InstowWhere the Rivers Taw and Torridge meet and go out to sea, renowned for its beautiful sunsets, there are several good pubs / restaurants and a lovely sandy beach. It is the home of North Devon Cricket Club with its beautiful thatched clubhouse – the oldest in the country! (Dave Shepherd, International test umpire home team), even non cricket lovers would enjoy the experience and breathtaking setting. Also the home of North Devon Yacht Club.
Saunton Sands3 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.
WoolacombeA 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. 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.
CroydeThis 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.
Northam Burrows1.5 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.
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.
PutsboroughAt 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.
Combe MartinAt 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.
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