Hartland Abbey & Gardens

See details of our Covid-19 procedures here. A day out at Hartland Abbey, a stately home in a…

Dining at The Royal & Fortescue Hotel

At the Royal & Fortescue Hotel, you have the choice between elegant dining in the Lord Fortescue…

Birchill Farm & Cottages

Set in idyllic North Devon countryside, Birchill Farm & Cottages sits amongst 8 acres of green…

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.

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Watermouth Bay

Ilfracombe

Watermouth cove offers a very sheltered secluded harbour shielded by the natural breakwater of Sexton's Burrows as well as picture-perfect views.
This has created an…
Woolacombe Beach

Woolacombe

Woolacombe is one of the finest beaches in the West Country, and it is easy to see why it has won numerous awards. It’s a big favourite with families and surfers attracting…
Westward Ho! Beach

Bideford

Westward Ho! is a beach geared up to cater for every tourist's needs. With seaside shops, toilets and a range of food outlets, Westward Ho! is a popular family beach.
…
Lynmouth Beach

Lynmouth

Image Credit - Jill Turner

Surrounded by the spectacular wooded hills of Exmoor National Park Lynmouth offers some of the best cliff top drives and walks around…
Combe Martin Beach

Ilfracombe

Image credit - Lindsay Derbyshire

A large area of sand set in Combe Martin a small resort town located at the western edge of the Exmoor National Park is the home…
Braunton Burrows

Braunton

Braunton Burrows, is one of the largest sand dune systems in the British Isles. At the heart of the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) it is a UNESCO…
Putsborough Sands

Georgeham, Braunton

Three miles of golden sands stretching north towards Woolacombe and Morte Point and south towards Baggy Point make up Putsborough.
It is one of the finest delightful…
Combesgate Beach

Woolacombe

Combesgate is a lovely secluded beach located approximately 600 metres north of Woolacombe beach with some attractive rock pools ideal for children to explore.
Access…
Bucks Mills Beach

Nr Clovelly

Bucks Mills is a rocky secluded cove at the bottom end of the picturesque village. It is quite popular for fishing but limited access means it is quiet most of the time.
Croyde Beach

Braunton

Croyde Bay is a sandy beach backed by sand dunes and situated in a small bay on the North Devon Coast.
Croyde Bay is very popular with swimmers more experienced surfers…
Barricane Beach

Woolacombe

Barricane is a picturesque cove tucked in between the rocks, famous for cowries and other exotic sea shells.
Local folklore says that these shells have travelled off the…
Wild Pear Beach

Ilfracombe

After completing the testing and steep walk of approximately 2kms you are free to enjoy what is a wonderfully quiet and peaceful little beach. The rocky beach protected from…
Rockham Beach (Mortehoe)

Woolacombe

A small secluded bay with good rock pools is a good way to describe Mortehoe.
The sandy rocky beach comprises of the perfect combination for some fabulous hidden rock…
Wildersmouth Beach

Ilfracombe

This ancient cove was a popular bay for smugglers. High sided cliffs drop down to a small rocky bay with shingle and sand. This bay is sheltered and peaceful.
Saunton Sands

Saunton

A key component of North Devon's golden coast, Saunton Sands is a long straight sandy beach backed by the impressive Braunton Burrows a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This is a…
Instow Beach

Bideford

A wheelchair accessible sandy beach set where the Torridge River meets the Taw estuary. This is an attractive area and has always been popular with artists.
There is…
Lee Bay Beach

Ilfracombe

Image credit - Linda Thompson

This wonderfully secluded beach regarded by some as 'the jewel in the crown of Lee' is located 2 miles West of Ilfracombe a…

Don't miss

Saunton Beach

Beaches in North Devon

Award-winning beaches

Dog friendly

Watersports galore

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