Sunset Watching Spots in South Devon

They say you should never go too long without watching a brilliant sunset; laying back among the clifftop tussocks to admire those amber rays as they melt into an endless horizon is food for the soul.

South Devon is blessed with some of the UK’s most beautiful coastal settings, from its secret smugglers’ coves to its jutting headlands, there’s always a beautiful place to be come sundown.

Who better to ask than our very own hopeless romantic, Mr Toad, for his local list of enchanting sunset gazing spots…

Best Places to Watch the Sunset in South Devon

Bantham Beach

Backed by rolling fields and met by the widening wends of the Avon Estuary, Bantham Sand is one the region’s most loved beaches. The ebbing tide reveals a mile-long golden stretch that sweeps round the grassy dunes of Bantham Ham to the quieter creeks and eddies of the estuary. Where better to enjoy the remains of the day and watch the sun sink slowly behind the iconic Burgh Island, one of the area’s most famous landmarks, the gentle hush of the waves lapping the shore and the silhouettes of surfers riding the channel swells.

South Milton Sands

South Milton Sands is a gorgeous, sandy bay set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty only a short stroll away from Thurlestone village. These picturesque shores remain an ever-popular setting for family beach excursions, the crystal clear waters so tempting for wild swims and the low tide rockpools brilliant for young explorers. Behind the grassy dunes lies a wetland sanctuary of marshes and reeds attracting many rare species of birds, such as the Pectoral Sandpiper, with its distinctive streaky breast and downcurved bill, and the Aquatic Warbler, a rare Autumn migrant known for its fast and punctuated chattering song burst. Watching the sun set behind the magnificent Thurlestone Rock is a sight to behold – you can take my word for it!

Hope Cove

Follow the holloways and country lanes to the coastal village of Hope Cove where thatched fisherman’s cottages line the narrow streets. Hope Cove has twin sandy bays; the sparkling harbour waters of Inner Hope sheltered by dramatic headland, and the golden sands of Outer Hope below the tufted coastal footpath. Enjoy spectacular sunset views high up on the Great Ledge or Bolt Tail, or sit on the shoreside on a beach blanket. Hope Cove is west facing, meaning you can watch the sun sink into the sea – magic!

Bolberry Down

Spectacular views await all those who follow the waymarks to Bolberry Down. Set on the clifftops between Bolt Tail and Cathole Cliff, this lesser-known beauty spot is a popular resting post for ramblers who relish the opportunity to bask amid the wildflowers. Pack a picnic and some blankets and head for this remote coastal corridor to watch the setting sun while savouring one of Devon’s most celebrated ocean panoramas.

Soar Mill Cove

Further south from Bolberry, following the coast path past West Cliff and Lantern Rock, lies Soar Mill Cove. This secret, sandy beach can only be found on foot by way of coastal tracks and farmer’s trails. Rock samphire, sea beet and rare rock sea-lavender can be seen growing along the sheer cliffs, while silver-studded blue and marbled white butterflies often flutter along the grassy verges. If you’re lucky, you might spot seals chasing fish around the rocky outcrops or playfully bobbing in the turquoise waters. Expect dazzling and brilliant sunsets and nothing but the sound of the sea.

Bolt Head

Follow Cliff Road out of the seafaring town of Salcombe, past the rocky ruins of Fort Charles and the golden shores of South Sands, to discover one of the region’s most beautiful stretches of coastal path. With stunning views beyond the sparkling waters of Starehole Bay towards Prawle Point, Bolt Head is known for its dramatic rocky slopes backed by rolling wheat fields. As you round the headland, you’ll be able to enjoy far-reaching views of the magnificent South Devon peninsular, and “come dimpsey” (as the true Devonian’s say), you’ll be able to watch the sun gently sink behind Wembury Bay far on the horizon.

Prawle Point

Prawle Point is the most southernly point in Devon, a scintillating outcrop characterised by clifftop climbs and rocky shores. Follow the waymarks past cairns and boundary stones, along ancient pilgrim tracks that wind above a succession of mariner’s landmarks, from Pig’s Nose to Gammon Head. A row of old coastguard cottages line the path towards Prawle Point look-out station where you can stop to savour the mesmerising ocean views and admire the lingering sunsets.

Start Point

Start Point is another of South Devon’s spellbinding promontories and also the site of the Start Point Lighthouse which has helped guide vessels past treacherous waters for 150 years or more. Watch the offshore reefs blow up the wash water and the distant sails of yachts on the horizon. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and porpoises breaching the sparkling swells and grey seals bobbing between the rocks. The Skerries Bank attracts shoals of sand eels, rays, crabs, and a host of marine life which inhabit the reefs and sunken dunes. Expect amazing mackerel skies when you walk these remote headlands come sunset and dusk, best enjoyed with a cold beer or flask of hot chocolate.

If you’ve enjoyed reading Mr Toad’s South Devon sunset watching guide, why not also take a look at his blog about the area’s beautiful secret beaches. Start planning your South Devon getaways when you book a stay with Toad Hall Cottage.