Best Beaches in North Devon

Are you searching for beaches to explore in North Devon? Whether you’re looking for an upcoming or future trip, read on to find the best beaches in and around Woolacombe. With beaches perfect for surfing, exploring, dog walking and family days out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Woolacombe beach

This 3-mile sandy beach is widely recognised as one of the best in the UK*. If you love a traditional seaside experience, Woolcombe beach is perfect for you.

Whether you spend the day with a fun-filled surfing lesson or relaxing with an ice cream as you enjoy the stunning views to Lundy Island, this beach has plenty to offer. It is also a fantastic spot for history enthusiasts, as Woolacombe beach was used to train the US Army during WWII, and a stone memorial can be found at the north end of the sandy bay. After a day enjoying everything the beach has to offer, make sure to head into Woolacombe village for even more activities from an amusement arcade to crazy golf.

Location: Between Croyde and Ilfracombe, EX34 7DN. Woolacombe is easy to reach by both car and public transport.

Good for: Kayaking, canoeing, surfing, sailing, kite surfing, windsurfing, swimming.

Facilities: Cafe/restaurant, shop, children’s play area, beach hut hire, surf schools, surfboard hire, wetsuit hire, deckchair hire, showers, nearby pub.

Parking: The closest car park is Esplanade Car Park which offers half-day and full-day parking options. Sandy Burrows Car Park is located nearby and is ideal for camper vans. Marine Drive is located near the middle section of the beach and offers free parking for National Trust members. Free parking is available between November and mid-March along The Esplanade. Outside of this period it is operated on a short-stay meter with a maximum stay of 4 hours.

Accessibility: Woolacombe is easily accessed via two short, sloping paths. All-terrain mobility scooters and beach wheelchairs are available for hire at The Woolacombe Tourist Information Centre. There are accessible toilets and designated parking for blue-badge holders. More information can be found about accessibility at Woolacombe beach here.

Toilets: Public toilets are located near the main beach entrances and at Marine Drive, including accessible toilets. There are additional toilets on Barton Road. Opening times may be restricted during winter.

Dog-friendly: Dogs are permitted with seasonal restrictions. Between Good Friday or 1st April (whichever comes first) and 30th September, dogs are not permitted in the area between the rocks at the north end of the beach and the stream.

Blue flag/Lifeguard protected: Woolacombe has a seasonal lifeguard service running from Easter until the end of October. Patrols run from 10am to 6pm.

Combe Martin beach

Combe Martin has been described by many as a hidden gem with great views. The beach itself is a mixture of stones and pebbles, but it becomes sandier as you approach the sea making it a great swimming spot. It is known locally to be one of the best spots in the South West for kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and open water swimming.

The beach is also popular for sea fishing, with course fishing nearby too. In the evening, stunning sunsets can be seen over the bay, and there are plenty of additional activities to enjoy in the village, including five pubs to sample!

Location: Combe Martin, EX34 0DJ.

Good for: Families, swimming, rockpools, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing and picnics.

Activities: Swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing.

Facilities: Cafe, kayak hire, paddle board hire, shops, nearby pub.

Parking: There is a large car park above the beach, as well as a small car park by the adjacent Newberry Beach.

Accessibility: Combe Martin beach is accessible for all with disabled parking spaces, accessible toilets, beach wheelchairs and easy access on the beach slipway.

Toilets: Public toilets are available in the car park above the beach, including accessible toilets.

Dog-friendly: Dogs are permitted on the beach in winter months but not between 1st May and 30th September. Newberry beach is dog-friendly all year and is a short walk along the pavement from the village.

Blue flag/Lifeguard protected: There is no lifeguard service at Combe Martin beach, so care should be taken.

Barricane beach

This quaint, secluded beach is a sheltered west facing cove full of nooks and crannies to explore. In the summer it’s home to a local café who serves a must try Sri Lankan Curry.

Famous for cowries and other exotic shells, it’s one of the best spots in North Devon for beachcombing. Local folklore claims these shells have travelled off the shore of a Caribbean island thousands of miles across the Atlantic to be dropped in near-perfect condition in this precious little inlet on the North Devon coast. There are also plenty of tales of smugglers and seafarers who once roamed these shores under the cover of night. With something for everyone to enjoy, no Devon break is complete without a trip to Barricane Bay.

Location: Between Woolacombe and Mortehoe, EX34 7DB.

Good for: Rockpools, shells, surfing, sunbathing, swimming, coastal walks, views of Bristol Channel and Lundy Island.

Activities: Swimming, surfing, walking.

Facilities: Cafe, car park, toilets

Parking: There is a car park a few minutes walk away from the beach.

Accessibility: Barricane Bay is accessible via a steep set of steps and is unfortunately not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

Toilets: Public toilets are available in the main car park located a few minutes walk away from the beach.

Dog-friendly: Dogs are permitted from October to April and on a lead only May to September.

Blue flag/Lifeguard protected: There is no lifeguard service at Barricane Bay, so care should be taken.

Combesgate beach

This lovely, secluded beach is located just north of Woolacombe beach. With golden sand and plenty of rockpools for kids to explore, it’s a spot of stunning natural beauty.

