North Devon is adorned with some of the most beautiful, magnificent, and unspoiled beaches. North Devon beaches range from stunning stretches of golden sand to hidden gems, towering cliffs, and secluded coves.
There are areas of outstanding natural beauty to explore, especially if you’re looking to spend your day in the sun while inhaling the ocean air and feeling the sand on your feet. These are some of the best beaches in North Devon to visit for a memorable seaside getaway.
Most Popular Beach In North Devon
Woolacombe Beach
Woolacombe beach is renowned as one of the best beaches in the UK. The award-winning beach is considered the most famous beach in North Devon and receives thousands of visitors yearly.
The golden sand and clear blue water that is safe for swimming make Woolacombe a favorite among families. There is enough space for everyone even when the beach gets busy as it stretches for over three-mile.
The Atlantic swell makes this beach famous among surfers. This beach is suitable for swimming, sunbathing, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, and jet-skiing. Remember to go with your bucket and spade as there is enough sand to build the biggest sand castle.
There are enough facilities on Woolacombe beach, including pubs, restaurants, parking and so on. If you want to check out more coastlines in the area, there are many nice beaches in Woolacombe.
Best Beaches In North Devon For Families
Putsborough Sand Beach
Putsborough is a large sandy beach that forms the southern end of Woolacombe Sands. The spectacular cliffs backing and rock-forming Baggy point give Putsborough a lovely view.
This is one of the North Devon beaches that’s a favorite for families with young kids. There is sufficient space for the kids to play and build sandcastles. The excellent clear water is safe for swimming, and the surf here is suitable for surfers who want a quieter wave.
Saunton Sands Beach
Saunton Sands is a perfect location for a family vacation or a day out by the beach. The three and a half miles of stunning sandy beach is backed by outstanding Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Saunton is the only North Devon beach with a Landeez all-terrain wheelchair which gives full access and enjoyment of the ocean.
The long, straight sandy beach with clean water is suitable for swimmers, surfers, and water sports enthusiasts. Dogs are permitted all year round on this beach but note that there are rules to follow. This is one of the best beaches in Devon for water sports.
Combe Martin Beach
Combe Martin is a shingle and pebble beach flanked by some of the highest sea cliffs in the UK. The cliffs earn this beach its recognition as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
This is one of the best beaches in North Devon for families as there is a lot to do. It is an excellent place to swim because its sheltered position protects it from strong currents or waves. It is also an awesome place for kids to explore rock pools.
Instow Beach
Instow is a beautiful sandy beach at the mouth of the Taw estuary. The beach tends to get busy in summer. This North Devon beach is an excellent choice for families because of its calm water protected by the sandbanks.
The beach has a lot to keep the children entertained, and there are shops and cafes right behind the beach. Kayaking and swimming are the activities available on this beach. However, swimming is not advised here because of the poor water quality.
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Best Beaches In North Devon For Surfing
Croyde Bay Beach
Croyde bay is one of the most popular beaches in North Devon, and this is not only because it is one of the most beautiful but also the best surf spot. The wide sandy bay is set between Woolacombe and Sauton Sands beaches.
The sands here are soft and golden, making them great for sandcastles. Croyde produces steep and powerful waves that attract surfers from all over the country. Swimming, kayaking, and fishing are other things you can do on this beach.
Westward Ho! Beach
This is another of North Devon Beaches that is a magnet for water sports lovers. The vast sandy beach has enough space for everyone and never gets crowded. The beach is backed by the Northam Burrows Country Park grassland, giving it a stunning view.
The beach is suitable for sunbathing and surfing as surfing areas are visibly designated, and there are slipways over the pebbles at the RNLI points. The clear blue water is also perfect for swimming.
There are several amusement arcades, cafes, hotels, restaurants, etc in the area. Other activities available on the beach are go-karts, mini-golf, and bowling. This is the perfect beach if you want an eventful day by the sea. Dogs are allowed all year round with few restrictions in summer.
Speke’s Mill Mouth Beach
Speke’s Mill is the beach for you if you need a secluded beach where you can surf. The Speke’s Mill waterfall, which plummets down a sheer 60 feet cliff, enhances the charm of this picturesque beach. This is one of the best North Devon beaches to escape the crowd.
The shingle and rocky beach is perfect for walkers and people who want to enjoy the dramatic view. Surfers love this beach because of its powerful waves that break over the reef.
Most Beautiful North Devon Beaches
Barricane Beach
This is a secluded beach sited at the far northern end of Woolacombe. It is mainly referred to as Combesgate beach. Barricane is one of the most attractive beaches in North Devon and you may even think you are outside of England.
