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Though it only lasts for about 50 miles, the North Devon coast is wonderfully varied, with segments of stark, rugged coastline and other areas that feel positively tropical. So, whatever type of beach experience you are looking for, whether it is wild swimming, dog walking, surfing, or letting the kids run free, North Devon has it.
But with so many beautiful beaches, it can be hard to know where to begin. That’s why we have put together a list of the best beaches in North Devon to suit every kind of beachgoer. While we’ve included popular beaches and secret beaches alike, we’ve focused on ones that are less well-known but are, in our opinion, some of the most alluring spots on the North Devon coastline.
Everyone knows about Woolacombe Sands and Combe Martin, but in our opinion, there are many beaches in North Devon that surpass these in beauty and charm. Some are secluded and some are more popular, but all are idyllic spots to spend the day in the sea and sun!
1. Barricane Beach
The quieter and more secluded cousin of Woolacombe Beach, Barricane Beach is located on the outskirts of Woolacombe near Tavistock, one of the best places to live in Devon.
Nestled between huge dramatic rocks, Barricane feels like a secluded beach, but it’s still conveniently close to Woolacombe’s bars and restaurants. Plus, it’s fantastic for rock pooling and beach combing, and you might even find some perfect cowrie shells washed up all the way from the Caribbean.
Make sure to check out the beloved Sri Lankan Curry shack that makes the beach more crowded at supper time than it is during the day!
2. Broadsands Beach
For even more peace and quiet, hit up Broadsands Beach near Combe Martin. With its beautifully lush cliff sides and views of the unfolding coastline, Broadsands feels like your own private tropical paradise. Its seclusion can be attributed to its lack of signage and the 240 steps required to reach the beach.
Also, this beautiful beach is among the top spots for wild swimming in the UK! Commit to getting a leg workout on the way back, or skip the steps and hire a kayak from Combe Martin and add to the sense of adventure!
3. Saunton Sands
Consisting of over three miles of golden sand, Saunton Sands is the perfect beach for families and dog walkers. The gentle surf makes it a great spot for beginner surfers and boogie boarders, and because it’s so long, you’ll always be able to find space for your umbrella.
The beach is backed by a huge and glorious range of natural sand dunes, which has been named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to the diversity of flora growing there.
The dunes are a fantastic place for kids to explore but do warn them to be gentle with the plants.
4. Croyde Beach
If you like the safety and lively atmosphere of a more popular beach, Croyde Beach is one of the best ones to go for. It’s a haven for surfers, families and holidaymakers of all kinds, boasting some of the best surf in Devon as well as safe and lifeguard-patrolled swimming areas.
Croyde Beach is also well-equipped with toilets, cafes and even a nearby playground for the kids. And with multiple swimming, paddling and sunbathing areas, including a stream bisecting the beach and some huge rock pools, there’s enough here to keep you occupied all day!
Check out our guide to the best secluded beaches in the UK if you’re all for a quiet time at the beach.
5. Putsborough Beach
Along with Saunton Sands, Putsborough Beach is one of two of North Devon’s beaches that are dog-friendly year-round, as well as a great spot for beginner wave riders. Made up of three miles of sandy shoreline emerging from Woolacombe Sands, it’s also another quieter alternative to the bustling Woolacombe.
The southern point of Putsborough Beach is sheltered by the Baggy Point peninsula, which provides welcome protection from the wind, creates a calm bay for swimming and makes for an epic view!
If you get tired of lolling about, you can stretch your legs on the lovely one-hour walk along the coastal path that cuts down through the dunes and returns along the beach.
6. Sandy Cove
Tucked away in a hidden corner of Lee Bay, the tiny secret beach of Sandy Cove feels like a pirate haunt of yesteryear. Rising up from the beach, you’ll find mysterious rocky caves, then dramatic cliffs topped by the rolling Devon countryside, which all make for a breathtaking effect. This rocky beach is accessible via the coast path from some steep steps or Lee Bay at low tide.
As it’s a sheltered beach, it is a fantastic spot for wild swimming, even with kids, and you may even see some seals frolicking in the waves! While the attractions in Plymouth and more popular Devon spots like Exeter have a lot going for them, in my opinion, they can’t beat a quiet beach full of natural beauty and visited by flippered friends.
7. Rockham Bay
A short walk down the southwest coast path from Mortehoe Village near Woolacombe Beach is Rockham Bay, a stunning, secluded cove completely missed by the summer crowds. Due to jagged rocks and treacherous currents, it’s not the best spot for open-water swimming, but there are plenty of rock pools to explore.
This small beach is, however, the perfect spot for those who enjoy drama and stories, as it is just a short walk from Morte Point, home to numerous shipwrecks that fell victim to the rocky coast. Some of these are even exposed enough to explore at low tide.
Make sure to check the tides before you visit, as Rockham Bay is restricted at high tide.
8. Westward Ho!
The cheerily named Westward Ho! is a gorgeous sandy beach that also has its fair share of rock pools and pebbles. It’s one of North Devon’s most popular beaches among locals and holidaymakers alike, so it’s not one for those looking to avoid the crowds. However, it is stunningly beautiful and a lovely spot to swim or simply watch the day go by.
It’s also one of Devon’s best surfing beaches, with surf to suit both beginners and experienced wave riders.
Nature lovers will delight in the walk behind this stretch of sand, which leads into the phenomenal Northam Burrows Country Park.
