Mothecombe Beach

Mothecombe is a sheltered sandy cove at the mouth of the Erme estuary, set inside the privately owned Flete Estate and open to the public every day of the year. A little freshwater stream crosses the sand, and wooded slopes rise behind. It suits families and walkers who want a quiet beach day and are happy to walk down a woodland path with their gear. The beach has no facilities of its own, so bring what you need.

Getting there and parking

The estate runs the beach car park, which holds up to 500 cars. From 1 April to 30 September the Flete Estate’s parking attendants charge £6.50 per day, or £3.50 after 3pm, and season tickets are £80. The car park is open daily, with gates open from 6am to 10pm and last entry at 5pm.

From the car park you reach the beach on foot by a gravel woodland path. It can be used with prams, but the path descends towards the beach, is not suitable for wheelchairs, and feels longer on the way back up.

Swimming and safety

There is no regular lifeguard service. The estuary setting means things can change quickly with the tide, so check conditions before swimming or paddleboarding. The shallow water suits windsurfing, kitesurfing, bodyboarding and paddleboarding, and the Environment Agency tests the bathing water between 15 May and 30 September. At low tide there is room for beach games and picnics.

Dogs

Dogs are not permitted on Mothecombe Beach between 1 May and 30 September. Dogs are welcome outside those dates. Neighbouring Coastguards Beach is open to dogs all year, and it is reached from the same car park along the lane to the slipway. Dog bins are at the car park entrance and at the top of the slipway above Coastguards Beach.

Facilities and estate rules

Public toilets are provided at the car park courtesy of The School House, where there are also refreshments. There are no facilities on the beach. Overnight camping, barbecues and fires are prohibited on the beaches at all times, and the estate does not allow drones.

Nearby

Towards low tide the beach opens out and joins Coastguards Beach, which has half a mile of firm sand at low tide and sits on the South West Coast Path. On the east side of the Erme, Wonwell Beach is sandy and popular with dog owners, but parking there is very limited, on the verge of a narrow lane.