Eldean WalterIf you’re longing to escape the bustle of modern life, Devon offers some of the most peaceful coastal retreats in England. With its winding country lanes, soft sandy beaches, and time-forgotten fishing villages, this county is a haven for serenity seekers. While popular seaside resorts like Torquay and Exmouth draw large crowds, there’s a quieter side to Devon that promises tranquility, slow living, and soul-soothing scenery. From hidden coves to harbourside hamlets, this guide explores the top Quiet Seaside Towns in Devon for a Peaceful Getaway. Whether you’re craving a solo coastal retreat, a romantic weekend, or a digital detox, these 20 handpicked destinations offer the perfect blend of charm, calm, and coastal beauty.
Top 20 Quiet Seaside Towns in Devon for a Peaceful Getaway
1. Beer
Tucked between steep limestone cliffs, Beer is a picturesque fishing village that has preserved its tranquil charm. The pebbled beach is perfect for a quiet walk, and you’ll often see fishing boats bobbing in the bay. Wander through narrow streets lined with whitewashed cottages and enjoy a pint at a local pub without the crowd. Visit Pecorama Gardens for coastal views or take a peaceful stroll along the South West Coast Path. For a calm afternoon, watch the fishermen haul in their daily catch or visit the ancient Beer Quarry Caves.
How to Get There: Drive via the A3052 from Exeter (approx. 50 minutes). Alternatively, take a train to Axminster, then a 20-minute taxi ride.
2. Branscombe
Branscombe is one of the oldest villages in Devon and boasts an unspoiled shingle beach backed by towering cliffs. This quiet seaside town is ideal for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. The village features charming thatched cottages, a historic forge, and an old bakery. Walk from the beach up to the National Trust tearoom or explore the scenic trails along the Jurassic Coast. The atmosphere here is slow and deeply relaxing—perfect for recharging.
How to Get There: From Exeter, follow the A3052 to Seaton, then take the Branscombe road. It’s around a 1-hour drive.
3. Stoke Gabriel
Located on the banks of the River Dart, Stoke Gabriel offers a peaceful waterside experience unlike typical seaside resorts. Though not directly on the sea, its estuary setting brings calm tides, swaying boats, and lush surroundings. Crabbing on the quay is a favourite local pastime, and the village is full of cozy tea rooms and scenic spots to unwind. It’s an excellent alternative to the busier Dart estuary towns like Dartmouth.
How to Get There: Drive from Totnes (about 15 minutes). The nearest train station is Totnes, then take a taxi or bus.
4. Lynmouth
This quaint coastal town, nestled at the bottom of steep cliffs, is paired with its twin village Lynton above. Lynmouth’s riverside walks, stone cottages, and quiet harbour make it one of the best Quiet Seaside Towns in Devon for a Peaceful Getaway. The famous cliff railway connects the two villages and offers stunning views of the Exmoor coastline. Ideal for nature lovers, Lynmouth is surrounded by beautiful woodlands and coastal trails.
How to Get There: From Barnstaple, take the A39 (approx. 40 minutes). Public transport is limited, so driving is recommended.
5. Instow
Overlooking the Taw and Torridge Estuary, Instow is known for its wide sandy beach and relaxed pace of life. With pastel-painted houses lining the shore and boats moored offshore, the village feels like a peaceful painting. It’s dog-friendly and ideal for quiet beach strolls. Watch the sunset from the beachfront pubs or explore the Tarka Trail by bike or on foot.
How to Get There: Take the A39 from Barnstaple or Bideford. Nearest train station: Barnstaple, then 20 minutes by bus or taxi.
6. Hope Cove
Hope Cove is a hidden gem on the South Devon coast, consisting of two small beaches and a cluster of charming cottages. Far removed from noisy crowds, this peaceful town offers unspoiled views, rock pools, and gentle surf. Spend your days reading on the sand or hiking the cliffs of the South West Coast Path. The local inns and seafood restaurants serve up deliciously fresh fare.
How to Get There: From Kingsbridge, follow signs for Malborough and then Hope Cove (approx. 20 minutes).
7. Appledore
This former shipbuilding town has a unique character and is one of North Devon’s best-kept secrets. With its narrow lanes, art galleries, and colourful houses, Appledore has a bohemian, peaceful vibe. Watch fishing boats return at sunset, enjoy fresh fish and chips by the quay, or explore the local craft shops. It’s a restful destination that retains an authentic maritime soul.
How to Get There: Drive from Bideford via the A386 and B3236 (approx. 15 minutes). Public buses are also available from Bideford.
8. Bigbury-on-Sea
Bigbury-on-Sea is famed for its sandy beach and Burgh Island, which is accessible by foot at low tide or sea tractor when the tide comes in. Despite this novelty, it remains surprisingly quiet. The shallow waters and broad sands are perfect for a laid-back family day. Nearby cliff walks provide panoramic sea views, and the beach is popular with paddleboarders and kayakers.
