Coastguards Beach, Erme Estuary

BeachSouth Hams District Council🐾 Dog-friendly all year

Small estuary-mouth beach beside Mothecombe on the Flete Estate, reached along the Erme foreshore; a 2025 EA 'Poor' rating reflects known sewage/agricultural run-off issues in this stretch of the estuary.

📍 View on the map

Beach & safety

Water quality: Poor

Lifeguard: No lifeguard cover

Hazards: Poor bathing water classification (2025) - elevated E. coli; Estuary currents at the river mouth; Cut off by tide from Mothecombe at high water

Amenities: Car park at Mothecombe (fee, Flete Estate) · No toilets/shop at Coastguards itself

Dogs

Secondary sources report dogs are welcome year-round at Coastguards Beach, in contrast to neighbouring Mothecombe Beach which bans dogs 1 May-30 September. No official South Hams PSPO schedule naming Coastguards specifically was locatable to confirm this at 'official' confidence.

Unofficial source: View the supporting source →Not an authority; check current signage.

Family

Attractive small beach but tidal access and the 2025 'Poor' water-quality rating make it a less reassuring swim spot for families than nearby Mothecombe.

Fishing

No adequate exact source was found for species, tactics, access permission or safe tide stages. Do not import Bantham, Mothecombe or Bigbury Bay claims.

Crabbing

not recommended

Access & parking

On foot from the Mothecombe car park, along the estuary foreshore; tide-dependent. Sat-nav: PL8 1JT. Get directions →

Researched 2026-07-24 — sources & disclaimer

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bathing-waters-in-england-compliance-reports/bathing-water-classifications-2025

https://ermeriver.org/coast-guards-update/

https://www.southhams-today.co.uk/news/environment-agency-rates-south-hams-beaches-best-and-worst-revealed-914342

https://environment.data.gov.uk/def/bathing-water-profile/BathingWaterProfile/instance.xhtml?_metadata=all&_page=0&_sort=-workingWithPartnersStatement%2C-signMeasuresSummary%2C-zoiDescription%2C-historyStatement%2C-interval&_view=description

https://www.thegooddogguide.com/devon/holbeton/dog-friendly-beaches/coastguards-beach/25131

Rules and conditions change, so always check current signage and tides before you go. We do our best to keep this accurate but can't promise it's error-free.