10 charming seaside towns in Devon

The best seaside towns in Devon combine postcard-perfect scenery with tranquil atmospheres to create a delightful UK destination.

These towns offer heaps of character, as well as some truly breathtaking views to boot. 

So if you’re looking for charm, calm and that refreshing sea breeze then I know you’re going to love the quaint seaside villages in Devon. 

Whether you’re after leisurely beach strolls, historic museums or a bustling high street bursting with independent shops, cafes and galleries, you’ll find it here.

In my guide to the best coastal towns in Devon, I share my favourite spots across the county and some recommendations of the best things to do in each.

The majority of these Devon towns sit on the coast, while a few are riverside but still absolutely worth including here.

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Map of the best seaside towns in Devon

Use my map below to see where all the best coastal towns and villages of Devon are located.

1. Clovelly

Best for: Quaint charm

Must-do: See the Clovelly donkeys

Where to stay: Red Lion Hotel

Clovelly is an extraordinarily picturesque harbour village in North Devon and I know you’re going to love this one!

Clinging to a 400 foot cliff, it is situated on a very steep hill which brings breathtaking views across the Bristol Channel.

Once owned by the late Queen of England, Clovelly is steeped in history and holds a truly magical appeal.

Wander the cobbled streets lined with charming cottages, all complete with pretty hanging baskets that overflow with fuchsias and geraniums.

Clovelly has a working harbour with a 14th century quay, owing to the village’s strong maritime heritage. You learn more about the history of this unique village in a film-show at the Visitor Centre.

The main street is pedestrianised – with no cars, just donkeys and sledges, I just adore the unique appeal of this village.

Be sure to see the donkeys before you leave, as these are all part of the experience of visiting this village. Bursting with quaint charm, it’s undoubtedly one of my favourite seaside villages in Devon.

Insider travel tip: Believe it or not, there’s actually a small fee to enter the privately-owned village, which is testament to its popular appeal. The fee also helps the village retain its original charm and atmosphere.

2. Appledore

Best for: A slower pace of life

Must-do: North Devon Maritime Museum

Where to stay: Appledore Factory

Appledore is a historic fishing village steeped in tradition, where visitors can wander narrow cobbled streets lined with pastel-coloured cottages.

Defined by its slower pace of life, I think it’s a welcome shift from the chaos of modern life. Appledore is utterly charming and extremely Instagrammable!

With its dramatic estuary, the village was an important shipbuilding centre.

I’d recommend a visit to the North Devon Maritime Museum to learn about the village’s fascinating maritime heritage. It’s located in a Grade II listed Georgian building.

Discover the pretty quay filled with a combination of quaint fishing boats and more luxury yachts. I can see why Appledore is one of the prettiest seaside villages in Devon.

I love that Appledore is a village of creativity with a strong art scene that includes regular arts festivals, crafts shows, and a world-renowned literary festival.

Try some of the fresh local produce in one of the many eateries, and I know you won’t want to miss indulging in the village’s famous ice cream. 

The relatively quiet sandy beaches provide an idyllic treat for families, couples, and solo travellers alike.

Families will enjoy The Big Sheep adventure park, where you can pet animals and enjoy fun rides – oh, and there’s sheep racing too!

For a seafaring adventure, I’d advise taking a boat or fishing trip from the quay; the Appledore-Instow Ferry transports passengers to the picturesque village of Instow.

Insider travel tip: For some fun outdoor activities, head to Skern Lodge, where you’ll find high ropes courses, climbing walls, kayaking, rafting, and surfing.

3. Ilfracombe

Best for: Walkers and cyclists

Must-do: Rock pooling

Where to stay: 10 Cove View

Ilfracombe is a charming seaside town surrounded by stunning scenery, which I’m sure walkers and cyclists will love exploring.

Situated on North Devon’s rugged coastline, Ilfracombe offers breathtaking views across the Atlantic, along with craggy cliffs, rock pools, and sandy inlets.

The town itself features Victorian architecture and an old-fashioned feel but with a cosmopolitan edge. It has a strong cultural pull, being home to Damien Hirst’s controversial 65ft ‘Verity’ statue.

Ilfracombe is one of the best coastal towns in Devon for festival-goers, as it hosts a number of events and festivals throughout the year.

These include the Grand Victorian & Steampunk Festival, the Sea Ilfracombe Maritime Festival, and the crazy South West Birdman.

I’d recommend carving out some time to enjoy the wide sandy beaches with hidden coves, as well as the unique Tunnels Beaches which are home to the famous Victorian bathing pools.

