North Devon Beaches

North Devon beaches are some of the most stunning beaches in the UK, each offering its own unique charm and allure. From vast expanses of golden sand to rugged coves and secret bays, there’s a beach to suit every taste along this picturesque coastline. Within a 15 – 30 minute drive you will find some of the best beaches in Devon and each is unique. We have listed a few of our personal favourites but there are plenty more to explore!

Yes it is spelt with an exclamation mark! Made up of a long sandy beach backed by an incredible pebble ridge with Northam Burrows Country Park accessible at one end, this beach offers the best of both sand, rock pools and nature. RNLI Lifeguard service is available from May to September and the beach is popular with surfers, windsurfers and swimmers. Dogs are permitted from October to April on the whole beach and all year round at the Northam Burrows end. There is ample car parking and disabled parking close to the beach.

Located on the edge of the Torridge estuary, Instow beach in blessed with fine soft sand and dunes. As the beach doesn’t face directly into the Atlantic, its sheltered from the surf that can often be seen pounding into the Bideford Bar at the estuary mouth. The sandy beach is a popular place to launch boats and for windsurfing, there’s disabled access with various access points along the beach, mostly level. Dogs are not allowed between the Quay and Lane End Road (by the Boathouse Restaurant) in July and August between 10am – 5pm. Dogs are permitted on the rest of the beach all year round.

Three and a half miles of golden sand backed by one of the most unique and impressive dune systems in the country. Saunton Sands is bounded to the south by the combined estuaries of the rivers Taw and Torridge. Popular with families and longboarders.

Croyde is perhaps Devon’s best known surfing beach and for good reason. Facing almost due west the beach picks up a good deal of swell and combined with quality sand banks makes for one of the UK’s best surf beaches. Its also reknown for packing a fair bit of power, particularly on the low tide when barrels are not uncommon.