Devon is the only county in the whole of the UK that has two distinct coastlines – North and South. Both are picturesque and have stretches that are renowned for the surf and offer good conditions for all abilities. Summer brings the sunshine, the crowds and a vibrant surf culture, though the autumn and winter months are the best times to catch the bigger waves. If surfing is your thing, check out our round up of the best surfing beaches in Devon.
Okay, so it’s not Malibu or Hossegor, but Devon’s two coastlines, with varied beaches and consistent waves, are well known among the surfing fraternity. The North Devon coast is a designated World Surfing Reserve, helped by a stretch that faces the Atlantic picking up swells and wind patterns that create the best waves. Most have good facilities, with several places to eat and surf schools offering board and wetsuit hire and tuition. Whether you’re a beginner to surfing, or you’re up for the challenge of 10ft breakers, head down to Devon and hit the beach, using our quick low down of what’s what.
North Devon
The North Devon coast has varied breaks that cater for all skill levels, a constant swell from that west facing stretch, and a surf culture that goes back decades. Add to that headlands that give protection from the wind, relatively warm waters and everything you need close to the beach, when the surf’s up, this is the place to be.
Croyde
Croyde is the most popular surf spot on the North Devon coast, ranking up there with Cornwall’s Fistral Beach, though Croyde is better known for its faster, powerful waves from breaks on both sides. Ground swells are non-stop from September to March, with waves varying from thigh high to double overhead providing good conditions for intermediate to advanced surfers. In the summer it’s more gentle and great for learners. There are surf schools offering lessons and hire, and good eats at Blue Groove or The Thatch.
Saunton Sands
Saunton Sands has a 4 mile long beach, exposed to the Atlantic, with breaks from the left and right making some good rides with waves that roll in and peel the beach. The wide sweep of coastline tends to produce long, slow steady waves, though it can be a bit flat in the summer; in the winter waves reach up to 10ft. Saunton has a quieter vibe than Croyde as it’s not so built up and is backed by sand dunes and the village. The Beachside Grill serves food all year to eat in or takeaway.
Woolacombe
The 3 mile stretch of golden sands at Woolacombe faces west which really helps with the surf; depending on the conditions and the time of year it ranges from beginner friendly ankle breakers to barrelling chest high waves and crests of up to 12ft. This is a busy holiday destination in the summer so there’s plenty of amenities in the village. Try The Captain’s Table or The Jube for tucker.
Putsborough
Putsborough Sands is at the south end of Woolacombe Bay, and is a draw for surfing, kitesurfing, paddle boarding and swimming. The beach is sheltered from the strong south westerlies by the Baggy Point headland that juts out into the sea, which although it can reduce wave size, keeps it slower paced and more reliable, with heights averaging 5ft. Head into Woolacombe to fill your belly, or go to Putsborough Beach Café.
Westward Ho!
Westward Ho! has a 2 mile long sandy beach with very few rip currents and swells picked up from the South West. Waves can reach up to 8ft, or double overhead – any bigger and they tend to break much further out. It’s a good spot for learner to intermediate levels; boards, wetsuits and accessories can be hired from North Devon Surf School, The Guillemot Bar is good for food.
Barricane Beach
If you want a quieter break, Barricane Beach will appeal. The small cove has consistent waves from the Atlantic and is protected from strong winds by the headland. The best time to surf is low to mid tide as at high tide a natural pool is formed. It feels secluded here and with the backdrop of rugged cliffs, the scenery is stunning. In the summer months Barricane Beach Café is hoisted by crane over the cliffs to the back of the beach, where they serve excellent Sri Lankan curries in the evening, and cakes, ciabattas and cream teas during the day.
South Devon
Some of the beaches on the South Devon coast pick up swells from the Atlantic as they travel up the English Channel, creating nonstop waves; the crescent shaped bay provides some shelter from the prevailing winds, so conditions vary from beginner friendly to exciting hollows for intermediate surfers. These are beautiful beaches, with wide stretches of sand backed by wooded cliffs, and rolling hills, in the coastal villages there are surf schools, cafes and pubs, and usually, good amenities.
Bantham
Bantham is regarded as the best surfing beach on the South coast, with consistent gentle rolling waves for beginners and bigger waves further out and at the mouth of the River Avon for intermediates. The scenery is beautiful, with views out to Bigbury and Burgh Island, Triocean Surf do surf hire 5 minutes from the beach, good food can be had at The Sloop Inn in the village.
Bigbury-on-Sea
Bigbury-on-Sea is considered an excellent spot for people new to surfing, with the exposed beach break bringing in constant smaller waves close to shore and bigger sets further out for advanced surfers. The vibe is very relaxed here as it’s rarely crowded and the coastal views are spectacular; at low tide you can take the Sea Tractor over to Burgh Island and go to The Pilchard Inn for good food. Otherwise, go to Venus Café near the beach, back at Bigbury.
Challaborough
Another good one for beginners and intermediates, Challaborough is a sheltered cove that’s not so widely known, so it tends to be quieter than the bigger surfing hot spots. The waves are generally consistent with the southerly swell capable of creating fast and hollow waves further out. The beach is flanked by a holiday park where there’s a good beach shop and in the summer you can get refreshments at The Waterfront Bar & Restaurant.
Thurlestone
The crescent shaped bay at Thurlestone (also known as South Milton Sands) is protected from the wind, so you get more or less nonstop waves; depending on conditions, submerged rocks and shifting sand bars can create testing conditions more suited to intermediate to advanced surfers. Good seafood is served at The Village Inn or at Thurlestone Hotel’s Terrace Bar.
Beesands
The fairly constant waves at Beesands make this a good place for surfers and bodyboarders, as well as canoeing, windsurfing and even sailing. Generally uncrowded, the beach is long and shingly, overlooking Start Bay, there are signs warning of large breaking waves for the less faint hearted. There’s a beach shack café, or in the village, The Cricket Inn, a well-known foodie pub.