DEVON has no short supply of beautiful beaches – whether you’re after gold sands, surfing waves or craggy caves to explore.
The two coasts – north and south – vary slightly in what they offer, though you’re sure to find something to keep everyone happy on your £9.50 Holiday in this beautiful part of the world.
Sunset on the beautiful beach at Croyde on the North Devon Coast, one of the county’s many great spots for surfingCredit: Getty
North Devon is known for its dramatic scenery and surfing scene, with longer sandy beaches that are more open to the elements than on the south coast.
Here, expect a jagged coastline and windier conditions on the whole.
Meanwhile, South Devon generally has smaller, more sheltered beaches and coves to explore.
Conditions here are typically tamer, and many of its beaches are well-equipped with facilities – especially handy if you’ve got kids in tow.
We’ve spoken to local experts and Sun readers who have holidayed in Devon to discover the best beaches, whether you’re after something family-friendly or a beach with a pub.
Here’s what they said…
Best for surfing
If you’re keen to surf, North Devon with its exposure to the Atlantic is the place to go.
Croyde,Woolacombe and Saunton Sands are among the best places to surf, with great waves all year round and plenty of surf schools and options for equipment hire.
Paul Braithwaite, General Manager at Ruda Holiday Park near Croyde, said: “Croyde is one of the best beaches in the country, not just in the South West.
“It’s a huge surfer’s paradise and we have a park ranger team keeping the beach clean and tidy.”
The beach is also a fantastic option for accessible surf sessions with The Wave Project who run “Surf Therapy” sessions for youngsters.
Meanwhile, on the south coast, Bantham has fairly reliable conditions (tip: be mindful of the rips that can take inexperienced surfers by surprise).
Bigbury is a great family-friendly beach, as you can roll a pram straight onto the beach and there are facilities nearby, including cafes and toiletsCredit: Getty
Best beach to escape the crowds
If you’re based in South Devon, you can escape the business of the bigger beaches like Challaborough and Bigbury if you’re prepared to walk.
Ayrmer Cove is around a 20-minute walk from the car park – and has no facilities – but when you arrive, you’re likely to have this picturesque sandy cove with rock pools to yourself.
Tip: this one’s not suitable for wheelchairs or prams.
The next beach along, Wyscombe Beach, is even more remote, around an hour’s walk from the nearest car park (at Ringmore).
Gem Krupa says: “Westcombe is one of my favourites because it has a secret beach that most people don’t realise exists.
“You walk through a cave from Wyscombe at low tide, or at high tide you can paddleboard there.
“But you have to catch it when the tide is right, so check the tides before you go so you don’t get cut off.”
She says: “It’s a lot smaller and more hidden than Woolacombe so feels much quieter. It’s good for swimming and there’s a little cafe there, too.”
The Burgh Island Hotel and Pilchard Inn at Bigbury-on-SeaCredit: Alamy
Best beach with a pub
Just across from Bigbury-on-Sea and Bantham, Burgh Island Hotel plays host to celebs like Nicholas Cage and Paloma Faith – but you don’t have to be an A-lister to visit the island.
Next door, the 700-year-old Pilchard Inn is a former fisherman’s pub, with a cosy atmosphere and great value food.
Pop over for lunch – Kids can tuck into fish and chips (£7) or a side of fries (£4.50) while you crack on with cider battered haddock (£9.50) and a locally-brewed craft beer.
Gem Krupa, Holiday Home Sales Manager at Challaborough Bay, said: “You’re looking at a minimum of £650 a night to stay at Burgh Island Hotel.
“But if you time it right and you go there with the tide out, you don’t have to catch the sea tractor, which costs you £2 per person. You can walk over there for free and have a look.”
The 700-year-old Pilchard Inn is a former fisherman’s pub, with a cosy atmosphere and great value foodCredit: Alamy
Best for families
On the south coast, Challaborough and Bigbury are great family-friendly options, as you can roll a pram straight onto the beach and there are facilities nearby, including cafes and toilets.
