St Mary's Bay (Devon)

A small, secluded sand-and-shingle cove between Berry Head and Sharkham Point on the South West Coast Path near Brixham, reached down a steep path — no lifeguards, no facilities.

Beach & safety

Water quality: Excellent

Lifeguard: None — unmanned beach

Hazards: Sheltered position gives generally calm water, but there is no lifeguard cover and the approach path is steep with some steps.

Dogs

Official source: View the rule at source →

Family

Attractive, sheltered cove, but the steep path down from the Sharkham Point car park makes it harder going for young children, buggies or anyone with reduced mobility.

Fishing

Shingle and sand in the bay support bass, flatfish and night species, while rocky ends add pollack, wrasse and summer pelagics. The secluded access makes conservative weather and tide planning essential.

Species reported: Bass, Pollack, Pouting, Whiting, Plaice, Lesser-spotted dogfish, Mackerel, Ballan wrasse

Crabbing

unknown — No safe family line-crabbing edge was verified.

Access & parking

Pay-and-display car park at Sharkham Point, then a path and steep steps down to the beach. Sat-nav: TQ5 9SW. Get directions →