Croyde Bay is a beautiful sandy beach stretching for one mile between the headlands of Baggy Point and Down End. The fine flat sandy beach, rock pools and spectacular surf make it a firm favourite with holiday makers and surfers. The South West Coast Path follows the cliffs and offers magnificent views across the sea to Hartland Point and Lundy Island in the distance. The beach is backed by Croyde Burrows, a micro nature reserve of dunes and wild life ponds. Beyond stretches the picturesque village with its thatched Devon cob cottages, shops, pubs and restaurants.

Saunton Sands is a three mile expanse of golden sandy beach washed by the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is ideal for surfing and windsurfing together with the new sport of kite flying. Backed by miles of rolling sand dunes visitors can easily find a quiet place to picnic and sunbathe.

Woolacombe Sands is one of the most famous surfing beaches in the West Country. Golden sands stretch for two miles to meet up with Putsborough Beach and the headland of Baggy Point in the distance. Barricane beach is famous as it is made up of small sea shells carried by the tropical waters and ocean currents of the Carribean. The village boasts a very good choice of character pubs and restaurants together with a range of shops specialising in beach wear and gifts.

For more ideas of things to do while in North Devon and Exmoor, click here.