The area is excellent for rock pooling, having been voted 3rd best in the UK by BBC Wildlife Magazine. For something a little more relaxing, Ilfracombe is a great spot for idyllic seaside picnics.

Good to know: The area is popular with families, with plenty of kid-friendly activities on offer.

These include the award-winning Ilfracombe Aquarium, the Ilfracombe Museum, Hele Corn Mill, the haunted house of Chambercombe Manor, and Larkstone Cafe and Leisure Park.

4. Lynton and Lynmouth

Best for: A romantic getaway

Must-do: Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway

Where to stay: Seawood Hotel

Lynton and Lynmouth are twin towns connected by a funicular. Cliff Railway offers beautiful views and I consider it to be a must-see.

Known affectionately as ‘Little Switzerland’, the towns have the feel of a fairytale Swiss village. So if you can’t make it to the Alps then I think this charming pocket of North Devon is a worthy substitute!

With pretty woodland, deep gorges, and inviting walking trails, this picturesque destination is the perfect location for a romantic getaway.

Stunning scenery and wonderful wildlife mean it’s often referred to as the walking capital of Exmoor, and I can see why!

I’d recommend taking a meander around Lynmouth’s charming harbour, where boats bob up and down against a backdrop of quaint fishing cottages.

Lynmouth has a pedestrian-only high street, which helps it retain its charm and picturesque quality. While Lynton is a Victorian village that maintains an olde-worlde feel but with a modern edge.

There is a fantastic array of pubs and restaurants, from traditional Devon cream to classic fish and chips.

Good to know: If you’re visiting one of these pretty villages then you simply must visit the other while you’re in the area. 

5. Dartmouth

Best for: Foodies

Must-do: Watersports activities

Where to stay: Provident, Maritime Suites in nearby Brixham

A pretty coastal town set on the banks of the River Dart, scenic Dartmouth boasts a rich maritime heritage.

The South Devon town features historic streets and a charming harbour, set against a backdrop of rolling hills. There are a number of quirky shops, intriguing galleries, and charming craft stalls for visitors to explore.

Dartmouth is a great destination for fresh local produce, with plenty of wonderful eateries to try.

From exceptional fine dining on the waterside to traditional pubs and ice cream vendors, I consider it to be one of the best seaside towns in Devon for foodies.

With a brilliant cultural edge, the town hosts various festivals and events throughout the year.

These include the Music Festival in May, Shakespeare Week in July, the Dartmouth Royal Regatta in August, and the Dartmouth Food Festival in October (not to be missed for the foodies!).

On the water, Dartmouth is a popular destination for watersports, including boat trips, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, and surfing.

Outside the town itself, I’d recommend exploring the various footpaths, where you can discover the beauty and spectacular coastal views of the surrounding countryside.

Dartmouth is a great family-friendly destination, with plenty of activities for kids in this pretty area of South Devon. These include Woodlands Theme Park, crabbing on the embankment, and a chance to unravel the history and heritage of Dartmouth Castle.

Insider travel tip: The town was famously a favourite holiday destination of Agatha Christie. You can even stay in her former holiday home, the Greenway National Trust Holiday Home.

6. Dittisham

Best for: A hidden gem

Must-do: Crabbing

Where to stay: Crooks Cottage

Considered to be one of Devon’s most beautiful villages, I think Dittisham is a bit of a hidden gem. Located in South Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it sits on the west bank of the River Dart.

Dittisham is small and relatively untouched, away from the busy tourist traps of the more well-known Devon spots. This makes it one of the best seaside villages in Devon for a quieter experience.

Pastel-coloured buildings and boathouses frame the pretty riverfront. I find that it has a strong community feel with a calm, laid-back atmosphere.

The village poses a welcome retreat from the chaos of modern life, and makes for the perfect relaxing riverside getaway.

Yet only a 30 minute ferry away from Dartmouth, visitors can still access a more vibrant contrast to the slower pace of Dittisham village life.

For a bite to eat on the riverfront, I’d recommend heading to the Ferryboat Inn or Anchorstone Cafe, where you’ll find delicious fresh local produce.

Dittisham is a great place to learn how to sail, as well as go kayaking or paddleboarding.

Good to know: For families, a popular activity is crabbing off the pontoon. In fact, Dittisham is considered to be one of the best places to go crabbing in Devon.

7. Salcombe

Best for: Gin and seafood

Must-do: Salcombe Gin Distillery

Where to stay:

• Harbour Beach Club, Hotel & Spa
• Harbour Hotel Salcombe

Salcombe is a resort town with a beautiful harbour on the south coast of Devon. Surrounded by rolling countryside, it is located within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

My favourite part of Salcombe is the stunning coastal views of the golden sands and bright blue waters from the town.

