Barnstaple Beaches

Overview

Barnstaple, a vibrant market town on the Taw Estuary, makes an ideal base for exploring North Devon's stunning coastline, much of which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. While the town itself isn't coastal, the region's famous golden sandy beaches are just a short drive away, offering breathtaking scenery and seaside adventures.

Our editor's picks showcase the variety on offer. Experience the vast, award-winning sands of Woolacombe Beach, a favourite for families and swimmers. Catch the perfect wave at Croyde Beach, North Devon's surfing capital. Marvel at the miles of sand backed by impressive dunes at Saunton Sands, or enjoy the relaxed estuary views at Instow Beach, easily accessible via the Tarka Trail.

These highlights are just a taste of what awaits. Quieter spots like Putsborough Sands offer a peaceful alternative nearby. For a comprehensive look at all the coastal gems, including secluded coves and family-friendly spots, be sure to explore our full list of beaches in the area.

From world-class surfing conditions to gentle waters perfect for young children, the beaches near Barnstaple cater to every type of visitor. Discover your perfect North Devon beach escape using our guide.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Barnstaple a good base for a beach holiday?

Barnstaple is a popular base for exploring North Devon's beaches due to its range of accommodation, shops, and restaurants. However, Barnstaple itself is a market town located on the Taw Estuary, not directly on the coast. The main surf and sandy beaches like Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton Sands are a 20-30 minute drive away.

Woolacombe Beach

Croyde Beach

Saunton Sands

Is North Devon (near Barnstaple) suitable for a family beach holiday?

Yes, the area around Barnstaple is very popular for family beach holidays. Beaches like Woolacombe and Saunton Sands offer vast sandy stretches, lifeguards (in season), rock pools, and facilities like toilets and cafes. Croyde is also popular but known more for surfing. Instow offers calmer estuary waters suitable for younger children.

Can you swim in the sea near Barnstaple?

Swimming directly in the Taw Estuary at Barnstaple isn't recommended due to strong currents and water quality concerns. However, the nearby coastal beaches like Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton Sands offer excellent sea swimming, though conditions can vary. Always check local tide times, be aware of rip currents (especially at Croyde), and swim in lifeguarded areas during patrol seasons.

Woolacombe Beach

Croyde Beach

Saunton Sands

Are dogs allowed on the beaches near Barnstaple?

Dog policies vary by beach and time of year. Some beaches like Saunton Sands (specific zones) and Instow are generally dog-friendly year-round. However, popular beaches like Woolacombe and Croyde have restrictions, often banning dogs from main sections between Easter and October. Always check specific beach signage or council websites for current rules before visiting.

Is it better to stay right near the beach (e.g., Woolacombe, Croyde) or in Barnstaple?

Staying near the beach offers immediate access to the coast and a distinct seaside village atmosphere, ideal if the beach is your main focus. However, options can be more limited and expensive. Staying in Barnstaple provides more accommodation choices, shops, restaurants, and better transport links for exploring the wider North Devon area, but requires driving to the beaches.

Which beach is better for surfing, Croyde or Woolacombe?

Croyde is generally considered North Devon's premier surfing beach, known for its powerful, low-tide barrels, attracting experienced surfers. Woolacombe offers good surfing conditions too, often more forgiving and suitable for beginners and intermediates, with multiple surf schools operating there. Saunton Sands is also popular, especially for longboarders and beginners.

Croyde Beach

Woolacombe Beach

Saunton Sands

How far are the main beaches like Woolacombe and Croyde from Barnstaple?

The most popular beaches are typically a 20-30 minute drive from Barnstaple town centre, depending on traffic. Woolacombe is about 12 miles (around 25-30 mins), Croyde is about 10 miles (around 20-25 mins), and Saunton Sands is about 8 miles (around 20 mins).

Woolacombe Beach

Croyde Beach

Saunton Sands

Is parking difficult or expensive at the North Devon beaches?

Parking at popular beaches like Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton Sands can be challenging and relatively expensive, especially during peak season (summer holidays and sunny weekends). Car parks often fill up early. Prices vary but expect to pay a significant daily rate. Some smaller coves may have limited or no dedicated parking.

Woolacombe Beach

Croyde Beach

Saunton Sands

Are there quieter beaches near Barnstaple away from the main crowds?

Yes, besides the famous beaches, North Devon has quieter options. Putsborough Sands (south end of Woolacombe bay) is often less crowded. Lee Bay offers a picturesque cove. Crow Point provides vast, wild dunes and estuary views (part of Braunton Burrows). Further afield, beaches towards Hartland Quay or Woody Bay offer more seclusion.

What facilities are typically available at the main beaches (Woolacombe, Croyde, Saunton)?

The main beaches like Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton Sands generally have good facilities, including toilets, cafes or food kiosks, shops selling beach gear, and surf hire/schools. Lifeguard services operate during peak seasons. Accessibility can vary, with Saunton known for better disabled access via its slipway and landeez wheelchairs.

Woolacombe Beach

Croyde Beach

Saunton Sands

What's the best way to get to the beaches from Barnstaple if I don't have a car?

Buses connect Barnstaple to the main coastal villages and beaches. Stagecoach operates routes serving areas like Braunton, Croyde, Georgeham, and Woolacombe (e.g., routes 21/21A). Check current timetables as frequency can vary, especially outside of summer. Cycling is also an option via some routes, but involves hills.

Are the beaches near Barnstaple sandy?

Yes, the most famous beaches near Barnstaple – Woolacombe, Croyde, Saunton Sands, and Westward Ho! (across the estuary) – are known for their large expanses of golden sand, often backed by dunes. Some smaller coves might be rockier or have shingle.

Are there good spots for rock pooling near Barnstaple?

Yes, several beaches offer good rock pooling opportunities at low tide. Combesgate Beach (between Woolacombe and Mortehoe), Barricane Beach (known for shells), parts of Woolacombe, and Lee Bay are popular choices for exploring rock pools.