Wild Swimming at Elberry Cove, South Devon: A Hidden Coastal Gem

If you’re looking for a stunning wild swimming spot in South Devon, Elberry Cove is a must-visit. Nestled along the coastline near Broadsands Beach, this secluded cove often offers crystal-clear waters, historical intrigue, and a peaceful setting—perfect for open water swimmers, cold water dippers, and anyone seeking a refreshing dip in nature.

Watch the video below to see Tam and Mama Swim explore this swim spot:

Swim Kit Featured:

Swimsuit - Zone3 Ti+ OWS Long Sleeve Swimsuit

Swim Shoes - Fourth Element Rock Hoppers

Tow Float - Ultimate Floats 28L 

With its calm waters and rich history, Elberry Cove is not just a great place for a swim but also a fascinating destination linked to Agatha Christie, one of the world’s most famous authors.

Where is Elberry Cove?

📍 Location: Elberry Cove, South Devon

🏞 Nearest Car Park: Broadsands Beach

🚶 Walk to Cove: 1 mile (easy coastal walk)

🏊 Best for: Wild swimming, cold water dips, open water swimming

Elberry Cove is located between Paignton and Brixham and is accessible via a scenic one-mile walk from Broadsands Beach. Unlike some of Devon’s more well-known beaches, this cove remains a hidden gem, offering a peaceful escape from the crowds.

 

Why Wild Swimmers Love Elberry Cove

1. Crystal-Clear Waters for Open Water Swimming (Sometimes)

Elberry Cove is a shingle beach, which means the water stays clear and clean, making it a dream spot for open water swimmers. Unlike sandy beaches where visibility can be affected by stirred-up sediment, this cove often offers beautifully transparent waters, perfect for a serene swim.

* Note - when we visited it there had been some recent storms which affected the visibility sadly, we can't wait to return again to swim in clearer waters!

2. Mostly Calm Conditions

Unlike some more exposed areas along the South Devon coast, Elberry Cove is often sheltered from strong waves. However, as always, be mindful of changing conditions and check the weather and sea conditions / any currents before heading out.

3. A Fascinating Link to Agatha Christie

Did you know that Agatha Christie spent time at Elberry Cove as a child? This tranquil cove is close to Greenway House, the famous writer’s holiday home. The cove’s mysterious, ivy-covered ruins at the far end of the beach only add to its intrigue—it’s easy to see how this inspiring landscape might have influenced the queen of crime fiction.

 

4. A Scenic Walk to the Cove

Part of the magic of Elberry Cove is getting there. The one-mile coastal walk from Broadsands Beach takes you through stunning coastal scenery, making the swim even more rewarding when you arrive.

5. A Quieter Alternative to Nearby Beaches

While nearby Broadsands Beach is popular with families, Elberry Cove remains a hidden gem. It’s the perfect spot for swimmers looking to escape the crowds and enjoy the raw beauty of South Devon’s coastline.

 

Swimming at Elberry Cove – What to Expect

🌊 Water Conditions: Mostly calm, but always check tide and weather and currents before swimming.

🐟 Marine Life: Keep an eye out for fish and other sea creatures in the clear waters. It is home to the largest sea grass meadows in South Devon.

🪨 Beach Type: A shingle beach, which means no sand getting everywhere, but consider wearing hard soled swim shoes for comfort.

We love the Fourth Element Rock Hoppers for swimming here.

 

Wild Swimming Safety Tips for Elberry Cove

While Elberry Cove is generally a calm and safe place to swim, always follow these open water swimming safety tips:

✔ Swim with a buddy – Never swim alone, or at least have someone watching you swim

✔ Wear a bright tow float and swim hat – Helps you stay visible to boats and other water users.

✔ Acclimatise to the water – Cold water swimming requires gradual adaptation, so enter slowly.

✔ Be aware of changing conditions – Always check tide and weather and currents before swimming.

 

Final Thoughts: Is Elberry Cove Worth a Visit?

Absolutely! Whether you’re a wild swimmer, open water swimmer, or just love the idea of a peaceful cold water dip, Elberry Cove is one of South Devon’s best hidden gems. Its (mostly!) clear water, sheltered conditions, fascinating history, and stunning coastal surroundings make it a must-visit for anyone who loves swimming in nature.

So next time you’re in Devon, grab your swim kit, enjoy the scenic walk, and dive into the refreshing waters of Elberry Cove!