Bovisand Beach
A secluded, family-friendly sandy cove near Plymouth, offering clear waters, rocky cliffs, and stunning coastal path views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning sunsets
Bovisand Beach
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning sunsets
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded, family-friendly sandy cove near Plymouth, offering clear waters, rocky cliffs, and stunning coastal path views.
"This beach is soo beautiful! I didn’t want to leave! #triptoplymouth #beach"
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early in summer to secure a spot and avoid higher fees. :parking:
🥾 Access the Beach
Use the gentler eastern slope if mobility is a concern; western access has steep steps. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sandy Cove
Main beach area
A beautiful, sheltered sandy cove perfect for sunbathing and relaxing by the clear, calm water.
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Rocky Cliffs & Tide Pools
Edges of the beach
Explore fascinating tide pools and dramatic rocky cliffs, offering a glimpse into marine life.
South West Coast Path Views
Clifftop paths
Enjoy picturesque coastal views and stunning sunset walks along the renowned South West Coast Path.
Snorkeling Spot
Eastern edge of the beach
Discover kelp forests and marine life in this surprisingly good spot for snorkeling.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Facilities & Picnics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early in summer to secure a spot and avoid higher fees. :parking:
🥾 Access the Beach
Use the gentler eastern slope if mobility is a concern; western access has steep steps. :athletic_shoe:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Limited facilities mean a picnic is ideal for a full day of beach enjoyment. :sandwich:
🤿 Snorkel Ready
The eastern side offers good snorkeling with kelp forests. :scuba-dive:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early in summer to secure a spot and avoid higher fees. :parking:
🥾 Access the Beach
Use the gentler eastern slope if mobility is a concern; western access has steep steps. :athletic_shoe:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Limited facilities mean a picnic is ideal for a full day of beach enjoyment. :sandwich:
🤿 Snorkel Ready
The eastern side offers good snorkeling with kelp forests. :scuba-dive:
📸 Sunset Views
The beach is renowned for its beautiful sunset vistas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bovisand Beach is praised for its beautiful, sheltered sandy cove and clear waters, making it ideal for families and relaxation. Visitors appreciate the picturesque coastal views and the opportunity for walks along the South West Coast Path. However, some find the parking fees and steep access steps inconvenient, and the lack of direct beach facilities is noted.
"Beach is sandy but it’s not a great beach for either fishing or surfing. This is a good beach for fires and sunbathing however in the summer the car park does cost money and i’m guessing it will get very busy. Not a great beach but not bad either"
will swan
"Stunning cove at Bovisand. Sadly you can't park in the holiday park behind the beach, which feels a little mean of them and would be a definite revenue generator for them, but I guess they are protecting the privacy of their residents. Access is easier from the Bovisand (eastern side) down a gently sloping path. Its a steep walk down from the car park on the western side. No facilities at the beach, hence the lower rating. Presumably the holiday park wouldn't allow you to use theirs."
Jeremy Holifield
"Bovisand Beach : A Tranquil Coastal Escape In Plymouth 🌊🏖️.
This small beach (accessible by numerous steps), clear waters, stunning cliffs, and a peaceful atmosphere is just a 25-minute drive from Plymouth Hoe.
We visited on a Sunday in July, and to our delight, the beach was incredibly quiet—practically our own private paradise🏖️.
Ideal for families, swimming enthusiasts, nature lovers, and for soaking up the coastal charm along the South West Coast Path.
There’s a charming café nearby, but don’t forget to pack a picnic for a relaxing day out.
Pay & Display parking is available."
Maria Matos Sequeira
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bovisand Beach is a short drive, about 25 minutes, from Plymouth Hoe. Pay & Display parking is available near the top of the beach.
While specific bus routes aren't detailed in social media, driving is the most common method. Check local bus schedules for options to the surrounding area.
There is Pay & Display parking available. It can get busy and costly during the summer months.
Yes, parking is on a Pay & Display basis, especially during the summer.