How to Get There: From Plymouth, take the A379 and follow signs to Bigbury (approx. 1 hour).
9. Combe Martin
Located on the edge of Exmoor National Park, Combe Martin is a peaceful village that combines sea and woodland charm. It boasts a quiet cove with rock pools, cliffs, and kayaking opportunities. Nature lovers will appreciate the wildlife and walking paths in nearby Exmoor. It’s a fantastic destination for a secluded seaside retreat.
How to Get There: Drive from Barnstaple via the A39 and A399 (approx. 40 minutes).
10.Croyde (off-season)
Though Croyde can be busy during summer surfing season, visit in spring or autumn and you’ll find a tranquil haven. The golden beach is backed by sand dunes and rolling fields. Walkers and photographers love the peaceful clifftop hikes, especially around Baggy Point. The village has a slow, surf-town vibe with cozy cafés and local markets.
How to Get There: From Braunton, follow the B3231 to Croyde (approx. 15 minutes). Best visited by car.
11. Shaldon
Shaldon is a hidden treasure nestled across the River Teign from Teignmouth. This serene village features a small sandy beach, colourful beach huts, and a peaceful botanical garden. Locals fish quietly from the shore, and ferries gently bob along the water. It’s ideal for slow-paced days spent wandering, sipping tea at waterside cafés, and enjoying the sound of the tide. The Ness Headland provides lovely sea views and walking paths.
How to Get There: Drive via the A379 from Exeter or take the train to Teignmouth and cross by passenger ferry.
12. Slapton Sands
Slapton Sands, paired with the peaceful village of Slapton, offers an unusual combination of a long shingle beach and a freshwater nature reserve. It’s an excellent destination for birdwatchers, photographers, and solitude seekers. The coastline stretches for miles and is rarely crowded. Inland, the village is home to thatched cottages and rustic pubs. It’s tranquil, scenic, and steeped in World War II history.
How to Get There: Drive from Dartmouth along the A379 (approx. 25 minutes). Bus routes are limited.
13. Challaborough
Tucked away on the South Hams coastline, Challaborough offers a calm crescent-shaped bay that feels untouched by time. Popular with local families and walkers, it’s far less commercial than nearby Bigbury. The sheltered waters are perfect for gentle swimming and paddleboarding. The South West Coast Path offers breathtaking views over Burgh Island and Bantham.
How to Get There: From Kingsbridge, take the B3392 and follow signs for Challaborough (approx. 25 minutes).
14. St Marychurch (Torquay outskirts)
Just north of bustling Torquay, St Marychurch offers a surprising escape from the crowds. With its traditional high street, quiet cliffs, and proximity to the scenic Babbacombe Downs, it blends seaside calm with village charm. The nearby cliffside railway and beach at Oddicombe Bay provide quiet spots to relax and admire the scenery.
How to Get There: Take the A379 into Torquay, then follow signs for Babbacombe/St Marychurch. Local buses also run from Torquay.
15. Woody Bay
Woody Bay is a secluded coastal retreat set against the wild backdrop of Exmoor. With no commercial development and access only by narrow country lanes, it’s a true escape into nature. There’s a tiny pebbled beach, hidden waterfall trails, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. The peacefulness is only broken by birdsong and the crash of waves.
How to Get There: Drive from Lynton along the A39 and follow signs toward Woody Bay. Expect narrow, winding lanes—best suited for confident drivers.
16. Bantham
Bantham offers one of South Devon’s most unspoiled beaches. Though loved by surfers, it remains a peaceful location for sunbathers, walkers, and sea gazers. The surrounding village is small, quiet, and well-preserved, with a great pub and panoramic river views. Low tide reveals tidal pools and sandbanks perfect for exploring.
How to Get There: From Kingsbridge, take the A379 and follow signs for Bantham (approx. 20 minutes). Limited public transport options.
17. Porlock Weir
Although technically just outside Devon in Somerset, Porlock Weir sits so close to the border that it earns a place on any West Country coastal list. This tiny harbour town is full of old-world charm. With its ancient sea wall, stone buildings, and driftwood-strewn beach, it feels like a step back in time. Peaceful, secluded, and surrounded by green hills, it’s perfect for writing, painting, or unwinding.
How to Get There: Drive from Lynmouth via A39 (approx. 30 minutes). Best accessed by car.
18. Westward Ho! (off-peak)
While Westward Ho! can be lively in peak season, it becomes a tranquil haven in spring and autumn. Its two-mile-long beach offers space to breathe, and the nearby Northam Burrows Country Park is perfect for quiet nature walks. The small town has a gentle atmosphere, ideal for slow holidays and beachcombing.
