Crownhill Bay
There are actually two beaches at Crownhill Bay, on the South Devon coast. Both southwest-facing, the northernmost beach is mainly sand with a few rocks whilst the southern beach is coarser with shingle and rock. There are excellent views across Plymouth Sound to the Breakwater, Mount Edgcumbe and Rame Head in Southeast Cornwall.
The northern beach at Crownhill Bay is also known as Sandy Parlour and lies below the Bovisand holiday park. Access is down 92 steep steps and involves a scramble over the rocks at the bottom.
Facilities include a beach shop selling body boards and wetsuits, a café and fish and chip shop. There is a public telephone and public conveniences are located in the car park - about 100 metres from the beach.
Crownhill Bay belongs to the Plymouth Sound Shores and Cliffs Geological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) - The bedrock here is part of the Meadfoot Group - consisting of slate, siltstone and sandstone. The beach lies within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and also the Plymouth Sound and Estuaries Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
A seasonal dog ban operates here meaning that dogs are not permitted on the beach at any time of day between 1st May and 30th September inclusive.
Facilities
✔ Sandy beach
✔ Cafe, shop or pub
✔ Interesting geology
✘ Seasonal dog ban
✔ Parking
✔ Telephone
✔ Toilets
OS Explorer Map OL20: South Devon
This map is part of the Ordnance Survey's Explorer series designed to replace the old Pathfinder map series. At 1:25,000 scale this detailed map shows a host of attractions including gardens which are open to the public, nature reserves and country parks as well as all official footpaths, bridleways, roads and lanes. Other facilities covered include: camping and caravan sites, picnic areas and viewpoints, selected places of interest, rights of way information for England and Wales, National Trail and Recreational Path routes, and selected tourist information. The series is aimed mainly at the experienced map user but can be used by tourists and locals alike.
Local area
Local Accommodation
Cottages
There is a great choice of cottages for rent in the local area. Take a look at the beautiful cottages in Plymouth, Plympton, Modbury and Kingston.
Holiday Parks
Stay at a nearby Holiday Park and keep the kids amused all day! Parks in the vicinity include those at:
Hotels
Plenty of hotels are available locally. Consider those in the local towns:
Caravans
In the vicinity is a choice of camping and caravan sites offering high quality, affordable holiday accommodation. Consider camps in Dartmoor, Kingsbridge, Tavistock and Newton Abbot.
Nearby Attractions
There's plenty more to explore in this area, too! Find more attractions and things to do nearby:
Plymouth
Yelverton
Ivybridge
Buckland Monachorum