Best Beaches in Devon

The North, South and East coastlines of Devon are peppered with beaches of indefinable beauty. In the North the Atlantic waves rage in to flatten the sands of Woolacombe and Saunton, and hidden behind rocky coves are havens of solitude. To the South are sheltered beaches hidden up estuaries, and to the East, the curious rock formations of the Jurassic Coast. All is in contrast and a delight for the beachophile.

Here are a few of Goldeneye’s favourite Devon beaches…

CLOVELLY, NORTH DEVON

A timeless village of cobbled streets and quaint cottages descend steeply to the harbour and backdrop of rich blue sea. Popular with day- trippers. Take comfy footwear.

BLACKPOOL SANDS, SOUTH HAMS

One of the cleanest beaches in Devon made possible by the parking charge. Set in a sheltered cove. No dogs.

WOOLACOMBE, NORTH DEVON

One of England’s purest beaches where the coastline is untouched by development. Two-miles of sands extend to Putsborough Sands. In high summer not a speckle of sand is visible due to its popularity as a family beach.

EXMOUTH, EAST DEVON

On a clear bright day the sea, the sky, the horizon flows off into infinity. A wide expanse of sand and pebbles popular with windsurfers and paddle-boarders

PUTSBOROUGH SANDS, NORTH DEVON

The access on bank holidays will stretch your patience. It is a flat beach given to water sports, particularly surfing, when the breaks are clean.

LEE BAY, NORTH DEVON

An isolated hamlet with a beach of special marine biological interest. Low tide provides sand, rock pools and steps to Sandy Cove.

HARTLAND QUAY, NORTH DEVON

Set in a wild and windswept corner of England and forever associated with smugglers of contraband, and a favourite landing for Sir Francis Drake and Sir Richard Grenville.

CROYDE, NORTH DEVON

When the “surf is up” there is no better break for the experienced surfer. However, when flat and on calm summer days the beach is popular with the bucket and spade brigade.

BIGBURY-ON-SEA, SOUTH HAMS

A fine sandy beach with rock pools and popular with families. The tractor that ferries you to Burgh Island and the Pilchard Inn is one to behold.

WOODY BAY, NORTH DEVON

The access is via a steep, zig-zag lane protected by ancient trees bent double by the prevailing winds. A natural tidal pool of nature comes alive at low tide, as does the waterfall.

SAUNTON SANDS, NORTH DEVON

Once seen, never forgotten. A stunning view that goes on for 4-miles of extensive sands. Behind the beach, Braunton Burrows, a Nature Reserve and rabbit warren.

This book is different. It is an independent voice, as all entries are chosen on merit and merit alone. In a Digital Age where (travel) information is provided by advertising budgets. Herewith, a refreshing and enlightening take on what Devon has to offer the visitor and resident.