Surfing in North Devon - best beaches to catch a wave

North Devon is a hidden gem nestled on the South West coast of England, renowned as the UK’s first-world surfing reserve. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant surf culture, and excellent wave conditions it attracts surfers from all around the globe. So it’s hardly a surprise that in 2023, North Devon was named as the UK’s first and only dedicated World Surfing Reserve.

Whether you’re an experienced rider seeking thrilling waves or a beginner looking to catch your first wave, this coastal paradise will offer something for you. In this blog, we explore five of the top surfing beaches in North Devon that cater to surfers of all levels, whilst also providing essential information such as dog-friendliness, lifeguard availability, accessibility and nearby amenities.

Accessibility: For further information on hiring beach wheelchairs or scooters, please see this guide from the Calvert Trust.

Croyde Bay

Croyde Bay is one of the premier surfing beaches in the UK, notorious for its powerful beach break waves and consistent surf. With its golden sands and breathtaking scenery, it’s a favourite spot among surfers. At low tide, the waves at Croyde pump out steep, fast-moving barrels, perfect for those experienced surfers.  For the less experienced surfer, the waves at mid and high tide will be that bit mellower, but be careful to watch out for the strong rip current. The beach has an RNLI lifeguard patrol from Easter to October, ensuring safety for all visitors. Please remember to take notice of the lifeguard flags and stay between them.

Dogs are permitted on the beach outside of these months, making it an ideal destination for surfers visiting North Devon out of season who wish to bring their furry friends. The beach offers excellent accessibility and provides facilities such as car parks, toilets, and surf equipment hire at both ends. You can either park at Downend, which does have some steep steps to walk down to the beach, or at Ruda, which has a more level walk. At Ruda, you will also find the newly installed changing places toilet, as well as the Wave Project which is based at Surf South West. Together they have created Surfing England’s first Adaptive Surf Hub.

View our Croyde holiday cottages here.

Saunton Sands

Stretching for over three miles, Saunton Sands boasts one of the longest and most consistent beach breaks in the UK. This sandy paradise is perfect for longboarders and less experienced surfers. If you are looking to surf for the first time, then this is one of the places to do it.

Saunton Sands is a dog-friendly beach, and has an RNLI lifeguard patrol during the peak season.  The beach is easily accessible with a gentle slope down from the car park. The Saunton Beach shop has three Landeez beach wheelchairs and two NOMAD all-terrain wheelchair carriages available to hire on a half-day, daily or weekly basis

There is ample parking in the car park – however during busy school holiday periods ensure you get down here early, as it can get full up quickly. Payment can be made via card or cash on exit from the car park. There are toilets, showers, a shop and a great beachside cafe. Saunton Sands is perfect for families and pet owners, with the spacious shoreline making it an excellent spot for picnics, beach games, and dogs.

Thinking of visiting? Check out our Saunton or Braunton holiday cottages

Woolacombe

Woolacombe Bay is a world-class beach that regularly receives accolades for its exceptional beauty and excellent surf conditions. Woolacombe is a great place to start your surfing journey whilst here in North Devon. With its 3-mile stretch of golden sand, Woolacombe Bay provides plenty of waves to go around, for all level of surfers. Lifeguards are present during the summer months, and the beach welcomes dogs, making it a versatile destination for both surfers and pet owners. In the winter you often get lots of big swells from the Atlantic, which you should only attempt if you are an experienced surfer.

You can park in the main beach car park, but you will also find additional on-road parking along the promenade. There are toilet facilities and a shop on the beach. The village is only a short walk away and offers a range of facilities, such as shops, cafes and restaurants. The beach itself is accessed by 2 short slopes, with all-terrain mobility scooters or a beach wheelchair available for hire from the Tourist Information Centre nearby. Woolacombe is sure to provide a memorable surfing experience whatever time of year.

View our Woolacombe holiday cottages to find your perfect surfing holiday in North Devon.

Westward Ho!

Westward Ho! has a unique coastal landscape, with its 2-mile sandy beach, flanked by the Pebbleridge and with the Northam Burrows Country Park Nature Reserve directly behind.  This sets a perfect backdrop to catch a wave on.  The blue flag beach at Westward Ho! caters for all levels of surfing ability, including being ideally suited for those learning to surf.  It has a mellow beach break and very few rip tides. The are also a number of surf schools by the beach ready to provide professional tuition for those budding surfers.  For those advanced surfers, then the winter swells from the Atlantic always provide a unique challenge.

RNLI Lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer season, ensuring the safety of all beachgoers. While dogs are allowed on Westward Ho! there are some restrictions as to where during peak season, 1^st April to 30^th October. During this time they are allowed on the North end of the beach between Sandy Mere bridge and the estuary. The beach itself is accessible via a short concrete slipway, and the village is only a short walk from the beach. There are plenty of car parks, toilets, shops, cafes and restaurants making it an ideal option for families seeking a surf experience on their staycation.

Looking to book a holiday surfing in North Devon? Book your stay now in one of our Westward Ho holiday cottages.

Putsborough

Putsborough Sands is another Devon gem that is popular with locals and visitors alike. Located at the far end of Woolacombe Beach, it provides an idyllic setting for surfers.  The type of wave at Putsborough is very similar to that experienced at Woolacombe, but it is much more sheltered due to its proximity to the Baggy point headland.  Although the beach does not have a lifeguard presence, it offers safe surfing conditions for beginners and there are two surf schools near the car park.

Putsborough Sands is a dog-friendly beach, so perfect for family days out enjoying sea, sun and surf.  The beach has a large car park, toilet facilities, shop and café.  However, whilst the car park has some disabled spaces, access itself is not as good as the other beaches above due to the few steps down onto the beach from the car park. It’s not hard to see with its picture-perfect paradise beach views, soft sands and clean water conditions why Pustborough Sands is often the local’s choice of best places to surf in North Devon.

View our holiday cottages near Putsborough here.

Staying with us? Special offers on surfing

If you’re staying with us at Cottages on the Coast then be sure to check your virtual property guidebook. We have a range of local offers just for you – including discounts on surf lessons.

North Devon stands as the UK’s first world surfing reserve, offering an incredible surfing experience for all levels of ability. Our top five suggestions – Croyde Bay, Saunton Sands, Woolacombe Bay, Westward Ho!, and Putsborough – each possess their own unique charm and cater to different surfing preferences and access requirements.

With its consistent surfing conditions, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant surf culture there is no doubt why North Devon is considered a world-class surfing destination.   It’s also easy to see why it’s a favourite destination amongst visitors looking for a North Devon holiday where they access safe beaches, clean waters and a host of amenities nearby. We’re sure you won’t regret booking a stay in one of our cottages to experience surfing in North Devon.