It's no secret that South Devon is home to several incredible beaches, including Bansum, who won a legitimate location in the UK at the Times 50 Best Beaches in 2025. Located at the point where the Avon River meets Bigbury Bay, Bansam's beach has roots dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze eras, evidence of the arch order that exchanges Romantic ports at Bansamham's Romantic Port.
Even with its unique history and charming appearance, Bansum is more than just a beach. It is a year-round heaven for locals, a summer favorite for visitors and offers something for everyone who loves the coast. It's easy to see why it has excellent water quality and golden dunes. This is meticulously maintained by privately managed Bansam real estate. However, there are two things that really stand out about this Devon gem.
Whether you're a surfer, a family looking for a safe swimming with a lifeguard cover, or a dog pedestrian looking for a more scenic route this summer, Bansum offers.
Located in the Southham district near Big Berry-On Sea and Thirlstone, the beach has ample onsite parking and tidy sidewalks through the grassy dunes. Watersports School's onsite offers lessons and rentals, making it easier for beginners and enthusiasts to get stuck on surfing, paddleboarding and more.
The Bansum is fully equipped to the ocean for a day with toilets, food and coffee vans and charming local pubs with charming local pubs that are immediately strolling. Everything you need is nearby and you don't feel like the beach is over-competing.
But what really sets Bansam apart from Blue Flag Status and the Marine Conservation Society awards is two outstanding features, including a view from Big Berry on Sea at the mouth of the Avon Estuary.
Looking out from the beach you will find a wide panorama of the mouth of the Avon River, with the iconic Berg Island sitting right next to the Bigbury coast.
Big Berry is home to pastel buildings and is surrounded by pale sand, but Berg Island is famous for its connections to the iconic Aert Deco Hotel and the novel by Agatha Christie.
This is a view that changes with the tide, with the seemingly floating island appearing to be high tide, and there is a dirt road that has moved by a sea tractor transporting guests to Berg Island at low tide.
Bansum Beach is the perfect perspective, and water lovers can experience the same sight up close while surfing, swimming and bodyboarding.
There is a step between Bansum's impressive golden dunes and a quiet corner of the harbor.
The port is a hidden entrance with small yachts and working boats floating near the lawn bank. You can find the quay by walking along the path from the top of the car park to the opening at Bansam Beach, behind the dune ridge.
At low tide, the estuary reveals many birds, in addition to winding streams and muddy.
It is in stark contrast to the vast beaches, full of people enjoying the sand and the ocean on a summer day.
But that's another thing about Bansum. Even when you're very busy, you can find serene slices to enjoy the impressive views along the sandy coast.
Or you can view the coastal roads. A popular option is the Bansum to Tharlstone Circular Walk. This is a medium 3.2-mile (5.2 km) trek along the southwest west coastal road, offering a glimpse of coastal views and monkey cottages.
