North Devon is home to some of the most gorgeous beaches in the UK. In this blog, we will be looking at some stunning secluded beaches on North Devon’s coast that you probably didn’t know existed, and the best part is that most of them are within reach of our luxury country house and manor. So, let’s dive in.
Lee Bay, Ilfracombe
1. Lee Bay, Ilfracombe: Located two miles West of Ilfracombe is this wonderfully secluded beach. Lee Bay is a dog-friendly beach that has a luxurious mixture of rocks, shingles, and sand and is great for rock pooling if you go to the lower half of the tide. To the left of the beach, you can explore through the nooks and crannies of the rocks that will lead you to another secret beach along North Devon’s coast. Whilst you’re here, you could also visit the picturesque village of Lee which offers stunning nature walks in Fuchsia Valley, where a treasury of beautiful flowers blossom in the warmer seasons.
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2. Wild Pear Beach, Combe Martin: This lovely cove can be found just outside of the village of Combe Martin. Another dog-friendly beach with super soft sand and rocks that block out the wind for the perfect suntrap. Wild Pear Beach is a popular location for sunbathing; so popular that it’s a designated naturist beach, so be prepared for some birthday suits as well as swimsuits! A footpath with breathtaking views welcomes you to this beach, although it’s also accessible via a kayak.
Barricane Beach, Woolacombe
3. Barricane Beach, Woolacombe: Just on the outskirts of the well-known village of Woolacombe is Barricane Beach, tucked away by greenery and mountainous rocks. Exotic shells wash up ashore from places like the Caribbean, thousands of miles away. This beach is a great alternative to Woolacombe’s main beach which can get crowded in the summer. Barricane Beach is also known for being the ideal location to watch the sunset, and it’s within walking distance of Woolacombe’s range of bars, restaurants, and cafes that serve delicious locally produced food and beverages.
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4. Rockham Bay, Mortehoe: A short walk from Morthoe Village, you will find this stunning secluded bay named Rockham. Ensure to check the tide times before visiting because access is restricted when the tides are high. Starting from Woolacombe to Morte Point and Bull Point Lighthouse, you may even have the chance to see the Bristol Channel to Wales on a clear day. If you’re the explorer type, try and find the shipwreck that’s been deserted in the bay since January 1914 by S. S. Collier.
Middle Beach – Putsborough/Woolacombe
5. Middle Beach – Putsborough/Woolacombe: Between the popular beaches of Putsborough and Woolacombe lies this bay of beauty. It’s surprising how many people haven’t visited Middle Beach. It’s only an extra 15-minute walk from the most popular beaches, but nobody knows it’s there! We recommend you visit Middle Beach for the utmost bliss and privacy. It was recently crowned Britain’s Best Beach on TripAdvisor, which isn’t surprising with its 3-mile stretch of silky sand. As a dog-friendly beach, you and the family should make the most of its serenity!
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6. Peppercombe, Bideford: Owned by the National Trust, this red-cliff beach is a fun adventure to get to if you’re up for the challenge. Walking through Peppercombe Valley covered in flora and fauna, and one mile down a cliff that offers stunning views, you’ll find Peppercombe, one of the quietest and most secluded beaches in North Devon. This beach is the perfect spot for a picnic, rock-pooling and spotting the wonderful wildlife. With its calming waterfall, shingles, and smooth sand, this is a beach you don’t want to miss!
Grunta Beach, Morthoe
7. Grunta Beach, Morthoe: Only accessible at low tide, Grunta is the perfect little cove situated near Woolacombe. It sits close to the village of Morthoe, and its name is said to come from a ship that was carrying pigs before it crashed into the beach. At the time, the locals said they were woken by the sounds of grunts and squeals, which almost sounds like something out of a horror film! This beach is only accessible at low tide, but that also means that the receding water forms beautiful rock pools. Children love to explore, so if you have a family, be prepared to bring a net and bucket.
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Why not tempt yourself into booking the perfect summer staycation at our historic manor, so you’re only a stone’s throw away from these hidden treasures along North Devon’s coast? You’ll be able to relish in our AA rosette, award-winning restaurant menu, dip your toes in our luxury spa, or immerse yourself in the 40 acres of nature that surrounds our manor. To find out more, get in touch.