9. Lee Bay
We already mentioned the secluded Sandy Cove, but the larger Lee Bay is worth a spot on the list all to itself. Known as “Fuchsia Valley” thanks to the abundance of bright red flowers adorning the picturesque village in the summer months, Lee Bay is magnificently beautiful and surprisingly balmy throughout the year. It’s not surprising that it forms part of a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty!
If you have the time, you could also hit up Lee Bay Abbey, another one of the area’s secret beaches and a fantastic spot for rock pooling and safe swimming. It’s a private beach but it is open to the public whenever the car park is open.
10. Wild Pear Beach
Located just outside Combe Martin, Wild Pear Beach is wild alright – in more ways than one! A truly off-the-beaten-track beach, Wild Pear is quite an adventure to get to, as it involves a steep descent that requires some climbing and clinging to ropes.
The effort to reach this beach is all worth it, as you’ll be rewarded with an idyllic, secluded area that’s sheltered from the wind by breathtaking sheer cliffs. Be warned though – this is a designated naturist beach, which means that swimsuits are optional!
When you’ve had enough sand between your toes, there are a lot of other things to do in North Devon besides beaches!
Best Sandy And Dog-Friendly Beaches In North Devon
Families will be pleased to learn that North Devon is chock-a-block with sandy beaches. Saunton Sands and Sandy Cove even have ‘sand’ in the name, but Putsborough Beach, Barricane Beach, Croyde Bay and Westward Ho! are all made up of sandy shorelines. This makes them perfect for sandcastle building, sunbathing and running along with little bare feet!
If you want to bring your four-legged family members along, there are several dog-friendly beaches in North Devon too. Saunton Sands, Rockham Bay and Putsborough all allow dogs throughout the year, while Barricane Beach is fully dog-friendly in the colder, quieter months and has restricted areas dogs can enter during the summer.
At most of the other beaches in this area, dogs are banned in the summer months but welcome during the rest of the year.
Best Time To Visit North Devon Beaches
The best time to visit North Devon’s beaches is late summer and early autumn. This is because while the summer crowds will have mostly dispersed, the weather is still balmy and rain is minimal.
July is a great time if you’re looking for the warmest, sunniest weather you can get, but you will have to contend with many other holidaymakers searching for sun and sea.
If you plan to bring the whole family along for the summer holidays, you’ll need a car that can accommodate everyone. Reach out to SDVH today to book one of our 7 or 9-seater minibus hire options for convenient travel.
By September, the beaches will be a lot quieter, but of course, the temperature will have started to drop. Ultimately, the best time to go depends on your priorities. And just like South and East Devon beaches, even in winter, many North Devon beaches are fantastic for vigorous, blustery walks. You can also consider exploring South Devon beaches if you want to extend your trip to the south coast.
Top Tips For Exploring North Devon Beaches
- Check the tides before you head off: some of them are restricted at high tide or only have a decent stretch of sand at low tide.
- Travelling with kids: find out if the beach you want to go to is protected by lifeguards or has gentle areas they can safely paddle about in.
- Take a walk: the South West Coast Path is a fantastic way to get in some activity in between lolling on beaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s The Most Popular Beach In North Devon?
The most popular beach in North Devon is probably Woolacombe Beach. The popularity of Woolacombe’s main beach is well deserved, as it is breathtakingly beautiful, well equipped with all amenities and safe for swimming in the lifeguarded areas. It also boasts great waves for surfers of all skill levels and is a lovely spot for water sports of all kinds.
Which North Devon Beach Has Golden Sand?
The North Devon beaches with golden sand include Woolacombe Beach, Saunton Sands and Croyde Bay. Sandy Cove, Putsborough, Barricane and Westward Ho! are all also sandy beaches, but for really golden sands our top pics are Saunton and Croyde. These beaches are truly Instagram-worthy, or worthy of putting your phone away and forgetting it exists all day!
Are There Dog-Friendly Beaches In North Devon?
Yes, there are dog-friendly beaches in North Devon. Saunton Sands, Rockham Bay and Putsborough are dog-friendly all year, while Barricane allows dogs to roam freely in the cooler months and permits them in restricted areas in the summer. Most of the other beaches in North Devon also allow dogs, but only in the quieter months of the year.
What Are The Best Beaches For Water Sports In North Devon?
The best beaches for water sports in North Devon are Saunton Sands, Croyde Bay and Westward Ho! If you’ve got kids or you want to do some kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, the best option is Saunton as the surf there is very gentle. Croyde Bay is ideal for experienced surfers, adventurous windsurfers and the like, while Westward Ho! offers something in between.
What’s The Quietest Beach In North Devon?
The quietest beach in North Devon is Wild Pear Beach. Not only do most holidaymakers flock to the nearby Combe Martin, but Wild Pear Beach has limited signage and is quite a trek to get to, which can deter those with kids and the less adventurous.
The fact that it is a designated naturist beach also deters those who don’t want to see strangers’ bits! However, if those things don’t scare you off, you will be well rewarded, as Wild Pear is a truly breathtaking spot.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it – those are our picks for the very best beaches in North Devon. I hope this article has inspired you to stray just a little off the beaten track and explore some of North Devon’s hidden gems. Whether you want water sports, golden sands, rugged cliffs or secret coves, North Devon really has it all. Don’t forget to pack the sunscreen and we’ll see you on the beach!
