Beaches in Devon

Saunton Sands

Saunton Sands beach is a photogenic masterpiece, the large tidal range makes for a vast sandy beach perfect for a number of seaside sports, including surfing, kite & windsurfing, and even cycling if you have the right tyres. The short stretch of road that looks over the beach, known as millionaires row, offers stunning views reaching as far as Westward Ho!. The beach is also dog friendly so you can bring your pup when staying at one of our dog friendly cottages in North Devon. The restaurant above Saunton Sands has outstanding views through the gap in the sand dunes as visitors sit out on the balcony. Two surf schools co-exist on the beach, and equipment hire is available at the shop, so whatever your needs you should be covered. A cafe and beach shop will supply ice cream, as well as hot and cold drinks, so whatever the weather this beach is well equipped. 

Woolacombe

As you drive down the hill into Woolacombe you’ll be met by the stunning views of Woolacombe Bay. With each corner more of the beach begins to open up, welcoming you in. At one end of the beach you’ll find Woolacombe and the other Putsborough, both are great surf spots and host a number of glorious walks in any direction. It is no wonder Woolacombe is home to a number of holiday cottages and welcomes thousands of tourists each year. In the warm summer season Woolacombe beach has a number of ice cream trucks and a cafe at the beach slipway, as well as a number of pubs, bars and cafes in the village. A surf school can be found on the slipway and if the beach gets too much you can enjoy a round of crazy golf in the village centre. 

Croyde 

Though the smallest of our favourite beaches, Croyde Bay is no less beautiful or powerful. Hidden behind hills, Croyde is a secret only for those lucky enough to see it. Despite the water being enticing, the rip currents can be dangerous, so be sure to stay within the safety of the flags that are set up by the onsite lifeguard team. A number of surf schools operate in Croyde to train all levels of ability and have you surfing like one of the locals. When the tides are right you can go coasteering around Baggy Point or paddleboard/canoe your way around the headland. 

Walks from Croyde are easily found with footpaths available across the beach, up the hill overlooking Saunton, over to Putsborough or Woolacombe or through the village.

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Bantham Beach

On the south coast, overlooking Bigbury and Burgh Island, Bantham Beach is a privately owned beach which fits in well with the surrounding the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The family friendly beach has cafe, toilets and surf schools/ hire on hand to get you safely out in the water. Dog friendly for part of the year, this beach has a 5 star water quality rating and a Marine Conservation Award further adding to the reason to visit this stunning beach. 

Beer Beach

The picturesque beach in Beer is a protected stretch of beauty, the colour fishing boats on the shore are an ‘Insta’ worthy photo. Located on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, Beer Beach is a family friendly place with parking and toilets nearby and plenty of bars and restaurants in the villages to help you relax after a long day. The Jubilee Gardens were built above the bay to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and offer beautiful views out to sea.

Westward Ho!

You’ll find both stone and sand at Westward Ho! beach depending on the tides, as this beach holds yet another large tidal range. Lifeguards patrol Westward Ho! in the summer months as there are a number of rip tides here, which can become dangerous in some conditions. Great for surfing, this beach is also dog friendly all year round, between May and September dogs are only allowed at the northern end to make sure they aren't stealing too many sausages from tourists' bbq's. Close to a number of pubs and restaurants as well as holiday homes, Westward Ho! Beach is perfectly located for a great day trip.

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