Beach Days: Slapton Sands
Slapton Sands is 3 Miles of shingle beach at the heart of start bay backing on to Slapton Ley with only a road separating the sea water and fresh water is something you have to see whilst holidaying in this area. The best views available are on approach to Slapton from Dartmouth as you come out of the village of Strete.
3 Miles of beach gives plenty of room for those who prefer a bit more personal space. There is room for ballgames, angling, swimming and Kite Flying. The Nature reserve on the opposite side of the road is perfect for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
There are 3 main areas of Slapton Sands.
The Far end of Slapton Beach is Torcross. There is another Pay and Display carpark here. Along with Toilets, Village Shop, Café and Pub. The Start Bay Inn is legendary for its locally caught Jumbo Fish and Chips. The Sea defences that separate the seafront and the beaches make the perfect spot to take in the view and enjoy a drink in the late summer sun. In the carpark at Torcross you will find a bird hide for birdwatching as well as a tank memorial for those who died at Exercise Tiger during World War 2.
The Middle Carpark is opposite the entrance to Slapton Village. This is a Pay and display carpark. There are toilets here as well as an ice cream van during peak periods. Slapton village is a 10 minute walk from the beach where you can find the Queens Arms Pub and the Tower Inn. There also a number of nature walks around the Ley starting from the entrance to the nature reserve 2 minutes into Slapton. It is recommended that dogs are kept on a lead around the Ley especially during nesting season.
Strete Gate is the end nearest to Dartmouth where there is a pay and display carpark, toilets and often a small coffee wagon. From the carpark at Strete Gate you can head to the end of the beach towards Dartmouth **Warning this end is a Nudist Beach**.
Dogs
Allowed year round
Facilities
Toilets at all three areas, shop and cafés at Torcross, seasonal icecream van in middle carpark and at Strete Gate carpark
Parking
3 council carparks, one at each end and one in the middle
Access
Beach acessed via ramp at Torcross, No defined path between middle carpark and beach, carpark on beach level at Strete Gate
Getting There
Driving follow sat nav directions to TQ7 2TQ
Alternately:- From the centre of town make your way up college way, continue past the speed camera, turn left at the mini-roundabout (Signposted Stoke Fleming, Strete) and follow the road through the village of Stoke Fleming continue on this road past Blackpool Sands and then through the village of Strete. Once you have left Strete the road descends to Strete Gate on your immediate Left or continue along Slapton Line for the Middle Carpark and Torcross
From Dittisham
Head out of the village towards the main road. At the Sportsmans Arms turn Right on to the main road and head away from Dartmouth. Follow the road passed garden time and through the wooded patch, after the sharp bent take the left hand turn (signposted Blackawton). Follow the road into Strete Village, you will come out on the coast road facing the Strete Village post office. Turn right here and make your way out of the Village. Once you have left Strete the road descends to Strete Gate on your immediate Left or continue along Slapton Line for the Middle Carpark and Torcross
Bus
From Dartmouth: The 93 runs regularly between Dartmouth and Slapton sands
From Dittisham: There are no busses out of Dittisham. If you can make your way to the main road, you can hop on the x64 from outside the Sportsmans Arms to Dartmouth (Townstall Cresent NE Bound) Cross the road to Yorke Road to pick up the 93 heading for Kingsbridge and hop off at Slapton sands.
