Seaside Spotlight - Sandy Bay Beach

Let’s explore Sandy Bay Beach!

Our Seaside Spotlight series covers what to look for when planning your summer beach holiday so you and your family can relax on the best UK beaches.

This month, we’re in picturesque Devon, exploring Sandy Bay Beach…a hidden gem tucked away in Exmouth.

Let’s explore what makes it one of the UK’s favourite beaches and a fantastic spot for your next staycation!

What’s Sandy Bay Beach Like

Exactly what it says on the tin!

Family enjoying sunshine on the sandy beach at Stone Bay in the British seaside town of Broadstairs

Sandy Bay Beach has beautiful golden sands and sits in a secluded bay, giving this privately-owned beach the potential to become a quiet favourite for UK beach lovers.

Sandy Bay’s family-friendly atmosphere and diverse marine life just under the waters make it perfect for a fun-filled day of exploring or a relaxing English beach holiday this summer!

Hire a deckchair and relax, or explore the pristine waters and enjoy the watersports that Sandy Bay B!each has become popular for

An Award-Winning Beach!

A landscape photograph of Sandy Bay Beach at Exmouth, Devon.

It’s about a half-mile long, and although there’s no traditional pier like you might see at other UK beaches, the surrounding area’s natural beauty and scenic views draw people back year after year.

There are lifeguards on the beach during the peak summer season (May-Sept) for complete peace of mind!

The beach has also won several Blue Flag Awards for its world-class cleanliness, safety, and facilities.

Things to Do at Sandy Bay Beach, Devon

a vibrant beach scene in Exmouth, England. The beach is bustling with activity, with people enjoying the sun, sand, and sea. Families and groups are spread out along the sandy shore, some under colorful umbrellas and tents, while others are playing in the water. The beach is bordered by a curved sea wall with steps leading down to the sand, and there are people walking along the promenade above. The water is calm, and in the distance, you can see a lush, green landscape with rolling hills and scattered houses, creating a picturesque backdrop for this lively coastal scene.

Sandy Bay Beach activities are popular with families and children because they suit all ages. Get involved in one of the beach activities Sandy Bay is famous for, including:

Water Sports & Activities:

You’ll see people kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing at Sandy Bay. The lifeguards and calm waters make it safe for beginners to swim or try watersports for the first time.

You can also hire a pedalo for the day and take in the cliffs and countryside while you explore the waters.

Explore marine life at Sandy Bay Beach | Image of a Red starfish visible through clear waters in a tide pool with surrounding rocks.

Rock Pooling

If you have kids who love exploring, they’ll no doubt enjoy discovering marine life like crabs, starfish, small fish, and sea anemones in the rock pools at low tide!

Beach Games and Picnics:

Sandy Bay has plenty of open space…perfect for volleyball, frisbee, and sandcastle building. Be sure to bring plenty of beach game equipment with you!

Use Devon’s beautiful views as a backdrop for a coastal picnic, and stay on the beach all day!

Bring the Dog to Sandy Bay Beach

Sandy Bay Beach with dog-owners | Full length shot of mature woman taking her dog on walk on the beach. Senior female on morning walk with her pet dog.

Is Sandy Bay Beach Pet-Friendly?

No dogs are allowed on the beach between April 1st and October 31st. Outside of that, the beach is an excellent spot for a winter walk with your furry friend!

Can You Swim at Sandy Bay Beach?

The beach’s well-maintained, clear (and award-winning!) waters are perfect for all kinds of swimmers. There are also lifeguards on duty between May and September for added safety.

Coffee, Ice Cream & an Ice Cold Beer

If you venture away from the beach to eat, the local area has a mix of well-known restaurants and local eateries where you can find all the traditional English seaside classics.

Beachside Bites

Outdoor dining is available at South Beach Care close to Sandy Bay Beach | Image of a Dog and Owners Sitting at Sidewalk Cafe

South Beach Cafe is within walking distance of Sandy Bay Beach if you’re after a beachside bite.

You can have lunch, dinner & brunch here & there are vegetarian, vegan & gluten-free options available

Local Favourite

Freshly baked pizzas are available near Sandy Bay Beach at Pizza Garden | Image of a Fresh Homemade Pizza Margherita with buffalo mozzarella and basil

Try the local favourite Pizza Garden where you can get freshly baked pizzas.

Not quite walking distance from Sandy Bay (an 11-minute drive), but it’s dog-friendly!

Beer – The Beach Pub

Restaurant dining, beer and barbecue food is available at several resturaunts Devon, Exmouth | Image of a Pint of lager with two portions of chips in white ceramic ramekins

If you can’t go without a traditional seaside meal, The Proper Fish & Chips Co. or The Beach Pub are ideal.

They are both less than a 15-minute drive from Sandy Bay and have all your favourite British seaside classics available, from fish & chips to hearty cottage pie- you’re sure to find a filling favourite!

Sweet Treats – The Bumble & Bee

Image of a Cornish Cream Tea three scones

For a sweet treat, a local favourite is The Bumble & Bee, where you can grab some indulgent baked foods and sweet treats.

All the restaurants mentioned are wheelchair accessible, except the Pizza Garden. The Beach Pub & Bumble & Bee both offer free WiFi.

Accessibility at Sandy Bay Beach

Sandy Bay Beach is accessible for people with low mobility | Image of a a man with disability with his service dog at sunset using electric wheelchair.

Disabled & Low Mobility Access at Sandy Bay Beach

As for low-mobility accessibility, there are designated parking spaces for disabled visitors, facilities for wheelchair users, accessible toilets on-site, and ramped access points to the beach.

Summary

Sandy Bay is quieter than most UK beaches. The secluded bay is perfect for little explorers who can discover marine life by the rock pools or play beach games while adults relax.

If you’re coming to Sandy Bay with someone with low mobility, you can expect to find accessible facilities and ramped access.

Anyone with a dog will love exploring the half-mile-long beach outside of summer! There are lifeguards throughout the summer if you want to take a dip in the award-winning waters!

Holiday Parks Near Sandy Bay Beach

Devon Cliffs

a scenic view of Exmouth, England, looking out towards the coastline. The foreground features a white railing decorated with string lights, suggesting a nearby residence or viewpoint. Beyond the railing, there is a lush green lawn and some shrubs, leading down to a sandy beach. The coastline is marked by striking red cliffs, characteristic of the region, and the expansive blue sea stretches out to the horizon. The sky is clear and blue, creating a tranquil and picturesque scene, perfect for a peaceful day by the coast.

Experience the best of seaside holidays & eplore the beautiful Sandy Bay Beach with a stay at Devon Cliffs which boasts stunning beach access, modern amenities & family-friendly activities.

Devon Cliffs Caravan Holiday Park

Ladram Bay

Exterior view of a modern, elevated caravan with a spacious deck surrounded by well-maintained landscaping and wooden fencing. The caravan is situated on a paved driveway with stairs leading up to the entrance, set against a backdrop of greenery and a clear blue sky.

Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of the Jurassic Coast, enjoy stunning coastal walks, explore the unique geological features of the area & family-friendly park atmosphere..

Ladram Caravan Holiday Park

by Katy Depledge / Beach Breaks

10th July 2024

Seaside Spotlight – Sandy Bay Beach