Slapton Sands

Slapton Sands is a long shingle beach with Slapton Ley behind it, so a day here mixes pebbles, sea and birdwatching. It suits families happy with shingle rather than sand, and walkers who want the coast path on their doorstep. Torcross is the village at one end of the ridge.

Swimming and lifeguards

Slapton is a long pebble and shingle beach with steep access to the sea, and the calm waters suit families and watersports. The steep access to the water is the thing to plan around with small children.

The RNLI patrols seasonally and publishes the dates each year on that page. When lifeguards are on duty, swim between the red and yellow flags. The RNLI rule is “No Flags = No Lifeguards”, so check for flags before you go in.

Dogs

Slapton and Torcross are among the beaches that welcome dogs all year round, which makes it one of the easier summer options for a holiday with a dog. Read the signs at the access point you use.

Parking and facilities

There is pay and display parking at Torcross, Memorial and Strete Gate car parks, with public toilets at Torcross and Strete Gate. Slapton and Torcross also have pubs, cafes and shops. The beach and nature reserve are open daily with no entrance fee.

Walks and wildlife

The South West Coast Path runs along the shingle ridge from Strete to Torcross. Circular walks run along the inland edge of the lower Ley, and the Field Studies Council’s Family Trail is 1.5 miles and takes about 45 minutes. At Torcross, a bird hide reached from the car park looks over Slapton Ley. Sea fishing is permitted from the beach.

Slapton Sands is one of the beaches that South Hams District Council owns or leases.