Barricane Beach
Located between Woolacombe and Mortehoe Barricane is often called Shell Beach owing to the beach being made up of shingle and shells - many of which are not native to this country. There are plenty of good rockpools here amongst the flat rocks at low tide.
There is a small cafe here
Combe Martin
A nice little rocky bay with a steeply shelving sand and shingle beach that only shows it's real character at lower tides - the tide goes out a long way here owing to it's position in the Bristol Channel. The low tide exposes a wealth of rockpools containing a variety of species of anemone, shellfish and fish
Croyde Bay
Croyde is perhaps Devon's best known surfing beach and for good reason. Facing almost due west the beach picks up a good deal of swell and combined with quality sand banks makes for one of the UK's best surf beaches. Its also reknown for packing a fair bit of power, particularly on the low tide when barrels are not uncommon.
Croyde is a popular resort village with the beach being its main asset, as a result it can get a little crowded at the height of the holiday season.The beach itself is a pretty stretch of sand backing on to sand dunes and is about a half mile walk from the village. To the north it is bordered by the unspoilt red rock headland of Baggy Point
Hele Bay
Just to the east of Ilfracombe is the small sand and shingle cove of Hele Bay. Located adjacent to Hillsborough Nature Reserve, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the beach has been awarded the Blue Flag award for its safe clean waters.
Its a good family beach with safe swimming and a wealth of rockpools at lower tides. There are also plenty of facilities nearby including a shop, pub and cafe.
Ilfracombe - Tunnels Beach
The beach is an unusual throwback to Victorian times when Ilfracombe was at the height of its popularity and sea-water bathing was considered a cure to all ailments. There are four man-made tunnels which provide access to the privately owned cove (at a small charge).
On the beach is a large tidal swimming pool which is still very popular with children, who can enjoy inflatables and snorkelling in safety.
Instow
Located on the edge of the Torridge estuary, Instow beach is blessed with fine, soft sand unlike some of its neigbours which were left with mud! As the beach doesn't face directly into the Atlantic its sheltered from the surf that can often be seen pounding into the Bideford Bar at the estuary mouth.
The sands here are quite extensive so there's room for everyone. Its a popular place to launch boats and windsurfers from and there's plenty of space for cricket and volleyball.
One of the highlights of the beach is the view across the waters to the picturesque village of Appledore to which there is a regular summer ferry service.
Lee Bay
2 Miles to the West of Ilfracombe is Lee Bay a charming sand and shingle beach backing onto an equally charming village. The bay is flanked on either side by an imposing rocky coastline. Set in a wooded combe which is sometimes referred to as "Fuchsia Valley" Lee Bay has no problem living up to it's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty status.
Lynmouth Bay
Not the greatest beach in the area, but surrounded by some of the most impressive scenery and hisorical interest on the coast. To reach Lynmouth you can take the water powered Victorian cliff railway down the wooded hillside from Lynton.
The beach itself is a small pebble and shingle affair with a tidal swimming pool at the eastern end
Northam Burrows
Putsborough Sands
Saunton Sands
Westward Ho!
Despite having a slightly tacky reputation as a decaying seaside holiday resort Westward Ho! has plenty of history and things to do and see. The seaside shops selling ice-creams, rock, chips and buckets and spades still exist, unlike the Victorian pier which was washed away by a storm.
The sandy beach extends for over 2 miles to the mouth of the Torridge and Taw estuary and has a Blue Flag award for its clean water and safe bathing. There is sometimes fairly decent surf here but it doesn't really compare with other North Devon spots like Croyde. However, it is a good spot for beginners with fatter, less powerful waves and much less hassle from crowds.