6 of the best beaches in North Devon

The beaches of north Devon are wilder and less crowded than their southern counterparts. Poplar with surfers, you can find good waves here and lots of opportunities for activities on and next to the water. But those just looking to chill out will not be disappointed either, the beaches here are wide stretches of sand, the water is clear and the surroundings are stunning. Whether you want to sunbathe on the sand or go wild on the water, we pick 6 of the best beaches in North Devon.

1 Croyde Bay

One of the most popular beaches in North Devon is Croyde. This wide sweeping sandy bay is backed by dunes and is renowned amongst holidaymakers and surfers alike. The town has several surfing and watersport companies if you want to try out first-hand what makes Croyde so popular. For those who aren’t into watersports there are rock pools to explore and some good footpaths around Croyde and the coast to explore. There are also handy facilities here such as toilets, cafes and a car park.

2 Woolacombe

If your idea of a perfect holiday is relaxing on a golden sand beach, then Woolacombe is the place for you! This is a three-mile stretch of glorious sand with clear waters and good waves. It’s a great place for families and there are lifeguards on hand to ensure safety. It’s also good for dog owners, as there are only restrictions on a small area at the north end of the beach – the rest is free for you and your pet to explore!

3 Saunton Sands

Only 6 miles to the south of Woolacombe is Saunton Sands. This is a spectacular beach backed by sandy dunes, with all the facilities you need for a day out. There is a nice shop, plus a café and takeaway, so you can have a day off from picnic preparations! Surfing and paddleboarding are two activities you can try here – or for something a bit different you could hire a pedal cart for the day.

4 Tunnels Beach

The most uniqueand elegant place on this list is Tunnels Beach, found near Ilfracombe. The beach is accessed through hand-carved Victorian tunnels, which lead out to a private cove with a tidal pool. Take a dip in the pool, check out the rock pools and smuggler’s caves or learn about the history of the cove. There is an entrance fee for this beach, with adult tickets costing £2.50, children between 3 and 15 paying £1.95, and children under 3 getting in for free.

5 Rockham Bay

Also near to Ilfracombe is Rockham Bay, a hidden gem of a beach. There’s a small car park about a half a mile walk away at Mortehoe, and the area close to the bay is a particularly nice place to walk around. You can see some wonderful coastal wildlife here. The beach itself is prefect if you crave peace and quiet, and want to escape the crowded beaches in summer time. Another surprise is that at low tide you can see what remains of the SS Collier, which was wrecked on the beach in 1914.

6 Combe Martin

If you are looking for a good beach for exploring, try Combe Martin. Tucked into a rocky bay is this steep, sloping sand and shingle beach with a wealth of rockpools which appear when the tide goes out. The rock pools are great for adventurous kids to explore. It’s an easy beach to access, as it’s not far from the town, and there are plenty of shops, cafés and pubs nearby. It’s also only a 20 minute drive to another of Devon’s unique attractions – Watersmeet. This National Trust park is stunning and fascinating, and it’s definitely worth taking the walk alongside the beautiful rivers and falls.

These are 6 of the best beaches in North Devon that are bound to entertain no matter what kind of day you are after. The beaches of North Devon are hugely popular with holidaymakers for good reason and will not leave you disappointed.