Woolacombe Beach

This 3-mile, award-winning sandy beach is widely recognised as one of the best in the UK. If you love a traditional seaside experience, Woolcombe Beach is perfect for you. It's great for surfing, ice creams, large families, scenic views and pets.

There are plenty of facilities in Woolacombe village at the northern end of the beach, including cafes, shops, and restaurants. Dogs are allowed in selected areas of the beach but must be kept on a lead.

• Golden Coast Leisure Park - 2.8 miles / 9 minute drive

Combe Martin Beach

Combe Martin is often hailed as a hidden gem, renowned for its stunning views. The beach features a blend of stones and pebbles, transitioning to sand near the water, making it an ideal spot for swimming. Locals consider it one of the premier locations in the South West for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and open-water swimming.

It's great for swimming and rock pools, and there's car parking, public toilets, shops and cafes in the nearby town. Dogs are allowed between October and April.

• Golden Coast Leisure Park - 9.9 miles / 20 minute drive

Barricane Beach

This charming, secluded beach is a sheltered west-facing cove with lots to explore. During the summer, it hosts a local café renowned for its must-try Sri Lankan curry.

The beach boasts fantastic views of the Bristol Channel and Lundy Island. It also has fantastic waves for surfing, and some lovely coastal walks.

Dogs are allowed on part of the beach. 

• Golden Coast Leisure Park - 2 miles / 6 minute drive

Saunton Sands

If you’re looking for a beach with ample space for activities and exploration, Saunton Sands is worth considering. It boasts beautiful views and a long stretch of water ideal for swimming and surfing.

The beach also has a Landeez all terrain wheelchair so that those who are less abled or disabled can enjoy the beach fully. You can find toilets, parking, and cafe facilities nearby.

• Golden Coast Leisure Park - 7.6 miles / 21 minute drive

Tunnels Beaches

For an educational walk, be sure to visit Tunnels Beaches. Stroll through the hand-carved tunnels from the 1820s for a truly unique experience. Learn about the extensive history behind their creation and purpose, and enjoy the scenic views from the sandy and shingle beaches at the end.

A small entrance fee is charged at the tunnels. Dogs are allowed between November and April, but must be kept on a lead.

There are plenty of facilities including toilets, a cafe, first aid point, children's play area, shop, deck chair hire, and picnic area.

• Golden Coast Leisure Park - 4.4 miles / 10 minute drive

Grunta Beach

A true hidden gem, Grunta Beach can only really be called a 'beach' at low tide, and is difficult to access. But, it boasts amazing views, lovely walking routes, and some rock pools, too.

Being such a secluded beach, it is often very quiet, and there are little facilities nearby. So, we recommend bringing a picnic.

• Golden Coast Leisure Park - 2.5 miles / 8 minute drive

Croyde Beach

Rated as one of the best surfing beaches in the world, this sandy beach is very popular with water sports enthusiasts. But, for those wanting a more laidback day out, you might want to soak up the sea air while relaxing on the soft golden sand. 

There are some fantastic walking routes around the bay, including to Baggy Point which boasts unbeatable views. 

Dogs are allowed between October and April. There is a paid car park at the beach, as well as toilets and a cafe nearby.

• Golden Coast Leisure Park - 5.7 miles / 18 minute drive

Westward Ho! Beach

A long stretch of sand, this beach boasts views of dramatic cliffs. With large waves, the beach is popular for water sports such as surfing, swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding. 

Dogs are allowed on part of the beach all year. Check the signs when you arrive for full details.

There are plenty of facilities including parking, toilets, a cafe, and amusement activities like go-karts and mini golfing.

• Golden Coast Leisure Park - 20.9 miles / 51 minute drive

Lee Bay Beach

This secluded beach has little in the way of sand but is dotted with many rocks, rock pools and caves to explore where you might find some interesting wildlife. The sheltered cove is a good spot for paddle boarding, canoeing, and occasionally, snorkelling. 

There is limited parking at the beach and accessing it involves travelling narrow lanes. But, this means the beach is often very quiet.

• Golden Coast Leisure Park - 3.5 miles / 11 minute drive

Exmouth Beach

Looking for a seaside family day out? These 2 miles of sand are backed by a promenade with attractions like crazy golf, dinosaur safari trails, and lots of options for a bite to eat. 

The beach itself is perfect for a variety of water sports, rock pooling, building sandcastles, and walking. Making your way up the cliffs, you'll find marvellous views of the Jurassic Coast.

Dogs are welcome all year on parts of the beach, and on the main beach from October to the end of April.

• Golden Coast Leisure Park - 72.4 miles / 1 hour 42 minute drive