Beaches
Atlantic on your doorstep.
The North Devon and North Cornwall coast is packed with beaches worth visiting, from wild rocky coves you can only reach on foot to long sandy stretches perfect for a full family day out. Here are our favourites.
Hartland Quay
Approx. 2 milesThe closest stretch of coastline to the campsite, known for its dramatic cliffs, crashing waves and striking rock formations. Great for coastal walks, rock pooling and watching sunsets over the Atlantic. Small areas of sand appear at low tide.
Blackpool Mill
Approx. 3 milesA hidden cove tucked at the end of a beautiful woodland walk down from Hartland Abbey. Rock pools, sandy gullies and distinctive cliff scenery make it well worth the effort, and the valley setting makes it feel like a world apart. Parking at Hartland Quay, then follow the coast path north.
Speke's Mill Mouth
Approx. 3 milesA secluded cove reached via the coast path, with a waterfall dropping directly onto the beach and impressive cliff scenery all around. Quiet, unspoilt and rarely busy.
Shipload Bay
Approx. 4 milesPerched on the northern edge of the Hartland peninsula, with big views across the Bristol Channel to Lundy Island and seals and dolphins often spotted below. Access to the beach is via a clifftop path, though the descent has been subject to landslides in the past so it's worth checking conditions locally before you go.
Mouthmill Beach
Approx. 5 milesA remote and unspoilt beach with a mix of pebbles and sand, home to the distinctive Blackchurch Rock. Accessible only on foot via the South West Coast Path, which makes it one of the quieter stretches of coastline in the area.
Welcombe Mouth
Approx. 6 milesA peaceful and rarely crowded beach right on the Devon and Cornwall border, with a stream running down through the valley onto the shore. Known for its rock pools and unhurried atmosphere.
Bucks Mills
Approx. 9 milesA small and characterful rocky cove, best explored at low tide. Good for rock pooling and coastal walking, with fine views across Bideford Bay.
Sandymouth Bay
Approx. 12 milesA wide and scenic National Trust beach backed by high cliffs, with a mix of sand and rock pools. Popular with families and surfers, and well managed with good facilities.
Bude (Summerleaze & Crooklets)
Approx. 15 milesA short drive into Cornwall, Bude offers a selection of sandy beaches with excellent surfing, swimming and a full range of seaside facilities. A great option for a more traditional beach day out.
Westward Ho!
Approx. 17 milesA large sandy beach ideal for long walks, surfing and classic seaside days. Backed by the remarkable pebble ridge at Northam Burrows, with plenty of facilities close by.
Instow
Approx. 20 milesA quieter estuary beach with soft sand and pretty views across to Appledore. More sheltered than the open coast, and popular with families and paddleboarders.
Croyde Bay
Approx. 28 milesOne of North Devon's best known surfing beaches, with a wide sandy bay and reliable waves. Busy in summer but well worth the drive.
Saunton Sands
Approx. 30 milesA vast stretch of golden sand backed by dunes, perfect for long walks, surfing and open space. One of the finest beaches on the entire North Devon coast.
Woolacombe
Approx. 32 milesAn award-winning sandy beach ideal for families, swimming and a full day by the sea, with good facilities and a relaxed resort feel nearby.