Where is South Hams in Devon?

South Hams is the coastal district in the south of Devon, England, running roughly from Dartmouth in the east to Plymouth in the west. It includes the towns of Salcombe, Kingsbridge, Totnes and Modbury, and the beaches of Bantham, Bigbury-on-Sea, Hope Cove, Thurlestone and Slapton Sands. The South Hams is part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is known for dramatic coastline, clear water and excellent water sports.

What is the best surf beach in South Devon?

Bantham Beach is the best surf beach in South Devon. Located at the mouth of the River Avon near Kingsbridge, Bantham produces consistent beach break waves on SW-W groundswell and is South Devon's most reliable surf spot. Bigbury-on-Sea nearby offers a wider, more forgiving beach break suitable for beginners.

What are the best things to do in South Hams?

South Hams offers outstanding surfing at Bantham, sailing and SUP on the Salcombe and Kingsbridge Estuary, sea fishing, coastal walking on the South West Coast Path, beach days at Bigbury-on-Sea and Hope Cove, exploring Salcombe town and harbour, visiting Burgh Island at low tide, and some of Devon's best food and drink.

South Devon Coast

South Hams Coast — Surf, Sailing & Tides

Bigbury • Bantham • Salcombe • Hope Cove • Thurlestone

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Decent Beach Day — Wrap Up Warm

Showers clearing by 11am · ENE 15 mph, gusts 43 mph · Feels like 3°C · Dry spells this afternoon

Beach	Type	Dog Friendly	Parking	Best For
Bigbury-on-Sea	Sand	⛔ May–Sep	Large pay & display	Families, beginner surf
Bantham	Sand, dunes	✅ Year round	NT car park (pay)	Surfing, river swimming
Hope Cove	Sand, sheltered	✅ Year round	Village car park	Calm days, rock pooling
Thurlestone	Sand	✅ Year round	Free village car park	Snorkelling, walks
Slapton Sands	Shingle bar	✅ Year round	Roadside free	Fishing, kite flying
South Milton	Sand	✅ Year round	NT car park	Walks, bird watching

Beach

Type

Dog Friendly

Parking

Best For

Bigbury-on-Sea

Sand

⛔ May–Sep

Large pay & display

Families, beginner surf

Bantham

Sand, dunes

✅ Year round

NT car park (pay)

Surfing, river swimming

Hope Cove

Sand, sheltered

✅ Year round

Village car park

Calm days, rock pooling

Thurlestone

Sand

✅ Year round

Free village car park

Snorkelling, walks

Slapton Sands

Shingle bar

✅ Year round

Roadside free

Fishing, kite flying

South Milton

Sand

✅ Year round

NT car park

Walks, bird watching

About South Hams — South Devon's Coastal Playground

The Area

South Hams is the coastal district of South Devon running from Dartmouth in the east to Plymouth in the west, taking in some of England's finest coastline. The stretch from Bantham to Salcombe via Bigbury Bay and Hope Cove is the heart of the area — a coastline of headlands, sandy coves, estuaries and dramatic cliffs, largely managed by the National Trust and AONB designation. Key towns include Salcombe, Kingsbridge, Modbury and Dartmouth, with villages like Bantham, Bigbury-on-Sea and Hope Cove drawing visitors throughout the year.

Surfing & Water Sports

Bantham is the flagship surf beach of South Devon — a sand-bottom rivermouth break that works on SW groundswell and is South Devon's most consistent surf spot. Bigbury-on-Sea offers shelter from bigger swells and a broader beach ideal for beginner surfers. The Salcombe Estuary is the premier venue for sailing, SUP and sea kayaking, with the Kingsbridge Estuary extending inland for miles of protected flatwater.

South Devon Holidays

South Devon holidays are among the most sought-after in England. South Devon holiday cottages near Bantham and Bigbury are extremely popular — book well in advance for peak summer weeks. The South Hams offers something different from Cornwall: smaller crowds (outside high season), genuine local character, excellent coastal walks on the South West Coast Path, and outstanding food and drink from Salcombe to Kingsbridge. South Devon holiday lets range from simple beach chalets at Bigbury to luxury coastal farmhouses with sea views and private hot tubs.

When to Visit

The best time for surfing is September–April. For sailing and SUP, May–September offers the best conditions and longest days. Swimming and families — July and August are warmest (sea 17–19°C). September and October are the locals' favourite months: summer crowds gone, swell arrives, water still reasonable, golden light on the headlands.

South Hams Coast — Surf, Sailing & Tides

Decent Beach Day — Wrap Up Warm

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About South Hams — South Devon's Coastal Playground

The Area

Surfing & Water Sports

South Devon Holidays

When to Visit