Whether it's a winter sunset with the brightest colours, or a lingering summer evening sunset you're craving, these spots will deliver!
Ayrmer Cove
A lesser visited spot on the South Coast which provides a beautiful sunset back drop. My favourite time to come here is May and into June when the sea pinks line the cliff tops with their beautiful pink flowers. To get here, you'll want to drive to the pretty village of Ringmore, and park in the Ayrmer Cove National Trust car park. It's then probably a 15 minute walk down to the beach. If you can manage probably the shortest steepest climb up the cliff path (it's my nemesis) then watching the sunset from the top here really is spectacular as you have the rolling hills and beach in front of you. If you fancy a great dinner afterwards then be sure to pop in to The Journey's End pub, a real local favourite.
Bantham Beach
Bantham is a classic! One of Devon's most beautiful beaches is the perfect place to relax with friends and watch the sun go down. The scene is stunningly beautiful with the beach backed by grassy dunes, and the sun sets behind the iconic Burgh Island, one of the regions most famous landmarks.
Just bear in mind that from May to September, dogs aren't allowed on the main area of the beach, just on the estuary beach to the side. If you fancy a drink or get peckish afterwards, then The Sloop Inn in the village is a cosy traditional pub that serves something for everyone.
Hope Cove
Another gem along the South Coast is Hope Cove. Watch as the sun sets over the water from one of the two beaches, or take a walk up to Bolt Tail, a rocky outcrop which overlooks this coastline and where you can pretty much see all the way to Plymouth. You won't be short of places to carry on the evening with either The Cove, The Hope and Anchor or The Lobster Pods offering great options to enjoy dinner and watch the sun go down.
Woolacombe
A sunset from Woolacombe is a special experience. This wide and sandy 3 mile beach is a beauty in the day, but once the sky starts lighting up with it's varying hues of pinks, oranges and red, it really transforms. If the tide is out, you'll often see these colours reflected in the wet sand which makes for a beautiful scene. If you want the best vantage point, head up to Mariner's Drive behind the sand dunes. Also, make sure you don't miss an authentic Sri Lankan dinner from the Barricane Beach Cafe just next door to Woolacombe. The food is delicious!
Exmouth
Some of the most beautiful sunsets I've seen in Devon have been from Exmouth Beach. The reflections on the water of the orange sky is something to behold. Enjoy a walk along the two miles of golden sand or take the boat out and pay a visit to the River Exe Cafe. Having a drink and delicious dinner on a floating restaurant, watching the sun go down is not an experience you'll forget in a while.
Sheepstor, Dartmoor
It's hard to find a better view on the moors than you'll get from the top of Sheepstor. You have amazing 360° views overlooking Burrator Reservoir, across to Sharpitor and Leather Tor, and even all the way to Plymouth Sound on a clear day.
You can park at Burrator Reservoir, or you there are spaces for a few cars below the tor itself. If you can park here, then it's a short but fairly steep walk to the top. Once you get there though, you will be thoroughly rewarded so get ready to soak up the best view on Dartmoor.
Valley of the Rocks, Exmoor
Sunset is without doubt one of the best times to visit the unique landscape that is Valley of the Rocks in Exmoor National Park. This dramatic section of coastline is known for its resident goats which have been populating the valley for hundreds of years. You can park in the valley itself and do a loop around the rocks, or climb to the top of them, lay down a blanket and watch the sun set over the ocean in front of you.
Brentor Church, Dartmoor
I absolutely love this location on the moors! You will often see the silhouette of St Michael's Church atop Brent Tor from miles around, but to actually walk up this spot itself and watch the golden light set over the far reaching views of the moorland is pretty special. There is a car park below the church, just across the road so it's a very short walk to reach the church itself, albeit it quite steep, as it is on the top of a tor after all!
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