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With dramatic cliffs, turquoise coves, golden beaches and charming coastal villages, Devon is one of the most rewarding places in the UK for a seaside walk. Whether you’re after gentle beach strolls with the dog, clifftop panoramas, or long-distance coastal hikes with spectacular sea views, Devon’s coastline has something for everyone.
To help you plan your next trip, we’ve rounded up the 15 best sea view walks in Devon, along with nearby coastal cottages perfect for turning your day out into a memorable seaside holiday.
1. Baggy Point, Croyde – Iconic Headland Views
Distance: 3 miles (circular)
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Best for: Sunset views & photography
Baggy Point is one of North Devon’s most iconic sea view walks, offering huge Atlantic panoramas, rugged cliffs and easy paths suitable for most abilities. Seals and seabirds are often spotted along the route, and Croyde’s sandy beach is perfect for a post-walk dip.
Stay nearby: Search Woolacombe and Croyde cottages by the sea close to the coastal path.
2. Woolacombe to Putsborough – Golden Sands & Coastal Bliss
Distance: 5 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Beach lovers
This walk follows one of the longest, most beautiful beaches in England. With rolling surf, dunes and huge skies, it’s ideal for families or relaxed coastal rambles. At low tide, you can walk the entire stretch on firm sand.
Stay nearby: Woolacombe sea view cottages put you minutes from the beach.
3. Valley of Rocks, Lynton – Wild, Dramatic & Unforgettable
Distance: 4 miles (circular)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Dramatic scenery
A unique, rugged landscape famous for its wild goats and towering rock formations. The clifftop paths overlook deep blue water and steep drops, providing some of Devon’s most dramatic scenery.
Stay nearby: Lynmouth and Lynton seaside cottages offer easy access to the route and the cliff railway.
4. Hope Cove to Thurlestone – Charming Villages & Coastal Arches
Distance: 4.5 miles (linear)
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Best for: Village charm
This scenic walk links two of South Devon’s prettiest coastal villages, passing sandy beaches, sea stacks and the famous Thurlestone Rock arch. Great pubs and cafés at both ends make it a perfect half-day out.
Stay nearby: Choose Hope Cove sea view cottages for family-friendly seaside stays.
5. Hartland Quay to Hartland Point – Wild Atlantic Drama
Distance: 6 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
Best for: Rugged wilderness
This is coastal walking at its wildest — dramatic cliffs, thundering waves and ancient geology. Not for the faint-hearted, but a must for experienced walkers wanting unforgettable sea views.
Stay nearby: Hartland coastal cottages provide peaceful rural stays close to the coast path.
6. Bantham to Bigbury-on-Sea – Burgh Island Views
Distance: 4 miles (circular)
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Island views & families
This gentle walk features sweeping views of Burgh Island and its iconic hotel. The sandy beaches and calm estuary make it perfect for families, swimmers and paddleboarders.
Stay nearby: Bantham and Bigbury-on-Sea holiday cottages offer excellent sea views.
7. Beer to Branscombe – Classic Jurassic Coast
Distance: 6 miles (circular)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Jurassic Coast lovers
A classic East Devon walk taking in chalk cliffs, lush valleys, pebble beaches and historic villages. The route is rich in wildlife and photo opportunities.
Stay nearby: Branscombe and Seaton cottages by the sea provide easy access to both beaches.
8. Soar Mill Cove – Wild, Remote & Stunning
Distance: 3 miles (out and back or circular)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Peaceful escapes
This National Trust-owned cove is only accessible on foot, making it wonderfully quiet. The route features rugged cliffs, wildflower meadows and views across the open sea.
Stay nearby: Salcombe sea view cottages are ideal for coastal luxury seekers.
9. Ilfracombe to Lee Bay – Hidden Gem Trail
Distance: 5 miles (circular)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Hidden coves
A beautiful, lesser-known walk passing secluded coves, lush valleys and quiet woodland before opening out into spectacular sea cliffs. Perfect for a peaceful outing away from crowds.
Stay nearby: Ilfracombe coastal cottages offer great variety and sea views.
10. Babbacombe to Oddicombe – Clifftop Walk & Cliff Railway
Distance: 2 miles (return)
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Gentle walks & families
A short but stunning cliff-top walk with incredible coastal vistas. Combine it with a trip on the Victorian cliff railway to Oddicombe Beach.
Stay nearby: Babbacombe and Torquay sea view cottages are ideal for families.
11. Heddon’s Mouth – Woodlands Meets the Sea
Distance: 2 miles (return)
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: All ages
This walk begins in a wooded valley before opening out to a dramatic rocky cove. It’s one of the easiest yet most rewarding sea-themed walks in North Devon.
Stay nearby: Stay in Martinhoe coastal cottages for tranquillity.
12. Slapton Sands & Torcross – Natural Beauty & History
Distance: 3–5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Nature lovers
This straight, stunning shingle beach runs alongside the unique Slapton Ley nature reserve. The area is rich in wildlife and history, including the WWII Exercise Tiger memorial.
Stay nearby: Slapton and Torcross sea view cottages offer peaceful, scenic stays.
13. Clovelly to Blackchurch Rock – Iconic Archway Views
Distance: 4 miles (return)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Photographers
Starting in Clovelly’s famous cobbled village, this walk leads to one of Devon’s most iconic natural rock formations. The dramatic arch and coastal scenery are a photographer’s dream.
Stay nearby: Clovelly cottages offer historic charm and sea views.
14. Sidmouth to Ladram Bay – Red Cliffs & Stacks
Distance: 5 miles (return)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Jurassic Coast scenery
This route showcases the Jurassic Coast’s distinctive red cliffs and the famous sea stacks of Ladram Bay. Unique, colourful and unforgettable.
Stay nearby: Sidmouth cottages are perfect for a relaxing seaside escape.
15. Salcombe to Gara Rock – Elevated Views & Hidden Beaches
Distance: 4 miles (circular)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Variety & remote beauty
One of South Devon’s most breathtaking walks, with panoramic headland views, forested paths, secret beaches and the elegant Gara Rock Hotel for refreshments.
Stay nearby: Salcombe sea view cottages make an excellent base.
Turn Your Walks Into a Coastal Holiday
Devon’s coastline offers some of the best sea view walking in the UK – and with beautiful coastal cottages nearby, you can unwind after your adventures with a sea view, a hot drink and the sound of waves below.