The small picturesque cove nestled between rocks is famous for cowries and other exotic seashells, making it a perfect rock pooling spot. The clean water is suitable for swimming and surfing, and there are some fantastic coastal walks. This beach is excellent for you if you want to escape the crowd.
Lee Bay Beach
Lee bay is a charming sand and shingle beach commonly known as ‘the jewel in the crown of lee.’ This stunning beach is one of North Devon’s beaches that’s in a designated “Area of Outstanding Beauty”.
The bay is bound on both sides by an imposing rocky coastline. Suitable for exploring rock pools and launching kayaks, and paddling. There is a tea room and a pub on the beach.
During summer, locals refer to Lee Bay as “Fuchsia Alley” as the borders burst into a blaze of scarlet flowers.
Bucks Mill Beach
Bucks mill is a hidden gem near Clovelly, and it can be called the most beautiful unspoiled beach in North Devon. Coastal waterfalls enhance the charm of this serene beach. Getting to this beach requires a half a mile walk, but the tranquility and beauty waiting for you at the end are worth every step taken.
Bucks Mill is more famous among art lovers, photographers, and people who want to get away from the crowd. Swimming and rock pooling are activities you can engage in on this beach.
Best Beaches In North Devon For Rock Pooling
Rockham Bay Beach
If you fancy adventure and exploring, this is the perfect beach. Rockham is a stunning and secluded bay making it one of the secret beaches in North Devon. The beach requires a short walk from the village, but it is worth it as you will be rewarded with a beautiful and peaceful beach.
This beach is backed by rocky cliffs making it a perfect spot for rock pooling. At low tide, a sandy beach with rocky areas is revealed; however, access is restricted at high tides, so check the tidal table before heading out.
Wildersmouth Beach
Wildersmouth is a pretty sand and shingle beach in a sheltered, rocky cove near Ilfracombe. At high tide, the beach is almost totally submerged in water. A stone sea wall backs the cove, and the South West Coast Path crosses the beach.
This is a perfect North Devon beach for rock pooling and a dog-friendly beach where your dog can enjoy sniffing around the rocks and splashing in the water.
Broad Sands Beach
This little cove is tucked between Watermouth and Combe Martin. Broad Sand is one of the prettiest sheltered beaches in North Devon. Don’t be deceived by the name; the beach is neither broad nor sandy. It is more shingle.
Getting to this beach requires some effort; you have to climb 240 steps to get up and down the beach, and that’s one of the reasons this secret beach is rarely crowded. The beach is cited as one of the best swimming beaches on the North Devon coast.
If you love adventure, there are many nooks and crannies to explore in this little cove. You can take your dog along as dogs are allowed all year round.
Best Beach In North Devon For Naturists
Wild Pear Beach
Wild pear is one of North Devon’s beaches suitable for naturists. It is a sandy, rocky, secluded beach less than one mile north of Combe Martin.
If you love adventure and hiking, this is the ideal beach. The idyllic, protected cove surrounded by high cliffs is a gem of a spot for people who wants to escape from the noise and immerse themselves in nature. Wild Pear is safe for swimming and surfing and a good place for rock pooling.
Places To Stay Near North Devon Beaches
The Water Inn
This stunning hotel is 2 minutes from Westward Ho! Beach and it is located in the center of Water Ho! Town. You enjoy a sun terrace and sea views at the Water Inn. The hotel offers a variety of breakfasts, including English/Irish, Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-free.
The Barnstaple Hotel
This elegant hotel boasts of indoor and outdoor pools and a fully equipped gym. The wonderful North Devon beaches are just 10 minutes from here. The rooms are well furnished, and most have sea and garden views.
The Barnstaple Hotel has a stylish restaurant and a health and leisure club, including indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools. Breakfast is offered, and it includes Continental, Full English/Irish, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, and Buffet.
Watersmeet Hotel
This luxury hotel is on the quiet edge of Woolacombe and is the perfect place to stay if you want to explore North Devon beaches and coastlines. All the rooms in this hotel have a sea view while some have a balcony or terrace.
There is a restaurant that boasts of its cuisine and has views of the sunset. The hotel also offers a beautiful garden where you can have lunch or cream tea and a swimming pool.
Enjoying The Best North Devon Beaches
The beautiful coastline of North Devon has some of the best beaches, and these are just some of the best beaches in North Devon. No matter the type of beach you want, this region offers a perfect location for a vacation by the seaside.
Whether you want a memorable family vacation, a quiet time by the beach, or surf on the Atlantic rollers, there are options within the numerous North Devon beaches. Some of them will exceed your expectations.
If you want are traveling around the Devon region, be sure to check out some of the top beaches in South Devon as well.
