Thurlestone, Kingsbridge, Devon
Not that long ago Thurlestone was a sleepy hamlet on the South Devon coast; in more recent times word has spread about how beautiful it is here and its popularity has grown to the extent that this is now a village with a sizeable hotel and a favoured golf course. Having said that, Thurlestone is still a peaceful place where charming thatched cottages line the small streets and the community is thriving; there’s a village shop and post office, a welcoming pub and a Grade II listed church.
There are two sand and shingle beaches at Thurlestone; the main one has an unusual rock arch just off the shore and is great for bathing and rockpooling, both are good for watersports like kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkelling when the waters are calm. When conditions are right, it’s a good surfing spot. Like all the beaches along this part of the South Coast there is steep shelving and as you get further out the rip tides can be very strong, so that’s something you need to be aware of. Stick to a short swim or a paddle and you’ll be fine.
The point about Thurlestone is that it still doesn’t pull huge crowds and long may it be so, because it’s great to find places like this. It’s more for quiet enjoyment, not one for the crowds and the hullaballoo. Go and discover, take a picnic but take your rubbish home with you and if you take your dog make sure you pick up its poo. Those are the rules.
Thurlestone beach is dog friendly year round. Note there are no loos at the beach.
All information correct at the time of writing