Planning a family holiday in North Devon? You're spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches. From vast stretches of golden sand perfect for sandcastle building to sheltered coves ideal for paddling, North Devon is home to some of the best family-friendly beaches in the UK.
Whether you're visiting with toddlers, teenagers or grandparents, there's a beach to suit every family. Here are some of the best North Devon beaches to add to your summer holiday itinerary.
Woolacombe Beach
Often ranked among the best beaches in the UK, Woolacombe Beach is a firm favourite with families.
Stretching for three miles, there is plenty of space for beach games, picnics and building sandcastles, even during the busiest summer days. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards throughout the main season, giving parents extra peace of mind when children are enjoying the water.
The village itself is just a short walk from the beach and offers plenty of family-friendly cafés, restaurants and ice cream shops.
Why Families Love Woolacombe
- Three miles of golden sand
- Lifeguard patrols during summer
- Family-friendly facilities nearby
- Ideal for swimming, paddling and surfing
- Plenty of places to eat and drink
Saunton Sands
For families looking for space, Saunton Sands is hard to beat.
This expansive beach offers miles of soft sand backed by impressive dunes, creating plenty of room for children to run, play and explore. The gentle slope into the sea makes it popular with families, while the wide-open beach rarely feels crowded.
The beach is also perfect for long walks, beach games and introducing children to surfing.
Why Families Love Saunton Sands
- Huge sandy beach with plenty of space
- Great for family walks
- Surf lessons available
- Beautiful scenery and sand dunes
- Lifeguard cover during the summer season
Croyde Bay
Known as one of the UK's top surfing beaches, Croyde Bay is also a fantastic choice for families.
The beach offers a lively atmosphere during summer, with rock pools to explore and plenty of opportunities to try surfing. Older children and teenagers often enjoy taking lessons with one of the local surf schools.
Parents should always follow lifeguard advice and pay attention to beach safety information, as conditions can vary throughout the day.
Why Families Love Croyde Bay
- Great for surfing families
- Rock pools for exploring
- Lifeguarded beach
- Nearby cafés and facilities
- Beautiful coastal scenery
Putsborough Sands
Located at the southern end of Woolacombe Bay, Putsborough Sands offers a slightly quieter alternative while still providing all the ingredients for a fantastic family beach day.
The long sandy beach is ideal for paddling, beach games and family walks. Its more relaxed atmosphere often appeals to families looking to escape some of the larger crowds during peak season.
Why Families Love Putsborough Sands
- Quieter than some neighbouring beaches
- Excellent for paddling and swimming
- Large sandy beach
- Stunning coastal views
- Family-friendly facilities
Combe Martin Beach
If your family enjoys exploring rock pools and discovering marine life, Combe Martin Beach is a must-visit.
This sheltered beach combines sand and shingle with fascinating rock pools that are perfect for young adventurers. Located within the village, it offers easy access to shops, cafés and amenities.
The calm waters can also make it a good option for families with younger children.
Why Families Love Combe Martin Beach
- Excellent rock pooling opportunities
- Sheltered bay
- Close to village facilities
- Great for younger children
- Easy access to local attractions
Hele Bay
Just a short distance from Ilfracombe, Hele Bay is a charming beach that offers a quieter family day out.
The beach is known for its rock pools, coastal scenery and relaxed atmosphere. Families can spend hours exploring the shoreline before stopping at one of the nearby cafés for refreshments.
Why Families Love Hele Bay
- Quiet and peaceful setting
- Fantastic rock pools
- Great for coastal walks
- Close to Ilfracombe
- Ideal for exploring nature
Westward Ho!
With its vast sandy beach and iconic pebble ridge, Westward Ho! is one of North Devon's most popular seaside destinations.
Families will find plenty to keep everyone entertained, from paddling and sandcastle building to nearby amusement arcades and family attractions. The promenade provides an excellent place for a stroll, while the beach itself offers plenty of room to spread out.
Why Families Love Westward Ho!
- Wide sandy beach
- Traditional seaside atmosphere
- Family attractions nearby
- Lifeguard patrols during summer
- Great facilities and parking
Barricane Beach
For families looking for something a little different, Barricane Beach is a hidden gem.
This small cove near Woolacombe is famous for its unusual shells, many of which are thought to have arrived from distant shores. At low tide, children can enjoy exploring the beach and hunting for treasures among the rocks and sand.
During summer evenings, the beach is also known for serving delicious Sri Lankan curry, adding something unique to a family day by the sea.
Why Families Love Barricane Beach
- Unique shell collecting opportunities
- Small, sheltered cove
- Great for exploring at low tide
- Beautiful scenery
- Close to Woolacombe
Tips for a Family Beach Day in North Devon
To make the most of your visit, remember to:
- Check tide times before heading to the beach
- Choose lifeguarded beaches when swimming
- Pack plenty of sunscreen and water
- Bring buckets and nets for rock pooling adventures
- Follow local beach safety advice
- Arrive early during peak summer periods for the best parking options
Plan Your Family Beach Holiday in North Devon
North Devon's coastline offers something for every family, whether you're looking for safe swimming, surfing adventures, rock pooling discoveries or simply a place to relax by the sea.
From the award-winning sands of Woolacombe and Saunton to hidden gems like Barricane and Hele Bay, there's no shortage of incredible beaches to explore this summer. Pack your beach towels, grab the buckets and spades, and get ready to discover why North Devon is one of the UK's favourite family holiday destinations.