the best beaches in North Devon
- family-friendly
- holidays
- places to visit
Make the most of your time in Devon by exploring all the best beaches along the North Devon coast.
There are around 120 beaches across Devon so it could be difficult figuring out which ones you want to try whilst you’re here. We have our Beach Cove Coastal Retreat located on the North Devon coast so if you are staying with us this year or thinking of booking a trip down to Devon this blog will be useful in seeing all the beaches you can enjoy.
Woolacombe Beach
where? Woolacombe, EX34 7DL
dog friendly? Yes, only in dog friendly areas on lead
parking? Yes
facilities nearby? Yes, beach café, restaurants and coffee shops
Woolacombe Beach is an award-winning beach and extremely well-known around the UK. The beach itself stretches across three miles with an area that is lined with beach huts. This beach spot is popular for swimming and surfing especially in the summer. The car parks around the area have space for around 2000 cars so you will be able to park close by with ease any time of the year.
Saunton Sands
where? Saunton, EX33 1LQ
dog friendly? Yes
parking? Yes
facilities nearby? Yes, cafés, restaurants and shops in nearby village
Located on the North Devon coast near Braunton, Saunton Sands is popular for longboard surfing, sunbathing and enjoying beach days. It’s a three and a half mile stretch of sand with sand dunes lining the back of the beach perfect for exploring. In the village you will find plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops to get everything you need for spending a day here.
Combe Martin Beach
where? Combe Martin, Ilfracombe, EX34 0DJ
dog friendly? Yes, only in winter months
parking? Yes, in the village
facilities nearby? Yes, bakery, tearoom and cafés in the village
Lined with some of the highest sea cliffs in England, Combe Martin Beach is located just off the picturesque resort village of Combe Martin. Although this beach is more shingles and pebbles rather than sand it’s still a great place for a day out. You can just sit and enjoy the weather on warmer months or enjoy a swim in the sea or even explore the many rock pools that are around either side of the beach.
Hele Beach
where? Ilfracombe, EX34 9QZ
dog friendly? Yes
parking? Yes, in Hele
facilities nearby? Yes, restaurants and cafés in Hele
If you are looking for a more quite beach day then Hele Beach will be perfect. Although it has been popular since Victorian times this sand and shingle beach is a lot more quiet than other beaches in the area. There are plenty of rock pools and secret smugglers caves that appear at low tides which you can explore. This beach is only a five minute drive away from Ilfracombe.
Broadsands Beach
where? Ilfracombe, EX34 9SW
dog friendly? Yes, not between May and September
parking? Yes
facilities nearby? Yes, cafés, shops and promenade
Known for being one of the best swimming beaches on the North coast, Broadsands Beach is tucked away in a little cove between Combe Martin and Watermouth. Even though it is a small cove there is plenty to explore with plenty of rock pools and small caves. You will have to make sure you check the tide before you go as the beach shrinks a lot when the tide comes in.
Westward Ho! Beach
where? Bideford, EX39 1HN
dog friendly? Yes, not between 1st May – 30th Sept but small 200m section available all year round
parking? Yes
facilities nearby? Yes, restaurant, shops and café
There is so much to see and do whilst you are at Westward Ho! Beach, its located by a seaside town with plenty of shops, toilets and food options. The beach itself is a long stretch of sand which is backed by pebbles and rock pools. Northam Burrows Country Park is also accessible at one end of the beach. So if you are wanting a beach day that is popular for surfing, swimming and sunbathing with plenty around the local area then this one will be perfect.
Find out more about our resort and book your next couples escape.
Beach Cove