With rising costs, you’ll be likely looking for cheap or free things to do while in Devon this summer. Luckily with the abundance of outdoor areas, free attractions and fun things to do, it’s something that is quite easy to do. One of our favourite activities that won’t break the bank is rockpooling, so here are our favourite spots to discover interesting sea creatures without having to pay any entry fees.
For the uninitiated, rockpooling is a quintessential British pastime, all you need to do is turn up on a beach and see what you can find! Of course, just remember to leave the site as you found it and to return any critters back to their homes. There are a host of spots perfect for rockpooling, so no matter where you are, there will be somewhere but here are some of our favourite spots.
Lee Bay
Located between Ilfracombe and Woolacombe in North Devon, this sheltered cove is full of pools where you can find a host of interesting creatures including sponges and anemones. It’s fairly rocky, so make sure you have sensible shoes on and go careful as it can get slippery.
Sandy Bay
This spot in Exmouth is a privately owned beach but is open to the public. There are plenty of places along the mile and a half length of coastline where you can find pools full of little crabs and other creatures.
Jacob’s Ladder Beach
As this beach is along the Jurassic Coast, you can also find some fun fossils in the pools as well as creatures that look like they should be prehistoric. Located in Sidmouth, this beach is accessible either via a Victorian style staircase leading up to a historical garden or via the footpaths from the town beach.
Ness Cove Beach
In South Devon you’ll find a host of beautiful beaches, including this hidden gem near Torquay. Initially it was a smuggler’s beach so there are lots of little shelters, caves and hidden sections where pools form, making it one of the best places for rockpooling. Not only that, but getting there is an adventure in itself – you can only get there via a former smuggler’s tunnel!
Will you be going rockpooling this summer? We’d love to see what you discover, you can send photos to us via Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Just make sure to pay attention to any signage at the beaches as there maybe areas that are unsafe or restricted, especially if you plan to bring your dogs with you.
Looking for more free or cheap things to do while in Devon? Click here