Access from the western car park involves steep steps. The eastern side offers a gentler, sloping path.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no direct entrance fee for Bovisand Beach itself, but parking fees apply.
Bovisand Beach is a natural public space and is generally accessible at all times. Parking facilities may have specific hours.
Unfortunately, you cannot use the facilities at the holiday park behind the beach, as they are for residents.
Toilets are typically located at the top by the car park, near the cafe and shop.
No, Bovisand Beach is a public beach and does not require pre-booking for general access.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Bovisand Beach is great for sunbathing, swimming, walking, and exploring tide pools. It's also a good spot for fires.
Yes, it's considered family-friendly due to its sheltered sandy cove and calm waters.
It's not considered a great beach for fishing or surfing.
The water is described as clear, calm, and beautiful, making it suitable for swimming.
Yes, Bovisand Beach is part of the South West Coast Path, offering scenic walks with coastal views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a charming cafe and shop located near the car park at the top of the beach.
Yes, Bovisand Beach is noted as a good beach for fires.
The cafe near the car park offers refreshments. For more options, you might need to travel back towards Plymouth.
Given the limited facilities directly on the beach, packing a picnic is highly recommended for a relaxing day out.
While specific menus aren't detailed, cafes near beaches typically offer snacks, light meals, and drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hour, especially during sunset, offers stunning light and picturesque views.
The sandy cove, dramatic cliffs, tide pools, and the coastal path views are all highly photogenic.
The combination of the sheltered cove, rocky outcrops, and the expansive sea views provides unique photographic potential.
Drone regulations vary; always check local bylaws and airspace restrictions before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery, while a macro lens can be useful for tide pools.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While facilities are limited directly on the beach, the nearby cafe and shop provide convenient options for snacks and drinks. Packing a picnic is a great way to ensure everyone stays fueled for a full day of fun. Exploring the tide pools at low tide can also be an exciting educational activity for curious kids.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Nature Lovers
+1Beyond the main path, the rocky cliffs surrounding the beach are perfect for exploration. At low tide, the tide pools reveal a miniature world of marine life, offering a chance for close observation and photography. The natural beauty of the area makes it a haven for nature lovers seeking tranquility and picturesque landscapes.
📸 Photographers
+1For those interested in detail, the tide pools offer fantastic macro photography subjects. The combination of the sea, sand, and rugged coastline provides a diverse range of shots, from sweeping landscapes to intricate natural details.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Bovisand Beach: A Coastal Gem
+2For those who enjoy a bit more adventure, Bovisand Beach is also a surprisingly good spot for snorkeling, with Redditors mentioning notable kelp forests to explore. The beach is also situated along the South West Coast Path, offering opportunities for invigorating walks with stunning sea views, especially during sunset.
While the beach itself offers natural beauty, it's important to note the access and facilities. Parking is available via Pay & Display and can get busy and costly in summer. Access to the beach involves steep steps from the western car park, though a gentler slope is available from the eastern side. There are limited facilities directly on the beach, so packing a picnic is highly recommended, though a charming cafe and shop are located nearby.
Best Times to Visit Bovisand Beach
If you're a fan of dramatic scenery and photography, the summer evenings are particularly magical. The beach is renowned for its stunning sunset views, casting a warm, golden glow over the cove. This is a perfect time for a leisurely stroll or to simply sit and enjoy the coastal panorama.
+1Even outside of the summer season, Bovisand Beach offers its own unique charm. Winter days provide an invigorating experience for those who enjoy bracing coastal walks along the South West Coast Path. The dramatic skies and fewer visitors can make for a truly atmospheric visit.
Snorkeling and Marine Life at Bovisand
When planning your snorkeling adventure, consider visiting during low tide to best explore the tide pools that form along the rocky edges of the beach. These pools can reveal a fascinating array of small marine life, from anemones to small fish. Remember to wear appropriate footwear for navigating the rocky areas and consider bringing a mask and snorkel to fully appreciate the underwater environment.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit