The Best Beaches on the North Devon Coast

Where to stay in North Devon.

North Devon’s coastline is a treasure trove of golden sands, dramatic cliffs, and world-class surf. From the longboarding paradise of Saunton Sands to the hidden coves of the Hartland Peninsula, there’s a beach for every mood. But if you’re looking for the perfect blend of surf, safety, and seaside charm with a luxury apartment to match Woolacombe Beach should be at the top of your list.

Woolacombe: The Crown Jewel of North Devon

Woolacombe Beach consistently ranks among the best in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. Three miles of pristine, golden sand stretch along the coast between Croyde and Ilfracombe, backed by rolling dunes and offering breathtaking views across to Lundy Island. It’s a Blue Flag beach, renowned for its cleanliness and excellent facilities, making it ideal for families and surfers alike.

The beach has earned its reputation through sheer quality. In 2025, Woolacombe retained its spot as the most highly reviewed beach in Devon on Tripadvisor, with visitors praising its “pristine” sands and “massive” expanse. One recent visitor noted: “The most pristine beach. With great lifeguards on duty. Massive beach, perfect for body surfing”.

Surfing at Woolacombe

For surfers, Woolacombe is a year-round destination. The beach is a classic Atlantic swell magnet, working at all stages of the tide and offering both lefts and rights. The best conditions arrive when a west-northwest swell combines with offshore winds from the east, creating clean, rideable waves.

Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a complete beginner, Woolacombe delivers. There are surf schools and hire shops in the village, and the beach’s consistent waves make it an excellent place to learn. If you’re staying at Southover Beach, you’re just steps from the water and the apartments offer a dedicated wet room with hot and cold showers, plus secure surfboard storage, so you can rinse off and stow your kit without tracking sand through your living space.

Safety First: RNLI Lifeguards

One of the things that sets Woolacombe apart is its professional lifeguard cover. The RNLI patrols Woolacombe Beach daily from May through late September, with weekend cover extending into October. Patrols run from 10am to 6pm, and the lifeguards are kept busy recently, Woolacombe’s team launched to assist a paddleboarder swept out to sea at neighbouring Putsborough.

The RNLI’s simple advice is worth remembering: always swim between the red and yellow flags, never swim alone, and if you get into trouble, Float to Live. With lifeguards on duty throughout the summer season, Woolacombe offers peace of mind alongside its natural beauty.

Pubs with a View

After a day on the water, North Devon’s pubs provide the perfect reward. In Woolacombe, The Tides Inn is hard to beat—perched above the bay, it offers panoramic views across Woolacombe Beach and the Atlantic beyond. The menu focuses on classic pub favourites made with fresh local ingredients, and dogs are welcome, making it a popular choice for families and four-legged visitors alike.

For a more sociable, surfer-friendly atmosphere, The Barn sits just a short stroll from the beach on Barton Road. With real ales, a relaxed vibe, and genuine dog-friendly credentials, it’s an excellent spot for a post-surf pint or a Sunday roast. The terrace catches the afternoon sun beautifully—the perfect place to reflect on a day well spent.

The Coastline and Beyond

Woolacombe sits within the North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the South West Coast Path runs right through it. A gentle circular walk through the sand dunes and along the beach offers a taste of the coastal scenery, with wildflowers and birdlife in abundance during the summer months. For something more challenging, the climb up Woolacombe Down rewards walkers with spectacular panoramas across the bay towards Baggy Point and Morte Point.

The coastline around Woolacombe is also dotted with hidden gems. Barricane Beach, just a short walk away, is famous for its exotic shells and Sri Lankan curry served on the beach during summer evenings. And if you’re craving a quieter stretch of sand, Rockham Bay and Lee Bay are within easy reach.

Other North Devon Beach Resorts Worth Exploring

While Woolacombe makes an exceptional base, North Devon’s coastline is studded with other resorts that deserve a spot on your itinerary. Two in particular offer contrasting experiences that complement a Woolacombe stay perfectly.

Croyde Bay lies just a few miles north along the coast and has earned a reputation as one of the UK’s premier surfing destinations. A local surfer and instructor put it simply: “The surf here is unreal arguably some of the best in the UK”. The village itself has a laid-back, friendly atmosphere that visitors consistently praise. One local entrepreneur described it beautifully: “There’s just something about Croyde that makes you never want to leave. On a summer evening when things quiet down, nothing beats sitting outside with an ice cream from the local shop, listening to the waves”.

The village offers excellent dining options, from traditional pub fare at The Old Thatch to contemporary brunch spots like Blue Groove, plus an ice cream parlour that stays open late during summer evenings. The walk from Woolacombe over the headland to Croyde, following the South West Coast Path around Baggy Point, is one of North Devon’s finest coastal rambles.

Saunton Sands presents a different character entirely. This three-and-a-half-mile stretch of golden sand is backed by the Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and is particularly beloved by longboarders for its mellow, forgiving waves. The beach is dog-friendly year-round, making it a favourite for visitors travelling with four-legged companions. The sheer scale of Saunton means it rarely feels crowded, even at the height of summer perfect for families seeking space to spread out or beginners looking for gentle conditions to practice on. It’s an easy drive from Woolacombe and makes for a rewarding day trip when you fancy a change of scene.

Southover Beach: Your Luxury Base

For those who want to experience Woolacombe at its best, Southover Beach offers an unbeatable combination of location and luxury. These five-star self-catering apartments sit directly on the beachfront, with most units boasting full-length beach views from balconies or patios.

The apartments are designed with surfers and beach lovers in mind. A secure wet/dry store and wet room with hot and cold showers mean you can wash down wetsuits and boards without hassle, while each apartment has its own surfboard store. After a day in the waves, the Hot showers provide comfort and ease..

Southover Beach is also dog-friendly, so your four-legged companion can join you on your coastal adventures. With private parking, stylish interiors featuring leather sofas and high-spec kitchens, and the beach just steps from your door, it’s the ideal base for exploring everything North Devon’s coast has to offer.

Whether you’re chasing waves, soaking up the scenery, or simply seeking a peaceful escape by the sea, Woolacombe and Southover Beach deliver an unforgettable North Devon experience.