THIS is East Devon’s tucked away sandy beach

If you’re looking for a beautiful, family-friendly and (some would say most importantly!) sandy beach in East Devon, the appropriately named “Sandy Bay” has understood the assignment!

However, there are some things you should know about this beach, as it is privately owned. Let’s get into it!

Quick facts: Sandy Bay, Exmouth

• Location: 2 miles east of Exmouth town centre
• Access: Via Devon Cliffs Holiday Park footpaths and steps
• Parking: No public parking at the beach; use Exmouth town or arrange parking at Devon Cliffs
• Facilities: Toilets and café available seasonally via the holiday park
• Lifeguards: See lifeguard dates here. Always swim with caution.
• Dog rules: No dogs allowed from 1 May to 30 September

About Sandy Bay

Sandy Bay sits at the far eastern edge of Exmouth’s coastline, underneath Devon Cliffs  – it’s a broad, sheltered beach backed by steep red sandstone cliffs.

The sand here is soft, deep and pale gold, making it one of the most popular beaches in the area for swimming and family outings!

At low tide, Sandy Bay connects with the eastern end of Exmouth’s main beach, although the walk involves a scramble over rocks and is only possible when the tide is out (it can come in quite quickly, so only attempt it if  you are 100% sure you have enough time).

Sandy Bay faces south and is protected from prevailing westerly winds by the cliffs that frame it on either side.

The cliffs are part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, with visible layers of ancient rock (some of which is 250 million years old!).

Above the bay sits the large Devon Cliffs Holiday Park run by Haven – their pathways and steps are the main public access points down to the beach.

Swimming is generally safe in the bay due to its sheltered waters, although the beach is not patrolled by lifeguards outside peak summer months. 

The water shelves gently, so it’s generally suitable for paddling and bodyboarding. At high tide, the sandy area narrows considerably – so it’s best to visit during mid or low tide. 

Access, facilities and practical tips

Access to Sandy Bay is mainly via the Devon Cliffs Holiday Park – this is located off the B3178 road leading out of Exmouth towards Littleham. 

Public access is permitted via a footpath and stairways leading down the cliff from the edge of the holiday park. 

The steps are steep and uneven in places, so you’ll need sturdy footwear!

However, there is no public parking at Sandy Bay – you can only park there if you’re staying. If you’re a visitor, you’ll need to do one of the following: 

• park on Exmouth seafront and hike the South West Coast Path to Devon Cliffs (30-60 minutes) 
• park in Littleham and walk through the caravan park to the beach (around 30 minutes)

Facilities

During peak season, Devon Cliffs runs a small shop and café near the holiday park’s beach access points. Here you’ll find some food and drinks and be able to purchase beach equipment. 

There are also toilets nearby. 

Are dogs permitted? 

Dogs are not permitted on Sandy Bay between 1 April and 31 October (this is a longer period than most Devon beaches). Outside this period, dogs are welcome – but owners must clean up after them. 

Fires and disposable BBQs are not allowed on Sandy Bay, as the cliffs and dry vegetation pose a serious fire risk.

What you can see and do at Sandy Bay

Sandy Bay is an excellent place for swimming, paddling and beach games thanks to its sheltered setting and wide tidal range! 

Rockpools appear at low tide towards the eastern end of the beach – here you might spot crabs, anemones and small fish.

The cliffs around the bay boast some of the best coastal scenery near Exmouth, and it’s a lovely hike to Orcombe Point (the official start of the Jurassic Coast). Here’s some more information about Orcombe Point.

In the other direction, you can continue eastwards from Sandy Bay along the South West Coast Path. The route climbs steeply towards Straight Point (where the Royal Marines operate a rifle range) and then onwards towards Budleigh Salterton. Here’s my guide to this walk.

Take a look at my beaches in Exmouth guide, along with my things to do in Exmouth post for more information!