Wembury Beach
Wembury Beach is a long sandy shore in South Hams on the south coast of England with soft sand and gentle waves. The shoreline opens to a wide view of the sea and the offshore Great Mewstone island, a rocky outcrop that serves as a bird sanctuary, while the water stays shallow enough for families with children.
Wembury was used by humans in prehistoric times, as shown by Mesolithic flint tools and Roman coins found near the coast. The nearby Mewstone island has a turbulent past as a prison and smugglers' refuge, with legends about inmates carving steps into the rock.
Wembury Beach is valued by the local community as a gathering place for families and residents, especially during summer months. The shore serves as a spot for simple outdoor pleasures such as picnicking, walking, and rock pool exploration, where visitors can experience the local connection to the sea and the natural rhythm of coastal life.
The beach is easy to reach by car with on-site parking that accepts app payments, and buses connect the area to Plymouth. Note that there are no lifeguards, water use is at your own risk, and dogs are not allowed from May to September, though toilets and a cafe are nearby.
The offshore Great Mewstone island once served as a prison, and legend tells of an inmate named Sam Wakeman who carved steps into the rock to climb the island - these steps remain visible today. The beach is also known for basking sharks that swim in the shallow waters during summer, surprising visitors who do not expect such large sea creatures.
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