North Devon coast guide
An introduction to North Devon's Atlantic coastline: the beaches, headlands and coastal towns from Hartland to Exmoor, with Woolacombe at the centre.
North Devon coast
One of England's most dramatic coastlines
North Devon's Atlantic coast runs for approximately 70 miles, from Hartland Point in the southwest through Westward Ho!, Instow, the Taw estuary, Braunton Burrows, Saunton Sands, Croyde, Woolacombe and Mortehoe, then north through Ilfracombe, Combe Martin, Lynton and Lynmouth to the Exmoor boundary. It is one of England's least commercialised Atlantic-facing coastlines.
The coast is defined by several things that distinguish it from Cornwall and the south coast: no motorway access (the A361 North Devon Link Road is the main artery from the M5), consistent Atlantic swell that produces surf conditions across multiple beaches, large areas of designated National Trust and AONB land, and a relatively small permanent population that keeps the villages feeling genuinely local rather than heavily tourist-oriented.
Woolacombe sits near the centre of this stretch and makes a practical base for exploring the wider coastline. Croyde, Saunton, Ilfracombe, Mortehoe and Braunton Burrows are all within 30 minutes by car.
Key destinations
Coastal towns and beaches
- Woolacombe. The centrepiece of the North Devon coast for beach holidays: a 3-mile Blue Flag beach, a consistent surf break, surf schools, and a small village with places to eat and stay. See the Woolacombe guide for full details.
- Mortehoe. A small village 1.5 miles north of Woolacombe, above the cliffs. Worth visiting for the church, Morte Point headland and grey seal spotting in season. A gentle walk from Woolacombe on the coast path. See Mortehoe village guide.
- Croyde. A surf village approximately 4 miles south of Woolacombe. Smaller than Woolacombe, with a popular surf beach, rock pools and access to Baggy Point (National Trust headland). Croyde village has a distinct character — more surf-focused, with a tight cluster of cottages and lanes.
- Saunton Sands. A 3-mile sand beach adjoining Braunton Burrows, the largest sand dune system in England and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Saunton is quieter than Woolacombe and attracts surf school groups as well as families. See Saunton Sands guide and nearby beaches for more on Saunton and Croyde.
- Ilfracombe. The main town on the North Devon coast: a Victorian harbour town with Damien Hirst's Verity sculpture on the pier, fishing boats, sheltered coves (Tunnels Beaches requires a ticket — check locally for current details) and the Lundy Island ferry. About 15 minutes by car from Woolacombe. See the Ilfracombe guide.
- Lynton and Lynmouth. At the eastern end of the North Devon coast, these twin villages are the gateway to Exmoor National Park. Lynmouth sits at sea level; Lynton is above on the cliff, connected by a Victorian cliff railway. Approximately 40 minutes from Woolacombe. See the Lynton and Lynmouth guide.
- Hartland Quay. A dramatically remote cove in the far southwest of North Devon, with wave-cut rock platforms and some of the most striking coastal geology in England. About an hour from Woolacombe. A car park and pub are at the quay itself.
Activities
What to do on the North Devon coast
- Surfing. Woolacombe and Croyde are both surf destinations with consistent Atlantic swells. Both have surf schools operating from spring through autumn. Saunton is used by surf schools for beginners due to its open, uncrowded beach. See the surf guide for conditions and beginner options.
- South West Coast Path walking. The SWCP runs the entire length of the North Devon coast. The section from Saunton to Ilfracombe — passing through Croyde, Baggy Point, Putsborough, Woolacombe, Mortehoe and Bull Point — is considered one of the finest stretches of the 630-mile path. See walks near Woolacombe.
- Wildlife watching. Atlantic grey seals at Morte Point (autumn to spring), gannets offshore, Lundy Island puffins (spring ferry from Ilfracombe), Braunton Burrows for ground-nesting birds and unusual dune flora. See wildlife near Woolacombe.
- Day trips by car from Woolacombe. Croyde (15 min), Saunton (20 min), Ilfracombe (20 min), Lynton and Lynmouth (40 min), Hartland Quay (60 min). All are manageable as day trips from a Woolacombe base. See day trips from Woolacombe.
Base camp
Why Woolacombe works as a base
Woolacombe's central position on the coast makes it a practical base for visiting the wider region. It sits roughly equidistant between Hartland to the southwest and Lynton to the northeast. The main Barnstaple hub — with supermarkets, a rail terminus, and onward bus connections — is 14 miles east on the A361.
The village has a range of accommodation from camping and holiday parks to self-catering cottages and B&Bs. It is on the South West Coast Path, meaning you can walk directly from your accommodation onto the trail in either direction. See accommodation at Woolacombe for options, and getting here for the main access routes to North Devon.
Next steps
Explore the North Devon coast
- Nearby beaches including Croyde, Saunton and Putsborough: nearby beaches · Saunton Sands guide.
- Ilfracombe harbour town and day trips: Ilfracombe guide.
- Lynton and Lynmouth cliff railway and Exmoor coast: Lynton and Lynmouth guide.
- Mortehoe village and Morte Point: Mortehoe village guide.
- Braunton Burrows UNESCO biosphere: Braunton Burrows guide.
- South West Coast Path walking: walks near Woolacombe.
- Wildlife and seal spotting: wildlife near Woolacombe.
- Day trips across North Devon: day trips from Woolacombe.
- Getting to North Devon: getting here guide.