I found an INCREDIBLE sunrise spot in Devon 👀

On a recent trip to the South Hams, I tasked myself with finding the ULTIMATE sunrise spot in the area. 

After painstakingly analysing the map, I decided that the spot I’d try would be Start Point Lighthouse.

Standing at the end of a narrow headland, the 1836 tower still guides ships past the rocks below, flashing its light every ten seconds.

The fact that it’s a working lighthouse means you can’t always access it – but that’s not a huge deal, as anywhere on the headland itself is ideal for sunrise vistas.  

This is what it was like – and how you can visit!

Where is Start Point Lighthouse?

Start Point Lighthouse is in the  South Hams region of Devon, located around 45 minutes from both Dartmouth and Salcombe. It’s not far on the map, but its rural location means that you’ll need to travel down a lot of country roads to get there!

To reach it, pop in “Start Point Car Park” into your SatNav. The postcode is TQ7 2ET.

The Start Point Lighthouse walk

The walk begins from Start Point Car Park. 

You’ll need a torch for the first stretch if you’re arriving before dawn. 

The path follows the old cart track used by the lighthouse keepers. It runs along the spine of the headland, climbing gently before dropping towards the tip. 

The sea is visible on both sides — to the left, the wide sweep of Start Bay curves up towards Slapton; to the right, Prawle Point faces east with its jagged cliffs and seabird colonies.

There are a few sheep in the fields, some of whom might be on the path. I found that they moved out of the way as I approached. 

Sunrise is glorious anywhere on the path. From here, you can see the full line of the horizon. 

On clear days, the shadow of the lighthouse stretches inland behind you. On misty mornings, the beam feels like the only solid thing in the scene.

The path will split after about 0.5 km. To reach the lighthouse, take the lower path (not the South West Coast Path).

When I visited, the lighthouse was shut. This doesn’t matter – it’s more the headland where the view is absolutely mesmerising – but make sure you follow any signs. 

What to expect

Wind is almost constant here – so make sure you pack layers and a thermos if possible. 

There’s no shelter until you’re back at the car, though some walkers carry a flask and perch on the rocks near the lighthouse wall. 

Dolphins are sometimes spotted from the headland at first light, and gannets dive like spears offshore.

Other walks in the area

To extend the walk, follow the coast path west towards Mattiscombe Sands. 

This beach is often empty at sunrise – although there is a steep descent down. 

You could also follow the South West Coast Path in the other direction to Hallsands – nowadays a village on top of a cliff, but the original village was lost due to over-dredging. More about it here. 

Other places in the area include Slapton Sands, Blackpool Sands and Dartmouth. 

Don’t forget to check out my list of best sunrise spots in Devon too.