Challaborough in 360º

Enjoy a 360 virtual tour of Challaborough a picturesque sandy cove sat in the shadow of Bigbury-On-Sea looking out over the iconic Burgh Island.

Location/Facts Potential Hazards History Accommodation Things To Do Where To Eat & Drink Getting Around Getting There Helpful Tips Weather Water Quality Sunrise & Sunset Tide Times Destinations

As a Blue Flag beach Challaborough has all the facilities you would expect including a shop, cafe, toilets and a seasonal lifeguard service. From either car park you have pretty much a flat walk to the beach itself, a distance which is only really a few metres. The only downside is the car parks are small, so you may have to park in Bigbury and walk the Coastal Path back. The drive down is narrow, so long vehicles or trailers wouldn’t be recommended.

The water quality is very good, the beach’s shape and sand banks help to create some good swells, making it popular with surfers and bodyboarders. There’s a second bay just around the corner. Affectionately named by the locals ‘Fairy Land’, this is accessed by climbing over the rocks on the western side. But be aware, that if you choose to venture out there you will suddenly be very much on your own and at risk of tidal cut off. It maybe best to explore in a group in case you need help.

The surrounding countryside around here is stunning and offers a number of walking routes to explore along the South West Coast Path. To the south east is Bigbury Beach and Bantham Beach which are overlooked by Burgh Island. The island is accessible at low tide by a strip of sand, but when it comes to high tide you’ll need to use the sea tractor. The coastal path to the west is quite steep leading you to Ayrmer Cove.

If you pass Ayrmer cove and walk onto Wyscombe Beach follow the stream inland and you will arrive in a completely deserted picturesque valley, with pools, trees and the calmness of nature.

Location/Facts

Challaborough is a village in the District of South Hams on the south coast of Devon, UK popular for surfing. 16 miles from Plymouth

The beach is divided by a small stream that runs from the valley down into the sea that forms the boundary between the parishes of Ringmore and Bigbury.
Refreshments in holiday season and beach shop (50m), toilets (100m), and cash machine at holiday park.
Small boats can be launched from the private slipway.

Potential Hazards

Strong undercurrents
Tidal cut-off
Large breaking waves

History

On a map dated 1805 a fishery is shown (although the name Challaborough does not appear on the maps until late.

Accommodation

There isn’t a lot to choose from being a small place, there’s a couple holiday cottages or the holiday park.

Airbnb, more likely the nearest will be in Bantham or Aveton Gifford.
Camping, Nearby at Challaborough Bay Holiday Park from £34 a night. Chapelcombe Farm £18 per pitch per night.
Hostel, No hostels in the area.
Holiday Cottages, Challadene or Beachdown.
Hotel, Burgh Island Hotel but can be a little pricey from £330+ a night.

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Things To Do

This is one of South Devon’s best locations for windsurfing and canoeing. There are some spectacular coastal walks, and a golf course nearby.

Bantham
Bigbury-On-Sea
Bodyboarding
Burgh Island
Paddle boarding
Rock pooling
South West Coastal Path
Surfing

Where To Eat & Drink

The Oyster Shack
Pilchard Inn (14th-century smugglers haunt. Open 11:00-22:30)
Venus Cafe
Fryer Tucks fish and chips. Great fish and chips at the back Challaborough Beach.
The Waterfront Bar and Restaurant that overlooks the beach.

Getting Around

The beach is accessed by a small number of concrete steps in the middle or via a ramp at the northern end of the beach. Disabled access around the beach is usually very good.

In the winter the sand sometimes shifts below the level of the disabled beach access.

Getting There

S W Coast Path, Challaborough, Beach, Kingsbridge TQ7 4HU.

Bus, 875 from Plymouth, 1hr 20.
Car, There is small privately-owned car park for around 20 cars available at a cost of £5 a day. Report to the holiday park’s reception to pay.
Walking, walk the coastal path with the stunning views on a sunny day. (Don’t forget the sunscreen). It’s a short walk, albeit steep, walk from Bigbury.

Tip: If the car park is full, park in nearby Bigbury and walk fifteen minutes to the beach.

Tip: The drive down to Challaborough is narrow, long vehicles or trailers are not recommended

Helpful Tips

The drive down to Challaborough is narrow, long vehicles or trailers are not recommended
If the car park is full, park in nearby Bigbury and walk fifteen minutes to the beach.
There is a steep coastal path walk that leads to Ayrmer Cove to the West and Bigbury on Sea just around the corner to the East.
Winter is the optimum time of year for surfing here
In winter the sand sometimes shifts below the level of the disabled beach access.
Lifeguards are present during May to September, 10:00 – 18:00.
Dog ban 1st May to 30th September.
Beware of strong undercurrents.
Small boats can be launched from the private slipway
Be aware of the seagulls if your outside with food.
Public toilets in the holiday camp opposite reception.
Slipway owned by Challaborough Bay Holiday Park with barrier to control access.
Beach Type: Sand & rock
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