On dry land, I’d recommend going for a leisurely walk to Start Point Lighthouse to be rewarded with outstanding views.

I think Salcombe’s pretty scenery and vibrant town make it one of the best Devon coastal towns.

Other things to do in this South Devon town include the intriguing Overbeck’s House and Gardens. Here you’ll find impressive views, along with unique art and history exhibitions.

For all things nautical, I’d suggest paying a visit to Salcombe Maritime Museum.

Salcombe offers a wonderful selection of eateries, offering fresh seafood and local produce. You can’t leave without indulging in some decadent Salcombe Dairy ice cream, or sipping on the award-winning Salcombe gin.

If you’re a gin lover like me, then I’d definitely recommend visiting the Salcombe Gin Distillery for the full gin experience.

There are also a number of boutique shops and independent retailers to explore, along with local art galleries and quaint gift shops.

Good to know: South Sands and North Sands are the two beaches in the town itself, both of which are perfect for families. The beaches are a great destination for water sports, including kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, and surfing.

8. Barnstaple

Best for: Picture-perfect estuary views

Must-do: Barnstaple Museum

Where to stay: The Imperial Hotel

The largest town in North Devon, Barnstaple is an ancient market town situated on the River Taw. Dating back to 930 AD, it is considered to be the oldest borough in the UK.

I love visiting Barnstaple because it’s a wonderfully thriving town with a lively and social feel. Visitors will find a mixture of recognisable high street brands, as well as boutique independent shops.

One of the famous attractions of Barnstaple is the historic Pannier Market, which hosts various events and markets.

I’d also recommend exploring the various local museums, where you can learn more about the North Devon region. Barnstaple Museum has free admission and is certainly worth a visit.

The town also holds regular arts and crafts events throughout the year, making it one of the best seaside towns in Devon for art lovers.

Insider travel tip: Barnstaple is a good base to explore the scenic Tarka Trail. It also benefits from being close to the beautiful beaches of Croyde and Woolacombe.

9. Croyde

Best for: Surfing

Must-do: Have a surfing lesson

Where to stay: Saunton Sands Hotel Source Spa and Wellness

Part of the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, I love that Croyde merges traditional seaside town charm with cool surf vibes.

It’s one of the most popular surf spots in Devon and is commonly referred to as the surfing capital of Devon.

There are plenty of places to hire surf equipment and book lessons. Or for another thrill-seeking activity, I’d really recommend trying coasteering.

The village itself is pretty, unspoilt, and carries an old-world charm. One of the best seaside towns in Devon, you’ll find a vibrant atmosphere and a friendly community.

There are a number of traditional Devonshire pubs, complete with thatched roofs, as well as wonderful eateries serving fresh local produce.

Croyde is well set up for holidaymakers, with seafront hotels to stay in, and plenty of fun activities. Popular events include Deckchair Cinema in the summer, and the Goldcoast OceanFest in June.

A popular coastal walking trail that I’d recommend is the National Trust’s Baggy Point, which is accessible for all ages and abilities. Enjoy stunning scenery and breathtaking views on this wonderful walk.

For a more relaxing retreat, there are three beautiful sandy beaches to enjoy. Visitors can also go on a rockpool ramble.  

10. Totnes

Best for: Artsy types

Must-do: Cheese and wine tasting at Sharpham Vineyard

Where to stay: Kerswell Farmhouse

A charming market town on the River Dart, Totnes is also part of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

I love that the town has an eccentric edge with a noticeable artistic influence and a vibrancy that distinguishes the town from its more traditional counterparts.

There are a plethora of independent shops and retailers to explore. Totnes is particularly known for its strong green credentials, and promotion of fair trade goods and ethical products.

So it’s one of the best seaside towns in Devon in terms of sustainability and independent retail. It’s therefore no surprise that locally produced organic food is also a staple of the town.

You’ll be spoilt for choice with a brilliant array of eateries. From cosy cafes and pubs to contemporary restaurants and wine bars.

In terms of things to do, I’d recommend paying a visit to Totnes Castle, a classic Norman Motte and Bailey castle. Or take an idyllic steam train ride through the countryside with South Devon Railway.

For a spot of cheese and wine tasting in beautiful surroundings, I love spending the afternoon at Sharpham Vineyard.

Good to know: The popular Totnes Sunday Good Food Market is held on the third Sunday of every month and is well worth a visit. Here, you can sample and buy the fantastic local produce.

Let me know your favourite Devon seaside towns in the comments below – I always love hearing from you!

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