The North Devon coastline has an array of spectacular sandy beaches with big skies and rolling waves, wild craggy coves and picturesque sailing and fishing villages. Away from the shore, you can discover bustling market towns, rolling hills and the beauty of the wild moorland of Exmoor Park Braunton lies on the North Devon Coast within an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) with its rich history of maritime and agriculture and its stunning coastal landscapes. Aside from having much to offer in its own right, Braunton is a great base from which to explore everything that the region has to offer. Our ‘patch’ of North Devon contains the Braunton Burrows Biosphere reserve, the Tarka Trail, The south West Coast Path, stunning beaches, 3 headlands, an estuary and 15 miles of diverse coastline
Braunton Burrows
This is the largest system of sand dunes in Britain. It is a World heritage site and has been declared Britain’s first UNESCO biosphere reserve. Teeming with flora and fauna, it is a wonderful place to explore.
Saunton Sands beach
Mile upon mile of flat, golden sand backed by Braunton Burrows. It is ideal for families, whether playing on the beach or being more adventurous- surfing, body boarding, kite or wind surfing, kayaking or canoeing. Surfing conditions are especially ideal for beginners and there are excellent surf schools located here. Beach facilities include refreshment areas, toilets and lifeguards during summer months. It is also dog friendly the whole year round!
Croyde Bay
This is a popular village which has a picturesque centre but is best known for its surfing beach set in a bay. It is teeming with facilities and has lifeguards on patrol over the summer. Baggy point and the adjoining National Trust land provide stunning coastal walks.
Putsborough Sands
Putsborough lies at the south end of Woolacombe Bay and is a great favourite with visitors and locals alike. Another surfing beach, there are also rock pools to enjoy. It is the ‘quieter’ end of the bay but still has a beach café and plenty of parking. Just beware, the narrow approach lanes can become ‘jammed’ at busy times.
Woolacombe Beach
A 3 mile stretch of golden sand, backed by dunes, behind which are grassy slopes of the Downs This is a ‘blue flag’ and ‘premier seaside’ beach. It is extremenly popular with families and has an extensive range of facilities around the beach and in the village itself. Surfers come from all over the country to enjoy great surf and clean water. Nearby Mortehoe and Morte Point have dramatic walks both inland and along the coast.
Other places and activities we would recommend:
Barnstaple - a market town with historic pannier market, great for shopping, cinema, theatre, sports centre, Tarka Tennis Centre.
www.barnstapletowncentre.co.uk
The Tarka Trail - cycling route suitable for all ages and abilities
www.devon.gov.uk/tarkatrail
A little further afield, visitors can discover the peace and tranquillity of the surrounding countryside with Exmoor, Lynton and Lynmouth, Valley of the Rocks and Watersmeet.
www.exmoornationalpark.gov.uk