milton Sands managed by the National Trust.
There is a car park by the beach with spaces for over 1,000 cars. From there, it’s an easy walk over the sand dunes to reach the beach. You’ll also find toilets on the village side of the car park.
