Woolacombe Bay
Grunta Beach is at the far northern end of Woolacombe Bay and really only accessible by beach at low tide, and by a fairly steep cliff path at any other tide, Grunta offers limited space and access. Combesgate Beach is sandwiched between Grunta and the Barricane beach, Combesgate is accessed via a steep set of steps and offers lots of sand and rock pooling from low to mid tide. Barricane Beach is a narrow inlet that sits between the main beach and Combesgate beaches. A designated site of special scientific interest, you can often find small shells here that have been washed in on the Gulf Stream from far flung places. There is a small beachside kiosk selling hot and cold drinks and snacks during the main season.
Harris, Gin and Shellsborough Coves are hard to distinguish and really form one small rocky reef with a small area of shingle and sand, great for rock pooling. You can find them between Main Beach and Barricane Beach. Middle Beach or Marine Drive is still Woolacombe beach but as there are three miles of beautiful, golden sands it’s often referred to as Middle Beach or Marine Drive.
Woolacombe holds the ‘England for Excellence Gold Award’ for best family resort and was voted the Best British Beach in the Mail On Sunday. Its beach has been voted one of Britain’s best and lies between Morte Point and Baggy Point. This three-mile long stretch of golden sand has won both the blue flag and Premier Seaside Beach awards for its cleanliness, water quality and facilities. Life guards ensure safe family swimming during the summer and surfers come from all over the country to enjoy the great waves and clean water.
Putsborough Sands is short drive south from Woolacombe through narrow lanes. This is a good family beach with great rock pooling, it offers many facilities and beachside parking, however even though this beach is popular with families it is not patrolled and when waves are apparent it can become busy especially at higher tides.
Croyde Bay
Georgeham is a typical attractive village set in rural countryside and a perfect place for a relaxed meal or picnic and centrally located for the surfing beaches which almost surround it.
Croyde is a magical place with superb sandy beaches; the village is steeped in old-world charm, and echoing the feeling of life in Britain in the 30’s and 40’s. With three fantastic sandy beaches to choose from this is a great place for surfing & beach walking. This village has become the place to discover for events throughout the year, including the Golden Coast Oceanfest which attracts thousands from all over the south west.
Saunton Sands are south and around the point at Croyde. Approaching there is a view of half mile stretch of golden sand backed by the rolling expanse of Braunton Burrows, one of the most unique and impressive dune systems in the country. As well as being a first class family beach it is also renowned for some of the best surf around, as when there is a good swell it can produce long slow rollers that prove to be an irresistible draw for long-boarders. In addition to surfing there are many other sporting activities that take place like kite surfing, kayaking and paddle boarding to name a few. There are toilet & refreshment facilities.
Braunton is the gateway to the golden beaches and the great resorts of the North Devon coast. It is five miles from Barnstaple and is reputed to be the largest village in England. The shops and surf specialists, good selection of eateries and places to stay, make this village an ideal base for everything in North Devon. Climb to Braunton Beacon at the top of West Hill and enjoy the panoramic view of Braunton Great Fields and the Braunton Burrows Nature Reserve. In the village St Brannock’s Church and the Elliot Art Gallery are well worth a visit, as are the Countryside Centre and Braunton Museum. The Tarka Trail passes through the village and can be cycled safely along the estuary to Barnstaple and on to Torrington. Travel in the opposite direction on foot and the trail joins the South West Coastal Path along the coastline to
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