Explore the local beaches
Coulscott’s nearby beaches are some of the largest, most unspoilt and memorable in the UK. Whether you’re someone that enjoys long walks on golden sands, rambles on dramatic cliff tops, running through sand dunes, swimming in clear blue waters, rock pooling for crabs, or the perfect conditions for getting on a surf board, we have all bases covered for you in North Devon. Perfect beach days are guaranteed, whether you prefer the family friendly fun on one of the larger sandy beaches or the nature and seclusion of the secret coves.
1 mile
Combe Martin Beach
Our nearest beach, the sheltered bay of Combe Martin is perfect for kayaking and stand up paddle-boarding (SUP) and it attracts seals and dolphins too, giving those enjoying such water sports a memorable experience. At high tide the beach is a pebbly sand but as the tide retreats it reveals a sandy beach and some of the best rock pools along the whole coast! Boards and Kayaks can be rented in the village from Surf Side – continually awarded a certificate of excellence by Tripadvisor they also offer guided kayaking tours.
2 miles
Wild Pear Beach
The most secret cove in North Devon is very close by. More suited to our families with older kids, Wild Pear Beach is a bit of an adventure to get to with a short hike from Coulscott to reach it via a dramatic descent from the South West Coast Path. An idyllic, protected cove surrounded by high cliffs Wild Pear Beach is a gem of a spot – perfect for families wanting to immerse themselves in nature.
3 miles
Broadsands Beach
Almost like something from a lost world, Broadsands was recently voted Britain’s Happiest View! The view is like the front cover of a Lonely Planet magazine, showcasing some dramatic Far East location. This beach is one of our favourite places with the perfect curved bay, the turquoise sea, interesting rock caves, trees, wildlife…When the tide is out the large sand bar is exposed which creates a walkway through to the other side of the headland, with views towards Combe Martin. When the tide comes in, separate coves are formed. Make sure you are on the cove that has the only steps back out of this hidden gem!
7 miles
Tunnels Beaches
A network of tunnels, hand-carved in the early nineteenth century, leads to a selection of sheltered sand and shingle private beaches and a Victorian tidal swimming pool. The beaches, which are backed by cliffs, can only be accessed via the tunnels. There is a landscaped picnic area with benches and parasols, sunbed and wetsuit hire and a cafe-bar with a terrace.
7 miles
Lee Bay and Sandy Cove
Found in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Lee Bay is a wonderfully secluded spot. Bordered on three sides by rolling Devon countryside, cliffs and hills, the bay looks out onto the Bristol Channel. Lee Bay is often called ‘Fuchsia Valley’ due to the abundance of bright red flowers found adorning the village’s vegetation in the right season, and the sheltered cove enjoys a balmy climate, so a visit to Lee Bay really feels like you’re a world away from everyday life.
12 miles
Barricane Beach
Tucked between rocks, Barricane Beach, harbours exotic shells carried in by the waves from the Caribbean, thousands of miles away. Visit on a fine evening between Easter and September and you may find the beach café serving its legendary curry to eat on the sand. You could easily imagine you are on the beach in Thailand! Barricane is a great spot for getting away from the crowds on Woolcombe’s main, award-winning and very popular beach, but still being within easy walking distance of its great range of cafes, bars and restaurants. Visit just before sunset for front-row seats to the epic view.
12 miles
The Beaches of Woolacombe
We are just twenty minutes away from the “Best Beach in Britain” – As well as beating famous coastlines in Turkey, Florida and Costa Rica to be voted the 13th best beach globally, Woolacombe Beach came fourth across Europe and made the top spot in the UK! One reviewer recently described Woolacombe as ”Three miles of heaven. In wild weather, it is beautiful. In good weather, it is a delight.” We couldn’t agree more!
13 miles
Putsborough Sands
With fantastic family friendly facilities including a beach front café, Putsborough Sands is on the south side of Woolacombe is usually quieter than neighbouring beaches. Putsborough is one of the North Devon surf spots most favoured by locals. The headland of Baggy Point provides ample shelter from the coast’s famous south-westerlies so it’s a must-visit if you’re a keen wave rider.
16 miles
Croyde
The pretty village of Croyde sits just round the headland of Baggy Point, with its world-renowned surfing beach. Croyde beach is set in a wide sandy bay and is one of North Devon’s most popular beaches – and with good reason. Not only is this one of the prettiest spots along the coast it also has the best surf. The sand at Croyde is fine and golden. Towards the shoreline this becomes firm and compacted, which is great for sandcastles but even better news for surfers. With a seasonal lifeguard service and a fair range of facilities on the beach Croyde appeals to all types, from families to hardcore surfer types.
