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With its rugged cliffs, sheltered estuaries, golden beaches and busy harbour towns, South Devon is one of the most rewarding places in the UK to stay by the sea. Whether you’re watching the sun rise over a calm estuary, listening to waves roll in beneath your balcony, or enjoying a glass of wine as boats bob in the harbour below, sea views are part of the magic here.
From the un-spoilt beauty of the South Hams to the glamour of Torbay’s English Riviera, and the classic seaside towns of eastern South Devon, this guide explores where to stay in South Devon for incredible sea views – and what makes each location special for a coastal escape.
South Hams Coast: Wild Beauty and Gorgeous Vistas
The South Hams is often considered the jewel of South Devon. Its coastline is dotted with estuaries, hidden coves and prominent headlands, creating countless opportunities for elevated, uninterrupted sea views. The South Hams is ideal for coastal walking, sailing and beach-hopping, with many areas designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Check out our guide to the best sea view walks in Devon for those planning on a bit of fresh air and exercise whilst on holiday.
Bigbury-on-Sea - Views of Burgh Island and Pounding Surf
Bigbury-on-Sea is one of South Devon’s most iconic coastal settings. Overlooking a wide sandy beach and the famous tidal causeway to Burgh Island, it offers some of the most dramatic sea views in the county. At low tide, you can walk across the sand to Burgh Island which was once a retreat for Agatha Christie. Bigbury is also one of South Devon’s best spots for surfing, paddle-boarding and coastal walks.
Staying here means waking up to an ever-changing scenery: low tide revealing rippled sandbanks, high tide cutting the island off from the mainland, and sunsets that light up the water in soft golds and pinks. Properties along the clifftop and beachfront are particularly sought after for their panoramic views across Bigbury Bay.
Ideal for surfers, walkers and families, Bigbury-on-Sea combines an abundance of seaside activities with a relaxed village feel.
Hope Cove - Pretty Coves and Quiet Coastal Walks
Hope Cove is made up of two sandy coves framed by low cliffs, creating a sheltered seaside setting. Sea-view accommodation here often looks straight across the water towards Bolt Tail, offering peaceful vistas and stunning sunsets.
Hope Cove is popular for swimming, kayaking and fossil hunting along its sheltered shoreline. The South West Coast Path passes through the village, offering scenic walks with panoramic sea views in both directions.
This is a wonderful choice if you’re looking for a quieter, postcard-perfect village where the sea feels close at all times. Morning swims, coastal walks and evenings listening to the waves are all part of the appeal.
Hope Cove is especially popular with couples and anyone seeking a slower pace, with the benefit of beautiful coastal scenery.
Salcombe - Estuary Views and Sailing Boats
Salcombe is one of South Devon’s most desirable coastal towns, known for its sailing culture, pastel-coloured houses and clear estuary waters. Rather than open sea views alone, many of the best stays here enjoy elevated views across the Kingsbridge Estuary, with boats, beaches and wooded hillsides creating a constantly changing scene.
The town is a hub for water-sports and boat trips, with regular ferries to sandy beaches located along the estuary. The town also offers excellent seafood restaurants and boutique shopping close to the waterfront, many that welcome holiday-makers travelling with pets.
Properties on the hillsides above the town offer breathtaking panoramas, especially at sunrise and sunset. It’s a destination that feels both lively and refined, with excellent amenities and access to beautiful beaches like South Sands and North Sands.
Salcombe is ideal if you love watching life on the water and want sea views with a touch of luxury.
Thurlestone - Wild Coastline and Natural Landmarks
Just along the coast from Bigbury lies Thurlestone, a village famed for its coastal setting and the distinctive Thurlestone Rock, which rises from the sea just metres from the shore. Sea-view stays here enjoy far reaching vistas across the bay, with long sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and stunning horizons.
The sweeping sandy beach and surrounding coastline at Thurlestone is ideal for scenic walks (ideal if you are travelling with pets) and enjoys some of South Devon’s most dramatic sunsets.
Thurlestone offers a quieter, more refined coastal atmosphere, ideal for those who love walking, photography and uninterrupted views of the open sea. Many of the elevated properties here are spacious and boast living areas and decks which take advantage of the surrounding vistas.
Dartmouth Area: Historic Harbours and River Dart Views
Dartmouth is home to one of England’s most beautiful estuaries, and the towns and villages along its banks offer some of the most beautiful coastal stays in South Devon. The area centres on the River Dart, offering a blend of historic towns, wooded valleys and peaceful riverside villages. Boat trips, coastal walks and water-sports are popular ways to explore the estuary and are easily accessible.
Dartmouth - Bustling Harbour and Historic Buildings
Dartmouth’s steep streets, historic buildings and busy waterfront create a dramatic setting. Many sea-view properties here enjoy aspects overlooking the River Dart, with views stretching from the bustling harbour to Dartmouth Castle and the open sea beyond.
The town is steeped in maritime history and home to Britannia Royal Naval College. River cruises, coastal walks and visits to the aforementioned Dartmouth Castle are popular ways to enjoy the town’s unique setting.
Watching sailing boats, ferries and naval vessels glide along the river is endlessly fascinating, and the evening harbour lights reflected on the water create a romantic backdrop for couples on holiday. Dartmouth is ideal for those who love history, culture and a lively coastal vibe.
Kingswear - Quiet Views Across the Water
Across the river lies Kingswear, a quieter and more residential village with some of the best views on the Dart. Properties here often face directly towards Dartmouth, offering postcard-perfect scenes of colourful buildings, all manner of river craft and historic architecture.
The town offers access to the South Devon Railway steam trains and scenic woodland walks and its waterside paths and quiet beaches make it ideal for relaxed days spent exploring the Dart estuary.
