North Devon Beaches 

Northam Burrows 1.5 miles of sandy beach protected by a ridge of huge pebbles. Ideal for swimming, surfing and sailboarding. There is a visitors centre explaining the ecology of the sea and surrounding area. This is open Easter - September 10am - 5pm, although the park is open all the time. There is a car park behind the pebble ridge and toilets at the visitors centre.

 

Croyde This award winning sandy beach is just around the corner from Saunton Sands, but because it is smaller it can get crowded. However it is easily accessible, there is plenty of car parking and it is excellent for swimming, surfing, windsurfing etc. The beach is manned with lifeguards. At one end of the beach there is equipment hire, a shop, refreshments and toilets. From here the beach is wheelchair accessible.

 

Putsborough (At the southern end of Woolacombe Sands) Another award winning sandy beach manned with lifeguards. Again ideal for surfing, swimming and water sports. There is a beach car park, toilets and snack bar.

Westward Ho! A seaside resort with all the features one expects - amusement arcade, putting green, playground, beach shops, snack bars and seaside pubs. The beach - sand/pebbles - is easily accessible from the car park and is ideal for swimming and surfing. There are also pools in the rocks which have been adapted for swimming

Saunton Sands 3 miles of flat sand backed by massive sand dunes. Excellent surfing beach and ideal for all water sports. Manned with lifeguards. Wheelchair accessible. Shop, toilet etc. at car park end of beach - However you can get away from the crowds by just walking further along the beach. Try to arrive early as car parking space is limited and can fill up on busy days.

 

Instow from which the beach is wheelchair accessible. Although it does have a sandy beach it is not really for sunbathing and surfing as it is in the estuary. It is however great to play on, fly kites etc. It is an attractive area and has always been popular with artists. When the tide is out it is very pleasant walking along the beach by the edge of the river Torridge with picturesque Appledore on the opposite side. The children find this fun too as there are lots of pools in the soft sand, many of which contain attractive seashells. There is car parking in the village There is also a car park behind the dunes.

Woolacombe  A modern settlement rather swamped by hotels guest houses and caravan parks. However once you get past all this you come to one of the finest beaches in the West Country. 3 miles of golden sand with numerous awards. It is very clean and tidy, has good toilet facilities, first aid, life saving equipment and even a lost children service. There is a large car park near the beach which is easily accessible to wheelchairs. Woolacombe is ideal for all water sports and there are lifeguards on the beach. However attention should be paid to warnings not to bathe at low tide.

Tunnels - Ilfracombe An aging holiday resort which was at its best during the Victorian era, although now is begining to show a new life. The Tunnels are passages hewn through the cliffs to a privately owned bathing beach. The Victorians also built up walls between rocks to make two bathing pools - One for ladies and one for gentlemen. There is a small charge to use the Tunnels.

Combe Martin At high tide the beach looks uninteresting but as the tide goes out there are large rock pools to explore and stretch of level sand appears outside a ridge of stones known as the breakwater. The sea is free of currents and therefore popular for bathing. Just a little to the west is Sandy Bay which is reached by Sandy Bay Lane. Steps lead down to the beach, but unfortunately there is no sand. However it is a great spot for picnic. In Combe Martin itself there is a large beach car park which provides easy access for wheelchairs.