Here at Lambland, we have all grown up by the coast, so usually a day off for us consists of a trip to the beach equipped with a good hearty picnic, wetsuit and surf board. One thing we have always noticed, especially with large beaches is when you’re catching the surf and that delicious picnic you left on the beach becomes the focus of your mind. So if you want a good way to showcase your style, we have some cheerful picnic blankets for you to choose from so your marked patch will be spotted a mile off when you make your way back to shore for some well earnt lunch. You can view our range of picnic rugs by clicking here.

So now onto our favourite North Devon beaches, please read on…

Woolacombe

One of the finest beaches in the West Country, Woolacombe lies between the picturesque Baggy and Morte Point. This sweep of beautiful golden sands has won numerous awards and attracts thousands of people each summer. It is 3 miles long and is an international surfing hotspot, even at the busiest of times you can be guaranteed a good area to set down on this huge stretch of iconic coastline. It has fantastic facilities, offering parking for 3000 cars, there are several shops, cafes and restaurants which are a little walk away or you could order from one of the vans on the beach.

Barricane Beach

Picturesque and tucked away, this little spot is famous for cowries and exotic seashells carried across the Atlantic from the Caribbean. Barricane is set in a bay about half a mile from Woolacombe and offers a more secluded escape, with plenty of rock pools to keep little ones entertained. It is a mixture of shingle and shells rather than sand and does permit dogs during specific times of the year. One thing to not miss is the curry on the beach at the Barricane Beach Café during sunset; it has become incredibly popular with the locals and is the perfect end to a day.

Combe Martin

Located on the western edge of Exmoor National Park, this little beach is in the perfect spot. It is situated within the Heritage Coast and accompanies stunning costal walks. It has a lovely stretch of sand (tide permitting) with fantastic plentiful rock pools and caves to keep children entertained for hours. Combe Martin boasts some of the finest scenery in an area of outstanding natural beauty and is said to be accompanied by some of the highest sea cliffs in England. You can also visit many of the historic pubs in the village and there are plenty of little shops too. One place we strongly recommend is the Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park at the opposite end of the village.

Tunnels Beaches

If you are looking for somewhere that stands out from the rest then this might be the place for you; the giveaway is in the name. If you want to access this beach then you have to walk through the iconic hand carved tunnels dating back to the 1820’s which provides a unique experience for visitors. You do have to pay an admission fee at the entrance but it is really worth it as you not only get a couple of beaches to choose from, you also get an onsite restaurant, café with soft play facilities for children too. The beaches accompany the Victorian tidal pools where you can snorkel and look at an interesting variety of wildlife, there are also plenty of rock pools to keep everyone entertained and parents can relax knowing that their children are safe from currents and open ocean (whilst the tide is out).

Broadsands Beach

Hidden on Devon’s wild North coast is one of Exmoor’s best kept secrets, this cove is nestled beneath wooded cliffs and is situated between Watermouth and Combe Martin. It is hidden away and very secluded so access is via 200 steep steps but the journey is so worth it, the sand is more of a shingle and pebble but you get to choose between two small coves, one with access to the ocean each side and there is also an island lookout too.

Croyde Bay

If you want to catch the surf then Croyde is the place to be, despite being a little difficult to find this beach is one of North Devon’s most popular and it is renowned for some of the best surf in the UK. It has a beautiful stretch of white golden sand and plenty of space to spread out and relax. It is a great spot but is known for very strong rip currents towards either end of the beach where the rocks are situated so make sure you swim in the lifeguarded zone. If you can, spend some time in the village as it is so pretty with old the thatched cottages and you can get some delicious ice cream too.

Heddons Mouth

Okay so, we would agree that this beach is certainly one you visit whilst walking on Exmoor around Trentishoe/Heddons Valley. It consists mainly of large pebbles but it is absolutely gorgeous and has a restored lime kiln that overlooks the beach. It is a walk you can do all year, and dogs are also welcome all seasons too. If you park at the Hunters Inn Pub and follow the Heddon River you will not be disappointed. It is beautiful and the walk is so worth it, it is nestled right in a valley and lets be honest… when you walk back to your car you can stop at the picturesque pub before you leave for a well earnt drink. I think we all agree that this is definitely one not to miss.