Visiting Putsborough Sands

Offering three miles of golden sand, rolling waves and a peaceful atmosphere, Putsborough Sands is one of North Devon’s finest beaches. The beach is renowned for its cleanliness and beauty, featuring in the TripAdvisors Choice Awards as one of the best beaches throughout Europe and even the world. If you’re looking for a quieter base to enjoy a family beach day, coastal walk or surfing session, Putsborough is the place for you.

Where is Putsborough Sands?

Putsborough Sands is located on the south side of Woolacombe, a 17 minute drive from Golden Coast Holiday Park. It’s easily accessible from surrounding towns, but being based a little further away means it’s generally quieter than neighbouring beaches.

Address: Putsborough, Georgeham, Braunton, Devon EX33 1LB

To find Putsborough Sands from Golden Coast, head south on Ossaborough Lane to Georgeham Road. Continue along the road to Georgeham then follow Putsborough Road to Vention Lane in Croyde.

What to expect when you visit

Putsborough Sands stretches for three miles north towards Woolacombe and Morte Point and south towards Baggy Point. As it’s further from hotels, shops and cafes, the beach is usually quieter than others in the area, making it ideal for those after a more relaxing beach experience.

It is also known for being an exceptionally clean and picturesque beach, earning a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor. As well as sweeping sands and wonderful waves, you can also find plenty of rock pools to explore.

A Surfer's Paradise

Due to the superb bathing and waves at Putsborough, it’s a popular spot for surfers. The surf is consistent for most of the year, and there is a huge amount of protection so it’s great even on windier days.

In the summer months the waves are generally calm, making it an excellent place for beginners, and there are several surf schools nearby where you can hire wetsuits and boards, as well as enjoy a lesson.

A haven for four-legged friends

Putsborough is also perfect for dog walks, with plenty of room for your four-legged friends to frolic in the sand and splash in the water.

Dogs are welcome on the beach north of the shop all year round, but only from October to April below the beach shop. There are signs around the beach to help and dog bins provided nearby. Remember to be mindful of other beachgoers and keep control of your dog at all times.

Facilities and amenities

Though Putsborough is located further from the shops and hotels, there are still plenty of facilities nearby.

The beach’s facilities include:

• Cafe
• Toilets
• Parking (including disabled bays)
• Beach shop

Access and parking

There is a beach car park available at Putsborough, including disabled spaces, but direct beach access involves some steps. A concrete slope can be found by heading down the road to the beach shop and cafe.

Parking during the high season costs £14 for the day.

Things to do nearby

As well as surfing, exploring rockpools and relaxing on the golden sands, there are plenty of activities nearby to suit everyone’s tastes. If you fancy stretching your legs, why not take a stroll along the sands to Woolacombe, or visit Baggy Point to see some of North Devon’s most stunning scenery? For those interested in watersports, Putsborough is also a fantastic place for kayaking, canoeing and waterboarding.

If you fancy heading slightly further afield, you can pay a visit to the delightful local villages, such as Croyde and Georgeham, and take advantage of the fabulous location to enjoy a coastal trail or two.

Beach safety

While Putsborough Sands is a wonderful place for a beach day, it’s important to note there are no lifeguards present, so care should be taken while on the beach. Before heading to Putsborough, be sure to check the tide times and take note of the warning signs. Once there, supervise children and dogs at all times and be sure to keep an eye on incoming tide so you don’t get cut off.

When in the water, stay away from the rocks and do not use inflatables during windy weather. Be cautious of rip currents but if you are caught in one, stay calm and try to stand. If you’re able to, wade don’t swim. Do not swim against the current or you’ll become exhausted, raise your hand and shout for help.

If you’re heading to Putsborough for a spot of surfing, make sure to be aware of other water users, always wear a wetsuit, avoid the rocks and never surf alone.

The best time to visit

Putsborough Beach is generally quiet, even during peak times. In summer, there are watersports available, so it’s a great time to visit for families looking for an adventurous beach day. For those after a quieter experience, visiting during autumn or winter may be a better option. Just be sure to wrap up warm in winter!

If you fancy giving surfing a go, the summer months are great for beginners as the waves are generally calm. If wind conditions are poor, Putsborough is the place for surfers to be as there is a huge amount of protection from the southerly winds.