10 UNREAL sunrise spots in Devon
I’m a sunrise chaser. If clear skies are on the forecast, I’ll be setting my alarm and heading to a sunrise spot to witness that first light stretch across the horizon.
Lucky for me, I live in Devon, where sunrise spots are on virtually every corner.
In fact, it’s hard to put together a list of just the 10 best! But here are some of my favourites.
Start Point, South Hams
This rugged headland in South Devon (near Dartmouth) is a spectacular place to watch the sun rise over the English Channel.
Start Bay extends from just west of Dartmouth, but the best spot is near Start Point Lighthouse, where you can face east and watch the sun emerge from the horizon.
There’s a car park around a 15-minute walk from the lighthouse – this walk also has excellent vantage points over the sea.
Or, if you’re up for a short walk, follow the trail towards Mattiscombe Sands, where the golden light hits the cliffs beautifully.
Do bear in mind that, to get to Start Point Lighthouse, you’ll need to navigate a few winding country roads. But the perk is you’re likely to have it all to yourself!
Bring a flask of tea and sit on the rocks – it’s bliss!
Haytor, Dartmoor
One of Dartmoor’s most recognisable landmarks, Haytor is a stunning place to watch the sunrise over rolling moorland.
For the best view, head to the highest tor summit and face east towards Bovey Tracey. If the weather is clear, you’ll see the first light stretch across the Devon countryside, casting long shadows over the landscape.
There’s a National Park car park right at the base of Haytor, making access easy. From there, it’s a short but steep walk up to the tor, taking around 10-15 minutes.
Early morning is usually peaceful on Dartmoor, but if you want even more solitude, try Saddle Tor, which sits just to the south and has equally impressive views without as many visitors.
Exmouth Beach
Exmouth Beach is one of the best places in Devon to watch the sunrise over water, thanks to its east-facing coastline and vast stretch of golden sand.
You can catch an unreal view anywhere along the beach facing east towards Orcombe Point.
Or if you want to climb, walk up to the Geoneedle at Orcombe Point, where you can watch the first rays illuminate the Jurassic Coast’s dramatic cliffs. This point will be a lot quieter as well!
If you’re driving, park along Queen’s Drive or at the Foxholes Car Park. These areas are both chargeable for car parking.
Exmouth Beach is quite busy with morning sea dippers and walkers, but you should be able to find some solitude!
If you’re still around at 8:00 am, Hangtime or Bumble and Sea are excellent spots to grab a coffee.
See my full Exmouth travel guide.
Teignmouth Pier
For an easy-to-access sunrise spot, head to Teignmouth beach!
The best place to stand is on the beach just south of the pier, facing east towards the horizon, where the sun slowly rises behind the Victorian structure. If the tide is low, the wet sand reflects the sky’s changing colours – and the photos can be incredible!
Or head over to Back Beach, where you can watch the sunrise light up the town’s colourful buildings from the other side of the estuary.
If you’re driving, park at Teignmouth Seafront Car Park for easy access to the beach.
See my full Teignmouth Travel Guide.
Bolberry Down, South Hams
This National Trust site near Hope Cove is a peaceful clifftop spot with panoramic sea views.
The best viewpoint is along the coastal path near Bolt Head, where you can face southeast towards the open sea. There are no buildings or roads to disturb the view.
For a slightly higher perspective, climb to Sharp Tor.
If you’re staying nearby, consider walking from Hope Cove before dawn, so you can see the sunrise as you hike!
There’s National Trust parking at Bolberry Down, with easy access to the coastal path.
Ladram Bay
The dramatic red sandstone sea stacks at Ladram Bay make this one of Devon’s most unique sunrise locations.
The best view is from the clifftop path above the beach, where you can look east over the sea stacks as the sun lights up the rock formations.
Or follow the South West Coast Path towards High Peak – the highest peak in the area (as the name suggests!) with glorious views back towards the bay.
The golden light on the cliffs contrasts beautifully with the deep blue sea, creating a picture-perfect moment. It’s particularly striking in autumn and winter, when the air is crisp and the cliffs glow in the early morning sun.
You can’t access Ladram Bay beach outside of the winter season (November – February), but you can hike on the South West Coast Path and catch the sunrise.
Here’s some information about this.
Branscombe Beach
Tucked away on the Jurassic Coast, Branscombe Beach is a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful sunrise.
The best place to stand is near the beach’s eastern end, where the cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop as the light changes.
Face east across Lyme Bay – or take the coastal path towards Beer Head for a higher vantage point!
Park at Branscombe Beach Car Park – and if you need a warmer, take a look at the Jurassic Coast sauna that’s located right on the beach!
Check out my full guide to Branscombe.
Saunton Sands
This vast beach on the North Devon coast is perfect for sunrise walks.
For the best view, head to the northern end of the beach near Braunton Burrows against the dunes.
Arrive at low tide for the most expansive views. Or if you’re after a higher viewpoint, walk up to the clifftop at Crow Point, where you can see the sunrise over the Taw and Torridge Estuary.
Park at Saunton Sands Car Park (charges apply).
Valley of Rocks, Exmoor
For a dramatic sunrise with a view, Valley of Rocks is hard to beat!
The best spot is at Castle Rock, where you can look east towards the Bristol Channel and watch the sun gradually illuminate the rugged landscape.
Another excellent viewpoint is the coastal path leading towards Lynton.
The resident wild goats often roam the area in the early morning, making for an unforgettable sunrise experience.
There’s limited parking near Valley of Rocks, but Lynton has larger car parks within walking distance.
Here’s my full guide to Valley of Rocks.
East Portlemouth, Salcombe
Overlooking the Salcombe estuary, East Portlemouth offers a peaceful spot to watch the sunrise.
The best view is from Mill Bay Beach, where you can face east across the estuary towards Salcombe and the rising sun.
For a higher perspective, walk up to Gara Rock, where the coastline unfolds beneath you, creating a breathtaking scene as the sky changes colour.
Park at Mill Bay National Trust Car Park for easy access.
Whether you’re looking for a dramatic coastal view or a peaceful countryside setting, these sunrise spots in Devon are well worth an early wake-up. Which one would you visit first?
