Mill Bay, a picturesque cove in the South Hams region of Devon, boasts a stunning shoreline of golden sand and crystal-clear waters. The bay's excellent water quality, consistently rated by the Environment Agency, makes it an ideal destination for swimmers and beachgoers alike. During the summer months, the water temperature at Mill Bay typically ranges from 18-20°C, perfect for a refreshing dip.
Hand-picked holiday cottages & coastal retreats near Mill Bay (South Hams) & surrounds
Rural Retreats
From £468
Nos Da (Welsh for “good night”) is a beautifully presented contemporary cottage offering the ideal tranquil escape in South Wales’ beautiful countryside and nearby coastline mak...
Cornwall Hideaways
From £560
Nestled within the beautiful Whitehay Estate, The Watermill is a charming country cottage surrounded by 65 acres of lush countryside, farmland, ancient woodland trails and a gen...
Nos Da (Welsh for “good night”) is a beautifully presented contemporary cottage offering the ideal tranquil escape in South Wales’ beautiful countryside and nearby coastline mak...
Dorset Hideaways
From £561
This light, airy barn, has been converted to a very high standard. Situated on a working sheep farm which has its own small scale wool spinning mill, it is just outside the pret...
Dorset Hideaways
From £456
The Coach House is a recently renovated cottage with spacious, attractive and comfortable accommodation for two. Part of Duntish Mill Farm, and surrounded by wonderful countrysi...
The Cwtch provides you with the peace and tranquillity of the countryside, with close proximity to a beautiful coastline and the many attractions that South Wales has to offer i...
Dorset Hideaways
From £331
The Haymow at Duntish Mill Farm is a beautiful couples retreat, carefully furnished with stylish touches throughout, this cosy and contemporary cottage is the perfect place for ...
Rural Retreats
From £713
On the fringe of the beautiful, and much sought after village of Burton Bradstock, you will find The Old Piggeries. With idyllic views of open farmland across the mill stream, a...
The shoreline consists primarily of sand. Sediment type dictates underfoot comfort, wave energy absorption, and the water's clarity when currents stir up the seabed.
Water quality is classified as excellent, meeting the highest cleanliness standards. Bacterial counts (E. coli & Intestinal Enterococci) are consistently low, posing negligible health risks.
This bathing water is generally resilient and has a low risk of quality degradation after heavy summer storm events.
Tested weekly by the Environment Agency England for bacteria levels (E. coli & Intestinal Enterococci) between May and September.
Monitored as a coastal beach. Coastal beaches are subject to tidal flows and marine dilution, whereas inland lakes/rivers suffer from low water circulation, meaning bacteria can linger longer.
South West Water Limited is the regional utility responsible for waste water treatment, sewage infrastructure, and storm overflow management in this catchment area.
Officially designated as a protected bathing water site in 1988. This designation mandates regular public health monitoring.
Governed under local district sanitation and environmental safety regulations in the South Hams area.