PLYMOUTH BEACHES – plymouthbeachclean

PLYMOUTH BEACHES

Want to escape the city life and visit a beach for a while?

Planning your next beach trip for a swim and a barbecue?

Whatever your reasons are I have written this Plymouth Beaches Guide for you!

BOVISAND BEACH

Our favourite Plymouth Beach has got to be Bovisand located nearest to Plymstock. It’s just a short drive from Plymouth City Centre, you can catch the ferry from Barbican to Mount Batten and walk there, or during peak months you can catch a bus ride. How ever you travel it is worth it for this beautiful sandy beach.

It’s perfect for swimming, snorkelling, paddleboading, bbqs, walking the dog and just generally sitting and watching the waves. Just remember the north end has steps to the beach, the south end a ramp.

Local Facilities
Toilets – Public toilets are located in Crownhill Bay (Southern Car Park)
Phone Coverage – Limited mobile signal on the beach, a public phone located in Crownhill Bay (Southern Car Park)
Shelter – In an emergency, limited shelter is available in the cafe/toilet area
Bins – Litter bins and dog bins are provided on the beach

Dogs
Dogs are not allowed on the beach May 1st to September 30th

Access to the Beach
Access is via 60 uneven and occasionally steep steps down a sandy path
Alternative access from Crownhill Bay car park down the coast path, through the kissing gate and over the small wooden boardwalk
Disabled access down to the beach is not possible

Parking

Private owned car parks are located either side of the beach both charge
Northern Car Park charges apply 24/7
– Summer Tariff (1 Apr to 30 Sep) = 1 hour is £1, 2 hours £2, 3 hours £3
– Winter Tariff (1 Oct to 31 Mar) = 1 hour 50p, 2 hours £1, 3 hours £1.50

MOUNT BATTEN BEACH

If you want somewhere to watch all the boats in the sound then this is the location for you.

This beach is perfect for rockpooling, there’s free parking at all times, dogs are allowed all year and there is a pub nearby!

Local Facilities
Accessible by Water Taxi from the Barbican or local buses
Toilets – Cafe opposite beach has toilets to use during opening hours
Toilets also found north of Mount Batten Point near the carparks
Phone Coverage – Good Coverage
Shelter – Nearby Pubs/Cafes
Bins – Litter bins are provided along the waterfront

Dogs
Dogs allowed all year

Access to the Beach
Path alongside road leads to 15 steps down to the beach

Parking
Large free car park with overflow just north of the beach
Another car park near Mount Batten Pier
Also, plenty free on road parking along the beach

FIRESTONE BAY

For views of Cornwall, Drake’s Island and the River Tamar head to Firestone Bay. The beach here is more pebbles than sand but you are rewarded with beautiful sea views. There’s a tide pool here for dipping your toes in and easy access to Royal William Yard.

It’s perfect for a late stroll after eating out at Royal William Yard, or for setting off on a paddle around Drake’s Island.

Local Facilities
Toilets – Unknown
Phone Coverage – Good
Shelter – No shelter
Bins – Bins near the path and car park

Dogs
No known restrictions

Access to the Beach
Access is by 25/30 steps, with handrails, to the beach

Parking
Large free car park, around 100 spaces
Nearby paid parking at Royal William Yard

TEATS HILL BEACH

This little beach offers an alternate view of Sutton Harbour. Just a stones throw away from the Barbican.

It’s perfect for seaglass hunting!

Local Facilities
Toilets – No Public Toilets, nearest over the bridge on the Barbican
Phone Coverage – Good
Shelter – No shelter
Bins – Some public bins around the area

Dogs
No known restrictions

Access to the Beach
Slipway for pedestrians only and a handful of steps

Parking
Multi-storey car park nearby and on road parking which is free at certain times

Notes
This beach normally has lots of glass so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and take care on the beach

HOE WATERFRONT BEACHES

The Hoe is such a fantastic location for Plymouth and at low tide there are a couple beaches available. You can watch the boats and submarines come in, look out for dolphins and seals (regularly spotted) and even visit a lighthouse.

It’s perfect for visiting after going to the Barbican Chip shops, just watch out for pesky seagulls!

Local Facilities
Toilets – Public toilets on the Hoe
Phone Coverage – Good Coverage
Shelter – Underpaths near Tinside Lido
Bins – Litter bins are provided along the waterfront

Dogs
Dogs allowed all year on the foreshore

Access to the Beach
Lots of sloping paths and steps along the waterfront
Not suitable for wheelchair access to Tinside Beach

Parking
On Street parking around the Hoe Waterfront
Charges: Mon-Sun 8am-6pm
Car Parks situated near the Barbican

JENNYCLIFF BEACH

CURRENTLY CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

It’s perfect for snorkelling, looking for fish in the seagrass and seaweed.

Local Facilities
Toilets – There are public toilets in the car park
Phone Coverage – There is full mobile signal on the beach and cliff areas, and an emergency phone in the car park.
Shelter – In an emergency, there is limited shelter in the café and toilet area adjacent to the car park.
Bins – Litter bins and dog bins are provided on the green space and carpark

Dogs
Dogs allowed all year

Access to the Beach
Access is via 60 steep steps down a narrow path onto the beach
Disabled access down to the beach is not possible

Parking
A public car park is located 200m up from the beach
There are 150 car spaces, but no caravans or trailers allowed
Charges: Car parking is free all year round

RIVER PLYM

Just off the busy road into Plymouth City Centre is the embankment of the River Plym. Be careful here it can get rather muddy near the waters edge when the tide is out.

It’s perfect for walking the dog as there is a green space here too.

Local Facilities
Toilets – None
Phone Coverage – Great
Shelter – None
Bins – Located in the Carpark

Dogs
No known restritions

Access to the Beach
Public Transport – Buses to Embankment Road
Flat path from Car Park to Embankment