Start Point, South Hams, Devon
Start Point, Devon
Coastal reserve
Place photograph
6.7
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Paid
Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.7A sharply projecting Devon headland ends at a lighthouse that has guided vessels along the English Channel for more than 150 years.
Start Point earns its place for the combination of an exposed, sea-facing headland, a dramatic walk to its lighthouse and access to the South West Coast Path. The appeal is the landscape and the feeling of reaching the end of the point—not an assumed lighthouse tour, which depends on opening dates.
Dramatic · Wild · Big-sky
Find your way
Open mapStart Point, South Hams, Devon
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Walk out to Start Point Lighthouse for the defining view of the headland and sea, then return the same way or continue exploring the South West Coast Path if you have checked the route and conditions. Lighthouse tours are available on selected dates; verify before setting out.
Things to do
Walk to Start Point Lighthouse
Follow the approach from the car park to the lighthouse at the end of the headland. The walk is described as available year-round; confirm conditions and any current restrictions.
About 1–2 hours
Continue along the South West Coast Path
The coastal path follows this stretch, with routes described towards Beesands and Torcross or towards East Prawle and Salcombe. Check maps, conditions and transport before choosing a longer walk.
Look out for seabirds and marine wildlife
The local tourism source mentions seabirds and birds of prey, and says seals or dolphins may sometimes be seen offshore. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
Check for a lighthouse tour
Guided tours are available on some dates. Check the lighthouse website for current opening dates and tour times before making plans.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1–2 hours
Quick Escape: walk to the lighthouse
- 01
Start from Start Point car park; confirm current charges and arrangements.
- 02
Walk down to Start Point Lighthouse and take in the exposed headland and coastal views.
- 03
Return to the car park. Check lighthouse tour dates separately if you want to go inside.
Verified history
Start Point Lighthouse stands at the end of the headland and, according to the supplied local tourism source, has guided vessels travelling along the English Channel for more than 150 years. The supplied sources do not provide a founding date or further verified historical detail.
Hidden details
The headland’s maritime position — The lighthouse is sited at the very end of the exposed point, looking out over the sea passage it was built to guide.
When to go
· A clear, calm day; sunrise is suggested by a supplied source, but weather and visibility determine the experience.
The walk is described as possible throughout the year. The supplied sources do not substantiate a particular seasonal wildlife peak or best month.
This is an exposed coastal headland. Check the forecast and local conditions before setting out; the supplied sources do not specify safe wind or sea-state thresholds.
Worth pairing with
South West Coast Path towards Beesands and Torcross
A worthwhile extension for walkers who have checked distance, conditions and transport; the source identifies this as a direction for coastal walks from Start Point.
South West Coast Path towards East Prawle and Salcombe
Another named direction for a longer coastal walk. Check route details and transport before planning it as a pairing.
What to look for
- 01
Notice how the headland narrows towards the lighthouse and how the open sea frames the end of the point. Look out to sea for seabirds
- 02
seals or dolphins are possible, not guaranteed.
The story
Maritime
Best time to go
Any time of year for the walk; check lighthouse tour dates separately.
Choose a clear, calm day for the coastal views. Sunrise is promoted as a scenic time by one supplied source, but conditions and visibility vary.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Couples · Wildlife lovers
Before you go
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The approach to Start Point Lighthouse is described as walkable throughout the year. The South West Coast Path follows this stretch of coast. Check current parking charges and lighthouse tour dates before travelling.
Check before visiting
Parking
Start Point car park is described as open every day of the year; charges are seasonal. Confirm current charges and arrangements before visiting.
Toilets
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs are welcome in the car park; keep them on a lead and clear up after them. Check current rules for the route and any lighthouse visit.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The sources describe a walk between the car park and lighthouse but do not establish step-free access or path conditions. Check before visiting if access requirements are important.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Water
Sea
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Start Point, Devon
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