How to Get There: Drive via the A39 from Bideford (approx. 15 minutes). Bus routes also connect from Barnstaple and Bideford.
19. Torcross
Torcross is a peaceful beachfront village located at the southern end of Slapton Sands. It’s known for its WWII history and the serene Slapton Ley nature reserve behind it. The beach is long and spacious, perfect for quiet contemplation or reading. With just a few pubs and guesthouses, it avoids tourist overload and offers a truly relaxing escape.
How to Get There: From Kingsbridge, take the A379 towards Dartmouth. Torcross is well-signposted and easy to access by car.
20. Lee Bay
Lee Bay is one of North Devon’s best-kept secrets. With its rocky cove, hidden beach paths, and dramatic cliffs, it offers a sense of discovery. The nearby Valley of Rocks provides epic coastal walks with views over the sea. It’s quiet, romantic, and wrapped in nature—perfect for a digital detox or writer’s retreat.
How to Get There: From Ilfracombe, drive west through narrow country lanes (approx. 15 minutes). Best accessed by car.
Reasons Why They Are the Quiet Seaside Towns in Devon for a Peaceful Getaway
1. Low Tourist Footfall
Unlike major Devon resorts such as Torquay or Exmouth, these towns attract fewer tourists year-round. This means quieter streets, empty beaches, and a slower, more intimate pace of life that enhances your peaceful getaway experience.
2. Limited Commercialization
Most of these towns have retained their original character. With fewer large hotels, chain stores, or amusements, the villages offer authentic local charm, allowing visitors to fully relax without the distractions of over-tourism.
3. Natural Surroundings
Each town is nestled amidst Devon’s natural beauty—whether that’s rolling countryside, serene estuaries, dramatic cliffs, or shingle beaches. Nature dominates the landscape, making them ideal for restful walks and meditative views.
4. Small, Close-Knit Communities
These towns often consist of just a few streets or cottages, with local-run pubs, family shops, and welcoming residents. The community vibe is strong, quiet, and respectful, adding to the tranquil environment.
5. Protected Status & Conservation Areas
Many of the towns lie within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or conservation zones, limiting noisy development and helping preserve their peaceful, undisturbed nature for generations to come.
6. Traffic-Calmed or Car-Free Zones
With narrow lanes and limited parking, most villages discourage heavy traffic. This creates a quieter atmosphere, free of noisy vehicles and congestion—perfect for strolling and simply listening to the waves.
7. Off-the-Beaten-Path Locations
These towns are not easily stumbled upon—they often require a deliberate visit via narrow countryside roads. Their remoteness keeps them off mainstream travel itineraries, ensuring they remain peaceful hideaways.
Benefits of Visiting These Quiet Seaside Towns in Devon for a Peaceful Getaway
1. True Mental Relaxation
With no hustle or urban stress, these towns offer an ideal setting to recharge mentally. The serene surroundings, gentle sea breeze, and soft crashing waves naturally lower anxiety and invite mindfulness.
2. Ideal for Romantic Retreats
Whether it’s sunset at Hope Cove or a morning stroll along Slapton Sands, these towns are perfect for couples seeking privacy, beauty, and uninterrupted quality time away from distractions.
3. Digital Detox Opportunities
Many of these villages have limited mobile signal and minimal Wi-Fi coverage, encouraging visitors to unplug from their devices and reconnect with themselves or loved ones in a meaningful way.
4. Abundant Nature & Wildlife
From estuary birds in Instow to cliff-top foxgloves in Combe Martin, these quiet towns offer access to Devon’s raw natural beauty. Great for birdwatching, coastal hikes, or photography enthusiasts.
5. Health & Wellness
Fresh sea air, peaceful walking trails, and reduced noise pollution all contribute to physical and mental well-being. A few days here can feel more rejuvenating than a week in a busy city.
6. Creative Inspiration
Writers, painters, and photographers often seek out quiet locations for inspiration. These towns’ charming cottages, rugged coastlines, and misty harbours provide the perfect backdrop for creative reflection.
7. Support for Local Economy
Visiting these under-the-radar towns allows you to support small local businesses—family-run pubs, local seafood vendors, and traditional artisans—while avoiding the negative impact of over-tourism.
Conclusion
The magic of Devon lies not just in its iconic beaches, but in the hidden corners that offer quiet, authentic escapes from the modern world. These quiet seaside towns in Devon for a peaceful getaway provide more than just a holiday—they offer healing, connection, and a return to simplicity. Whether you’re planning a solo retreat, a romantic escape, or just looking to slow down and breathe, these peaceful coastal gems are ready to welcome you. Leave the crowds behind and discover a quieter, more beautiful Devon—one village at a time.