Kingswear suits guests who want outstanding views without the bustle of a busy town centre, making it particularly popular with couples and families planning a relaxed coastal break in South Devon.
Dittisham - Riverside Peace and Natural Beauty
Further upstream, Dittisham offers a more secluded coastal experience. Sea views here are centred on the river, with calm waters, moored boats and wooded hillsides creating a relaxed riverside setting.
Dittisham is surrounded by National Trust woodland and offers beautiful riverside walks. Kayaking and paddle boarding are popular here, with calm waters and abundant wildlife adding to its unique charm.
It’s a superb choice for those who value peace, nature and waterside living, while still being within easy reach of the bright lights of Dartmouth by ferry or road.
Torbay: The English Riviera
With its mild climate, palm-lined promenades and crescent-shaped bays, Torbay has a distinctly Mediterranean feel and offers a wide variety of sea-view accommodation. With palm-lined promenades, sandy beaches and lively harbours, it’s perfect for traditional seaside holidays and well heeled couples on romantic coastal breaks.
Brixham - Working Harbour with Fishing Boats Galore!
Brixham remains a thriving fishing port, and sea-view stays here often overlook the bustling harbour. The views are full of movement and colour, from early-morning fishing boats to yachts returning at dusk.
Brixham is famous for its fresh seafood and visitors can explore the harbour, coastal paths and Berry Head Nature Reserve nearby.
Clifftop properties above the town enjoy wider views across Tor Bay, combining rugged coastline with authentic maritime character. Brixham is perfect for guests who enjoy lively harbour scenes and traditional coastal towns.
Paignton - Classic Seaside Views Across the Bay
Paignton offers a long sandy beach and sweeping views across Tor Bay. Sea-view accommodation here typically enjoys wide, open vistas, making it a favourite with families and those seeking a traditional seaside experience.
Paignton is home to a traditional pier and loads of family attractions, including Paignton Zoo. It’s also a key stop on the South West Coast Path, offering scenic coastal walks for energetic holiday-makers and dog walkers.
Staying near the seafront ensures the sea is always part of your day, from breakfast overlooking the water to evening strolls along the promenade.
Torquay - Glamour, Marinas and Palm Trees
Torquay is the largest and most glamorous of the Torbay towns, known for its marina, palm trees and lively atmosphere. Sea-view properties range from central apartments overlooking the harbour to clifftop villas with far reaching coastal views.
Torquay enjoys a mild climate and is a popular hub for boat trips, coastal cruises and access to nearby coves making it a lively base for sea-focused holidays.
Torquay offers some of the most varied sea views in South Devon, making it ideal for guests who want a vibrant setting with excellent dining, nightlife and waterfront scenery.
South East Devon: Classic Seaside and Red Cliffs
South East Devon blends traditional seaside towns with striking red cliffs and long stretches of sand, offering a different but equally appealing coastal experience. The area boasts numerous long sandy beaches and nature reserves and is well suited to coastal walking, wildlife watching and relaxed seaside stays with wide, open sea views.
Teignmouth - Pier Views and Classic Seaside Vibe
Teignmouth is known for its long pier and open views across Lyme Bay. Sea-view accommodation here often enjoys uninterrupted vistas, dramatic skies and a lively seafront atmosphere.
The town combines a working harbour with a classic seaside feel, whilst the pier, beach and nearby estuary are popular for paddle boarding, swimming and watching boats come and go.
It’s a vibrant town with a strong community feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a classic seaside town that offers generous sea views.
Shaldon - Peaceful Village Across the Estuary
Across the Teign Estuary lies Shaldon, a small, picturesque village with a relaxed pace of life. Sea-view stays here often overlook the estuary or enjoy elevated coastal views from the nearby cliffs.
The town is well known for its village atmosphere, historic cottages and clifftop walks. A small passenger ferry connects it to Teignmouth, offering a scenic way to cross the estuary.
Shaldon is perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed seaside experience and beautiful scenery, while still being close to all of Teignmouth’s amenities and restaurants.
Dawlish Warren - Sand Dunes and Wide Beaches
At the mouth of the Exe Estuary, Dawlish Warren offers wide sandy beaches, sand dunes and protected nature reserves. The sea-view properties here enjoy big skies, wide horizons and the bustle of coastal activities.
The area is a designated nature reserve with wetlands and birdlife, and its wide beach is ideal for swimming, kite flying and long walks.
It’s an excellent choice for beach lovers, nature enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys expansive coastal views in a natural setting.
Torcross - Sea Views Along Slapton Sands
Further south, Torcross sits between the sea and Slapton Ley, a freshwater lake separated from the beach by a narrow road. Staying here means enjoying direct sea views across Slapton Sands, one of the longest and most atmospheric beaches in South Devon.
The beach here is backed by the Slapton Ley Nature Reserve and the area is popular for walking, birdwatching and learning about its WWII history at the local memorial.
Properties in Torcross feel wonderfully close to the sea, with the sounds of the waves often audible from your doorstep. It’s a unique location, ideal for those seeking a peaceful holiday retreat with a strong connection to the sea.
Finding Your Perfect Sea-View Stay in South Devon
South Devon offers an extraordinary range of sea views, from wild Atlantic-facing beaches and iconic islands to sheltered estuaries and lively harbours. Whether you’re drawn to the natural drama of Thurlestone, the elegance of Salcombe, the history of Dartmouth or the wide beaches of Dawlish Warren, there’s a coastal holiday cottage to suit a range of budgets and group sizes.
At Beach Stays, we specialise in handpicked sea view accommodation where the beach is never an afterthought. Wherever you choose to stay in South Devon, incredible views and unforgettable moments by the seaside are always part of the experience.