Bantham Beach is part of the south Devon coast at the mouth of the River Avon, two miles east of Bigbury. Together with Bigbury, it forms the most consistent south-coast surf venue in Devon, with a stronger wave shape than its neighbour thanks to the river-mouth sand bar configuration.
What to expect
A beach break that works on a clean south-westerly swell. The wave has more shape than Bigbury — locals consider it the better wave when both work. Mid tide on a clean small-to-medium swell is the sweet spot. Big swells (over 6ft) close out the bay. The river mouth creates a clean inside section at the western end that occasionally produces longer rides.
Practical notes
Variable season — south-coast swells are less frequent than north coast. Wetsuit: 4/3 winter, 3/2 summer. The Bantham village pub (the Sloop Inn) is a fixture of the post-surf scene. Bantham House and the village beach huts give holiday-let accommodation; Salcombe and Kingsbridge are 20 minutes for more options. Parking on the beach access (small fee). Combine with a South Hams walk or a Burgh Island visit.
Train, parking, drive…
- Train
- Totnes (GWR), then bus 93 to Salcombe and connection to Bantham (~1h)
- Parking
- Bantham village car park, pay-and-display, fills quickly
- Postcode
- TQ7 3AN
- Drive
- ~3h45 from London, ~1h from Plymouth
- Car-free?
- Drive-only practically
Transport details are best-effort and worth double-checking on the day — rural buses and station services change with the timetable.
If you’ve got an extra day…
- Bigbury Beach Surfing next door
- South West Coast Path Hike between Bantham and Bigbury
- Pint at the Sloop Inn
Plan it yourself.
The most authoritative sources we know of for this break — routes, conditions, governing bodies and operators. Open in a new tab.
