North Devon Beaches

Whether you’re planning a staycation or a day trip with the kids. Use our coastal holiday guide to discover beautiful North Devon beaches.

Find your favourite North Devon Beaches

The North Devon coast boasts a diverse and picturesque coastline with lots of beaches that offer a range of experiences for visitors. The area is known for its natural beauty, with the coast transitioning from the more gentle beaches near Bideford to the dramatically steep and rocky shores approaching Lynmouth. This variety in coastal features makes it a popular destination for tourists, offering everything from family-friendly beach activities to challenging coastal hikes and surfing spots.

North Devon Beaches A – Z

For watersports, coastal walks, boat trips in North Devon by the beach

Appledore Beach

Appledore Beach near Bideford in North Devon sits on the estuary of the Taw and Torridge rivers.

Barricane Bay

Visit Barricane Bay Barricane Beach is a lovely sand and shingle beach close to Morte Point.

Bucks Mills Beach

Off the beaten path Bucks Mills Beach is a secluded rocky cove on the North Devon coast backed by ancient woodland.

Clovelly Harbour

Clovelly is a charming 14th Century harbour village on the North Devon coast where it is possible to believe you have gone back in time!

Combe Martin

Combe Martin Beach is in the middle of the Exmoor National Park and North Devon’s Area of Outstanding Beauty.

Combesgate Beach

If you are looking for beaches near Woolacombe, west facing Combesgate Beach is a lovely secluded beach, however access is restricted at high tide.

Crow Point

Crow Point, next to Saunton sands, is a secluded beach looking out over the Taw estuary.

Croyde Bay Beach

One of North Devon’s most popular beaches. Croyde Beach in North Devon is a top surfing beach, between Saunton Sands and Woolacombe.

Hartland Quay

Hartland Quay is a spectacular rocky beach backed by imposing cliffs. The beach is good for fishing and has amazing views.

Hele Bay

Visit Hele Bay near Ilfracombe, with good rockpooling at low tide. There is much to do, with shops, cafes and local pubs.

Instow Beach

Instow Beach is a sandy beach backed by dunes, in the Torridge estuary, on the beautiful North Devon coast.

Lee Bay

Visit Lee Bay Lee Bay an idyllic secluded beach on the Exmoor coast, below the stunning Lee Abbey.

Lee Beach

Visit Lee Beach Lee Beach is a family favourite close to Exmoor National Park. The beach is mainly shingle.

Lynmouth Beach

Lynmouth Beach is enclosed by a National Park in an area referred to as ‘The little Switzerland’.

Marsland Mouth Beach

Marsland Mouth beach is a quiet pebble and rock beach in the Welcombe and Marshland Valleys.

Putsborough Sands

Putsborough Sands is an award winning North Devon Beach, with three miles of soft golden sand to enjoy.

Rockham Beach

Rockham Beach (also known as Mortehoe Beach) is a quiet sandy beach at the base of the cliff, reached only by foot. Great for a day out.

Saunton Sands

West facing Saunton Sands Beach is is a popular sandy beach a popular beach with surfers and ideal for families, that sits below the famous Sands Hotel.

Tunnels Beach

Blue flag award winning Tunnels Beach in Ilfracombe North Devon is a famous Victorian holiday resort, family friendly and must-see attraction when visiting the area.

Watermouth Bay

Watermouth Bay on the North Devon Coast is a small picture postcard harbour and naturally sheltered inlet which has boats moored within.

Welcombe Mouth Beach

Welcombe Mouth beach on the North Devon Coast is an unspoilt cove with rocks and and sand at low-tide.

Westward Ho! Beach

For beaches near Bideford, visit Westward Ho! Beach Westward Ho! is a traditional seaside resort founded in the 1860’s, with a lovely sandy beach.

Wild Pear Beach

Wonderful Wild Pear Beach is secluded and fairly difficult to reach with a long walk down to the seafront.

Wildersmouth Beach

Wildersmouth Beach close to famous Tunnels Beach, is a tiny rocky bay surrounded by cliffs, which you can walk along an enjoy the spectacular views.

Woody Bay

Just west of Lynton, Woody Bay (known as Wooda Bay until 1901) is a beautiful and secluded beach situated below an ancient oak woodland area.

Woolacombe Beach

Woolacombe is another one of Devon’s best beaches. Known for its golden sand and award-winning status, this popular seaside resort has a sandy beach backed sand dunes, deep in the valley.

COASTAL EVENTS

Coastal Festivals and Events in North Devon

Coastal events and seaside festivals taking place throughout the year.

Regattas
Seafood Festivals
Carnivals

What’s On

More about North Devon

If you are look for beaches for families on the North Devon Coast, Croyde bay, Woolacombe, Westward Ho! Saunton Sands are definitely worth a look.

If you are learning to surf, try out Woolacombe beach and Putsborough beach, the conditions are less challenging than Croyde Bay.

Bideford is a historic port town located on the estuary of the River Torridge in North Devon. Bideford is slightly inland on the river, and the nearest beaches are Appledore, Woolacombe and Westward Ho!

Top North Devon Beaches

Looking for top North Devon Coast destinations? Miles of sandy beaches, traditional seaside towns and family attractions. Walk the coastal path or find family friendly Blue Flag beaches. There are sandy beaches in North Devon which are safe for swimming as well as dog friendly beaches for long walks with our four legged friends.

Blue Flag

Family Friendly award winning beaches

Dog friendly

For long walks with our four legged friends.

What’s On

Find out What’s On – from festivals to cultural events along the coast

Enjoy the beautiful North Devon coast.

Explore other areas near North Devon

Explore the miles of UK coastline with popular seaside destinations, coastal walks and water sports. Find more beaches in the southwest coast of England, covering the counties of North Cornwall, Somerset, South Devon, South East Cornwall, South West Cornwall and South Cornwall. Stop off at a beach for the day or walk or cycle the coastal trails.

UK Beach Guide

Go to the Beach Guide

Go to another region and explore

Choose a Region