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Strete Gate Beach

Devon, England


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Strete Gate Beach, also known as Slapton Sands, is a beautiful beach located in Start Bay, Devon, and forms part of a long stretch of sand and shingle coastline.

Strete Gate Beach is situated at the start of a long, coastal spit that stretches to Torcross and beyond. The beach is a wide, shingle beach with a car park and is known to be a popular spot for nudists during the summer months, particularly at the northern end. Access to the beach is via Slapton.

The beach offers a range of activities, including surfing, windsurfing, and canoeing, and is considered a safe place to swim. The beach is patrolled by RNLI lifeguards during the summer months, and flags are displayed to indicate the best places to swim. A beach front café serves drinks and light snacks, and there are facilities for holidaymakers.

The beach is home to a memorial, the Sherman tank at Slapton Sands, which commemorates the 749 American servicemen who died in ‘Exercise Tiger’ in 1943. Behind the beach lies the Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve, a popular spot for nature lovers to enjoy the wildlife around the freshwater lake.

The South West Coast Path runs directly alongside the beach, offering walkers stunning views of the coastline. The beach is dog-friendly, allowing dogs on the beach throughout the year. There is parking and a bus stop by the Slapton Monument on the sea front, just off Sands Road.

Strete Gate Beach, or Slapton Sands, is situated within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Strete Gate Beach is on the South Devon Heritage Coast, and adjacent to the South West Coast Path.

Sand Shingle

Weather and tides for Sunday 20 July

Tonight
Chance of rain 35%
Min temp. 13°C
(feels like 13°C)
Wind 4mph
Tomorrow (Monday)
Chance of rain 33%
Max temp. 21°C
(feels like 18°C)
Wind 13mph
Max UV Index

The tide at Strete Gate Beach is currently rising. High tide will be at approximately 2:58 AM tomorrow, and the next low tide will be at approximately 9:05 AM tomorrow.

Today's air pollution levels are forecast to be Low

Approximate sea surface temperature:   17.2°C  

Detailed weather and tides »
  • Facilities

    Toilets
  • Popular Activities

    Bird watching Sunbathing Wind surfing
  • Features

    Nature reserve
  • Parking

    Parking available by the beach.

  • Dogs

    Dogs are welcome.

  • Lifeguard

    No lifeguard cover at this beach

  • Water Quality

    Water quality not measured here

    Water quality not measured here

Recommended holiday cottages near Strete Gate Beach

Things to do and see in the area

Blackpool Sands (1.8 miles)
Slapton Sands (2.2 miles)
The Kings Arms (2.9 miles)
Start Point Lighthouse (3.1 miles)
Wistman's Wood (3.8 miles)
Dartmouth Castle (4.3 miles)
Dartmouth Yacht Club (4.4 miles)
Paddle Steamer Kingswear Castle (4.4 miles)
Dart Harbour (4.4 miles)
Greenway Ferry & River Boat Cruises (4.5 miles)

All distances are approximate

Other beaches nearby

Location: Strete

Location type: Village

OS Grid: SX835455

County: Devon

Country: England

Local Authority: South Hams

Parish: Strete

Nearest postcode: TQ6 0RR

(for sat-nav purposes only, a beach does not have a postal address!)

Important! Beach information is compiled from a variety of different sources and is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of compilation. However, information may be incorrectly supplied by our sources or go out of date after publication. BritishBeaches.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy of any information on this page.

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Visitor information for Strete Gate Beach, Devon, England. Weather, tides, visitor comments, beach facilities, photos, nearest postcode, beach information and nearby accommodation.

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18.97.14.83 Sun, 20 Jul 2025 21:00:29 +0100