Combesgate beach boasts a rich history that has captivated locals and visitors for centuries. Though still considered a secluded beach, it was originally only known to residents of nearby villages and it wasn’t until North Devon grew in popularity as a holiday destination that Combesgate became a magnet for tourists. Many local events take place on the sands, from summer festivals to community gatherings, and the beach continues to embrace its heritage while providing an idyllic seaside escape.

Location: Woolacombe, EX34 7EB.

Good for: Swimming, surfing, rockpools, sunbathing, picnics, families and walkers.

Activities: Swimming, surfing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, walking.

Facilities: Car park, toilets.

Parking: Parking is located either on The Esplanade, or in the Woolacombe car parks, a short stroll away.

Accessibility: Combesgate beach is accessible via a long flight of steps and is unfortunately not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Access to the beach is also restricted at high tide.

Toilets: Public toilets are available opposite the beach.

Dog-friendly: Dogs are not permitted on the beach during summer.

Blue flag/Lifeguard protected: Lifeguards are on duty during peak times.

Saunton sands

If a beach which has space for activities and exploring, sounds ideal to you then Saunton sands is worth noting down. Backed by one of the most unique and impressive dune systems in the country, this beach has something for all to enjoy.

The beach was used by US troops who were stationed in Braunton to train for D-Day in the mid 1940s and, while there’s no longer any evidence of this, it remains a point of interest for history buffs with a local celebration taking place every June. It has also seen its share of famous faces, welcoming visitors such as Robbie Williams and Pink Floyd for music video shoots. The beach has also been featured in several films, like ‘The Edge of Tomorrow’ starring Tom Cruise and ‘A Very English Scandal’ starring Hugh Grant.

Location: Near the village of Saunton, EX33 1LQ.

Good for: Surfing, cafes, scenic views, horse riding and spotting military aircraft from the local training site.

Activities: Surfing, coastal walks, history spotting.

Facilities: Cafe/restaurant, shop, toilets

Parking: The main car park is situated at Saunton on the B3231 road which runs between Braunton and Croyde.

Accessibility: The beach is accessed via a slipway.

Toilets: Public toilets are available in the beach car park.

Dog-friendly: Dogs are permitted on the beach throughout the year with no summer restrictions.

Blue flag/Lifeguard protected: There is no lifeguard service at Saunton Sands, so care should be taken.

Tunnels beaches

Featured on BBC’s 'Coast', ITV’s 'Tales From The Coast with Robson Green' and within various national newspapers and magazines, Tunnels beach promises a truly unique experience.

Walk through the hand crafted 1820’s tunnels, discover the extensive history about when they were carved and their purpose and enjoy scenic beach views at the end. While wandering through the tunnels, you’ll learn more about the history of the site, including amusing guides to Victorian etiquette for boys and girls and for when boating with ladies. At the end, you’ll be greeted with an authentic tidal Victorian bathing pool where you can enjoy a relaxing dip. The site also operates as one of the UK’s most unique and breathtaking bespoke wedding venues, welcoming couples from far and wide as a location for their big day.

Location: Ilfracombe, EX34 8AN.

Good for: Swimming, history enthusiasts and scenic views.

Activities: Swimming, walking, exploring, discovering history, rock pools, fishing.

Facilities: Beach shop, cafe, toilets

Parking: Parking is available on public roads nearby and there are several car parks within the town and on the sea front. The car park is reserved for accommodation guests only.

Accessibility: The ground throughout the tunnels themselves is either paved or concrete, with a gentle slope leading to the main beach. Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are also available on site. An entrance fee is required to enter, which goes towards upkeep and maintenance of the tunnels and beach.

Toilets: Toilets are available, including fully accessible WCs.

Dog-friendly: Dogs are permitted through the tunnels on a lead but not on to the beaches. Visitors with dogs can still read all the history information and admire the views.

Blue flag/Lifeguard protected: There is no lifeguard service at Tunnels beach, so care should be taken.

Grunta beach

A stone’s throw from Woolacombe, this small sandy cove is a paradise for those wanting a quieter beach experience. Local legend says this beach gained its name when a ship with a cargo of pigs ran aground there. The village of Morthoe was originally a haunt for smugglers and wreckers, but is now home to a farming community. The dramatic landscape makes the beach a favourite of hikers and nature-enthusiasts, and it's also a wonderful spot for paddling and exploring.

Grunta can be difficult to access and there isn’t much beach except at low tide, but it’s worth a visit if you’re looking for peace and tranquility.

Location: Situated below the cliffs in front of the village of Morthoe, EX34 7DZ

Good for: Walking, rockpools, paddling and exploring.

Activities: Walking, exploring, swimming, paddling.

Parking: There is no parking available near the beach. Visitors are advised to either walk up from Woolacombe Esplanade or park in Mortehoe and walk down to it.

Accessibility: Grunta is accessed via a very steep path, so a reasonable level of mobility is required. There is unfortunately no access for wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

Toilets: There are no toilets located at the beach.

Dog-friendly: Dogs are permitted on the beach.

Blue flag/Lifeguard protected: There is no lifeguard service at Grunta beach, so care should be taken.