Challaborough, South Devon
- Coastal village by Bigbury-on-Sea on South Devon's southern coast
- Family beach with good facilities including fish and chips shop. Coast east and west lined with beaches between two estuaries
- Great for watersports
- Superb coastal and estuary walks. Views to Burgh Island and its famous hotel
- Some wonderful pubs in the local area
- Main photo: Challaborough Beach and Challaborough photographed from Burgh Island
Challaborough beaches
Challaborough Beach. Devon's south coast is known for its glorious sandy beaches. Some of the best are located by Burgh Island. Bantham Beach is situated to the east. Bigbury-on-Sea Beach connects with Burgh Island at low tide. Challaborough Beach is in a superb arc of coastline just north of the island.
Challaborough is popular with families and surfers. There are car parks and good facilities behind the beach. Gets crowded in high season.
Bigbury-on-Sea Beach. Follow the South West Coast Path east of Challaborough and you're on a headland looking down at Bigbury-on-Sea Beach. It's one of the most popular beaches in South Devon and the Westcountry.
Bantham Beach is a huge low tide sandy beach on the other side of the River Avon and Estuary from Bigbury-on-Sea Beach. There's a seasonal foot ferry or a short-ish drive around the estuary to Bantham. Gets crowded in high season so the skinny access roads can be challenging to drive. Be patient!
South Milton Sands/Thurlestone Sand (Beach). Glorious sand beach east of Bantham Beach and the River Avon and Estuary.
Ayrmer Cove (Beach). Small cove just west of Challaborough Beach. The coastline here is dramatic and very beautiful. Wander across from Challaborough on the South West Coast Path.
Wonwell Beach lines the east side of the River Erme and Estuary. It's a huge sand beach at low tide. Note that you can wade across the River Erme and Estuary *at low tide* if you're walking west on the South West Coast Path.
Challaborough food and drink
Fryer Tucks fish and chips. Great fish and chips at the back Challaborough Beach.
Alternatively, pop into The Waterfront Bar and Restaurant that overlooks the beach.
The Pilchard Inn is situated on Burgh Island. Amazing pub location. Wander across the sandy beach at low tide. Take the sea tractor when the tide rises.
Challaborough watersports
Along with Bigbury-on-Sea and Bantham, Challaborough is a very popular surfing spot.
For lessons, try nearby Bigbury-on-Sea Discovery Surf School.
Bantham Surfing Academy is on the other side of the River Avon and Estuary at the back of Bantham Beach.
Challaborough South West Coast Path and walking
See Bigbury-on-Sea South West Coast Path Walk for more information.
We'd also recommend walking the Avon Estuary Walk.
Challaborough and Burgh Island
Burgh Island is a stunning tidal island. For special occasions, try the iconic Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel.
The Pilchard Inn is located on the north east side of the island overlooking Bigbury-on-Sea Beach.
Follow one of the many paths to the top of Burgh Island for top views of Challaborough and the South Devon coast.
Photo Gallery