17 miles
Saunton Sands
A key component of North Devon’s golden coast, Saunton Sands is a long straight sandy beach backed by the impressive Braunton Burrows a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This is a popular beach with surfers and families due to the long stretch of water perfect for swimmers and surfers and it is much more suited to beginners and intermediate surfers than the northern Croyde Bay. There are a range of food outlets, toilets and beach shops and dogs are allowed on the beach all year. Walks along the sands to Crow Point are refreshing and provide some amazing views across the coastline.
1 mile
Combe Martin Beach
Our nearest beach, the sheltered bay of Combe Martin is perfect for kayaking and stand up paddle-boarding (SUP) and it attracts seals and dolphins too, giving those enjoying such water sports a memorable experience. At high tide the beach is a pebbly sand but as the tide retreats it reveals a sandy beach and some of the best rock pools along the whole coast! Boards and Kayaks can be rented in the village from Surf Side – continually awarded a certificate of excellence by Tripadvisor they also offer guided kayaking tours.
2 miles
Wild Pear Beach
The most secret cove in North Devon is very close by. More suited to our families with older kids, Wild Pear Beach is a bit of an adventure to get to with a short hike from Coulscott to reach it via a dramatic descent from the South West Coast Path. An idyllic, protected cove surrounded by high cliffs Wild Pear Beach is a gem of a spot – perfect for families wanting to immerse themselves in nature.
3 miles
Broadsands Beach
Almost like something from a lost world, Broadsands was recently voted Britain’s Happiest View! The view is like the front cover of a Lonely Planet magazine, showcasing some dramatic Far East location. This beach is one of our favourite places with the perfect curved bay, the turquoise sea, interesting rock caves, trees, wildlife…When the tide is out the large sand bar is exposed which creates a walkway through to the other side of the headland, with views towards Combe Martin. When the tide comes in, separate coves are formed. Make sure you are on the cove that has the only steps back out of this hidden gem!
7 miles
Tunnels Beaches
A network of tunnels, hand-carved in the early nineteenth century, leads to a selection of sheltered sand and shingle private beaches and a Victorian tidal swimming pool. The beaches, which are backed by cliffs, can only be accessed via the tunnels. There is a landscaped picnic area with benches and parasols, sunbed and wetsuit hire and a cafe-bar with a terrace.
7 miles
Lee Bay and Sandy Cove
Found in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Lee Bay is a wonderfully secluded spot. Bordered on three sides by rolling Devon countryside, cliffs and hills, the bay looks out onto the Bristol Channel. Lee Bay is often called ‘Fuchsia Valley’ due to the abundance of bright red flowers found adorning the village’s vegetation in the right season, and the sheltered cove enjoys a balmy climate, so a visit to Lee Bay really feels like you’re a world away from everyday life.
12 miles
Barricane Beach
Tucked between rocks, Barricane Beach, harbours exotic shells carried in by the waves from the Caribbean, thousands of miles away. Visit on a fine evening between Easter and September and you may find the beach café serving its legendary curry to eat on the sand. You could easily imagine you are on the beach in Thailand! Barricane is a great spot for getting away from the crowds on Woolcombe’s main, award-winning and very popular beach, but still being within easy walking distance of its great range of cafes, bars and restaurants. Visit just before sunset for front-row seats to the epic view.
12 miles
The Beaches of Woolacombe
We are just twenty minutes away from the “Best Beach in Britain” – As well as beating famous coastlines in Turkey, Florida and Costa Rica to be voted the 13th best beach globally, Woolacombe Beach came fourth across Europe and made the top spot in the UK! One reviewer recently described Woolacombe as ”Three miles of heaven. In wild weather, it is beautiful. In good weather, it is a delight.” We couldn’t agree more!
13 miles
Putsborough Sands
With fantastic family friendly facilities including a beach front café, Putsborough Sands is on the south side of Woolacombe is usually quieter than neighbouring beaches. Putsborough is one of the North Devon surf spots most favoured by locals. The headland of Baggy Point provides ample shelter from the coast’s famous south-westerlies so it’s a must-visit if you’re a keen wave rider.
16 miles
Croyde
The pretty village of Croyde sits just round the headland of Baggy Point, with its world-renowned surfing beach. Croyde beach is set in a wide sandy bay and is one of North Devon’s most popular beaches – and with good reason. Not only is this one of the prettiest spots along the coast it also has the best surf. The sand at Croyde is fine and golden. Towards the shoreline this becomes firm and compacted, which is great for sandcastles but even better news for surfers. With a seasonal lifeguard service and a fair range of facilities on the beach Croyde appeals to all types, from families to hardcore surfer types.
17 miles
Saunton Sands
A key component of North Devon’s golden coast, Saunton Sands is a long straight sandy beach backed by the impressive Braunton Burrows a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This is a popular beach with surfers and families due to the long stretch of water perfect for swimmers and surfers and it is much more suited to beginners and intermediate surfers than the northern Croyde Bay. There are a range of food outlets, toilets and beach shops and dogs are allowed on the beach all year. Walks along the sands to Crow Point are refreshing and provide some amazing views across the coastline.
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