Slapton Sands
Charming pebble beach with history
Category

Beach

Age requirement

All ages

Message from Dani Leat

Slapton Sands is a charming coastal spot located in the South Hams district of Devon, England. Despite its name, this beach isn't your typical sandy paradise; instead, it boasts smooth pebbles of various sizes. It's a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering stunning views of the sea and a peaceful atmosphere. The beach is also known for its historical significance, as it was the site of Exercise Tiger during World War II. Today, visitors can explore the area, relax on the pebbles, or take a dip in the refreshing waters. So, if you're looking for a unique beach experience with a touch of history, Slapton Sands is definitely worth a visit!

Slapton Sands Beach, located in the charming village of Slapton in Devon, England, is a pretty impressive beach. It stretches over two miles from Strete Gate to Torcross and the drive along Slapton Sands, with Slapton Ley the other side of the road has to be my favourite drive in Devon, especially at sunrise.

This area has been through a lot, the towns of Torcross and Hallsands have been beaten by storms and evacuated a number of times over the years, with the latter now being deserted. In 1943, the beach was taken over by the allied forces to use as a rehearsal area for the D-Day Landings. Unfortunately, a combination of live ammunition and poor visibility resulted in the deaths of 749 American servicemen. You can visit a stone monument which was set in place on Slapton Sands to commemorate the ill-fated ‘Operation Tiger’, along with a Sherman Tank at nearby Torcross.

Whether you’re looking for a beach with crystal clear waters and plenty of room to get away from crowds, or you like a bit of local history, Slapton Sands is well worth a visit.