North Devon Beaches
The North Devon coast is known for its dramatic cliffs, wild seas and sandy beaches. The main three below are all great for surfers and families
Woolacombe (also Putsborough)
Saunton Sands
Croyde Bay
Natural features range from biodiverse sand dunes at Braunton Burrows (biggest in Europe) to rocky coves along the South West Coast Path, which spans the coastline.
Dog Friendly Beaches
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to great beach walks with your dog! Below are some of our favourites are Saunton Sands, Putsborough, Crow Point, and Instow.
Seven Hidden Beaches and Coves
Interspersed between the well known surfing beaches are some truly beautiful gems worth a visit.
- Broadsands – Voted “Britain’s Happiest View” in 2018, this gorgeous little cove near Combe Martin is one of the region’s prettiest hidden gems. It’s quite a walk down to the beach from the road – 200+ steps! – but it’s well worth it for the peace and quiet found on the shores. If you’d rather, hire a kayak from Combe Martin and paddle your way around
- Barricane Beach – Tucked between rocks, Barricane Beach, on the outskirts of Woolacombe, harbours exotic shells carried in by the waves from the Caribbean, thousands of miles away. Visit on a fine evening between Easter and September and you may find the café serving its legendary curry to eat on the sand.
- Rockham Beach in Mortehoe, near Woolacombe, is a stunning secluded bay. Although it’s a short walk from the village down to the beach, it’s well worth it for the peace and serenity on offer. Make sure you check the tide times before visiting, as access is restricted at high tide.
- Speke’s Mill – Just north of the Devon/Cornwall border near Hartland lies Speke’s Mill, a tranquil, rocky beach that offers the best of both worlds – a quiet spot to reflect and some of the best surfing waves in North Devon. Make sure you visit the spectacular waterfall – and take your camera!
- Lee Bay – Found in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Lee Bay is a wonderfully secluded spot near the picturesque village of Lee, between Woolacombe and Ilfracombe. Bordered on three sides by rolling Devon countryside, cliffs and hills, the bay looks out onto the Bristol Channel.
- Woody Bay – A fantastic beach for wild swimming, Woody Bay, near Lynton and Lynmouth, sits at the bottom of striking cliffs covered in woodland. Found on the Exmoor coast, there’s a manmade rock pool here, accessible at low tide, while it’s also adjacent to the South West Coast Path, so you can visit while winding your way around the coast.
- Crow Point – One of the prettiest and most peaceful river beaches in the South West, Crow Point. There’s a wreck out in the middle of the beach which makes a perfect photo-op, while if you follow it around you’ll find yourself on Saunton beach
Baggy Point!
The impressive headland at Croyde with crashing waves and dramatic cliffs, separates Croyde Bay and Morte Bay which includes the beaches of Woolacombe and Putsborough.
It’s a spectacular walk with a cafe at either end, what’s not to like!
Curry on the beach?
Uniquely set on Barricane beach (in Woolacombe), this cafe serves it’s famous homemade authentic Sri-Lankan curries from 5.00 pm onwards (check the time of year).
Don’t forget to bring your picnic blanket and a glass of wine, whilst you dine and enjoy a sunset curry meal on the beach.
Where to get more information?
Below are a few links to help you get the information you need to make the most of these amazing beaches!
