Beaches in North Devon

North Devon’s beaches are some of the largest, unspoilt and memorable in the UK.

Because many of the beaches in this part of Devon fall under an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, they offer up stunning scenery and enjoyable days out all year around. If you’re someone that enjoys long walks on golden sand, dramatic cliff faces, clear blue water and the perfect conditions for getting on a surf board, these are the beaches for you.

Award-winning beaches

A number of the coastal resorts in North Devon continuously win awards for their cleanliness among other things. These beaches are highlighted by the iconic blue flag symbols, making them a wonderful place to visit during your trip to North Devon.

Alongside the photogenic and award winning Woolacombe, Saunton Sands and world-famous Croyde beaches, there are many others that are postcard perfect found in plain view or hidden amongst the dramatic North Devon coastline, so whether you want to join in with the family friendly fun on one of the larger beaches or go somewhere a little more secluded off the beaten track, you’ll find the perfect spot for your coastal excursion.  

Dog friendly

Several of the beaches in North Devon welcome dogs onto the sand all year around, while others have designated areas for pups to play and a few more have restrictions during certain months of the year. As a rule though, this is one of the most dog friendly areas of Devon, with beaches like Saunton Sands and the one at Instow welcoming dogs all year around, which is lucky really, both beaches have sand dunes and we all know that dogs love exploring the dunes and digging in the golden sand.

Watersports galore

North Devon is famous for being the surfing capital of the UK and with the ideal conditions for a whole range of watersports, the beaches are the ideal spot for anyone who wants to get involved. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there are plenty of organisations and businesses dotted all along the sea front offering everything from training sessions to guided tours to equipment hire, so you can really get challenge yourself. Croyde Bay is the most famous surfing beach and is hugely popular with watersport enthusiasts, but some of the waves can be a bit big for the inexperienced. For those of you who aren’t particularly confident, test the waters by heading to Woolacombe’s beach, Putsborough Beach is another good choice for beginners or casual suffers, it’s sheltered environment means that the waves aren’t as wild as those in other parts of Devon.

If walking and simply enjoying the scenery is more your thing, the beaches in North Devon are daisy chained together by the South West Coast Path offering breathtaking views for mile after mile.

Plus, there are a wealth of traditional pubs, cafes and restaurants all along the coast that provide a place to relax in after a day in the sun! When it comes to beaches, no one doubts that North Devon leads the way in quality and quantity!

So, whether you’re looking for a great day out with the family or are looking for an adventure, North Devon beaches tick all the right boxes. With most beaches easily accessed by car and with plenty of nearby hotels, North Devon is perfect for anyone looking for a coastal holiday.