Sun reader Richard Tilley, 62, from Devizes in Wiltshire, recommends Paignton Sands for families, saying: “There’s nice soft sand for building sandcastles and the sea doesn’t go deep straight away, which is good for kids.
“You can hire pedalos and you’re also close to family-friendly pubs on the seafront, plus arcades and a pirate-themed pitch and putt (Pirates Bay Adventure Golf).”
On the north coast, families are also well catered for. For instance, Westward Ho! Has rock pools to explore and showers to rinse sandy feet, while Croyde and Instow have car parks and slipways that are ideal for prams.
Sun reader Dawn Brannigan says Saunton Sands is a good bet for families: “Saunton Sands is brilliant for collecting driftwood – I like to collect it and make driftwood models. It also has its own restaurant and shop, plus showers and toilets.”
Best for dogs
Dog walkers staying near the North Devon coast can take their pick of coastal walks.
Braunton Burrows, a vast area of sand dunes and rural farmland, are great to explore with dogs, who are allowed off the lead.
Dawn Brannigan says: “You can park at Braunton Burrows then walk through the dunes and countryside until you reach the coast at the far end of Saunton Sands. It’s a lovely walk.”
On the south coast, Bigbury-on-Sea is dog-friendly all year round, but while most people head west towards Bantham, Gem Krupa suggests heading in the other direction.
She said: “If you turn right out of our park at Challaborough, you’ve got three beaches that are pet-friendly and all within walking distance – Ayrmer Cove, Mothecombe and Wyscombe.”
Best for wild swimming
Daniel Start, author of the new Wild Guide South West, recommends a dip in one of the tidal pools on the North Devon coastline.
He said: “In the Victorian era wild swimming was very popular for its health benefits, especially along the North Devon coast.
“Tunnels Beach in Ilfracombe is only accessible via a series of hand-carved Victorian tunnels.
“The different pools were once demarcated for men and women, to keep them separate.
“Swim in the crystal-clear waters of a secluded tidal pool, sheltered from the open sea by natural rock formations. When the tide is low, explore the rock pools teeming with marine life.”
Tunnels Beach in Ilfracombe is only accessible via a series of hand-carved Victorian tunnelsCredit: Getty
A PRETTY UK seaside town will be getting trains from London for the first time.
The operator Grand Central has launched the first-ever direct trains between Seaham and London.
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The seaside town of Seaham now has four daily services to LondonCredit: AlamyThe journey will cut 30 minutes off previous journey timesCredit: Alamy
There are now four direct services between Seaham and London King’s Cross in each direction, every day.
Before the service was launched, passengers travelling from Seaham would have to change trains to travel into London, taking the total journey time to four hours.
The new direct service sheds 30 minutes off of that journey time, taking around three and a half hours in total.
One-way tickets cost from £30.50 per person, when booked in advance.
Chris Brandon, director at Grand Central, said: “For the first time in history, residents here have a direct, reliable connection to London — a connection that reflects the town’s growing ambition and needs.
“This launch reflects our mission to continue investing in the North East: through our £300million order of new trains, and through seeking increased track access rights, which will allow us to provide more services in the region for years to come.”
Grahame Morris, Member of Parliament for Easington, said: “The East Durham Coastline has been underused for decades, and I’m delighted that Grand Central has recognised the enormous potential of this route and worked hard to make it a reality.”
Seaham is located around a 17-minute drive from Sunderland in County Durham.
And the town is even home to a famous beach that stretches a mile-long and often features lots of sea glass, ideal for collecting.
Sea glass is man-made glass that at some point or another has ended up in the sea.
And when it does, it is ground down over the years and eventually washes up on the shore.
This is because during the Victorian era there was a bottle factory nearby that used to put waste directly into the sea.
There is even a beach called Glass Beach, located at the front of the town.
One recent visitor said: “If you’re looking for a place to find treasure then this is the one!
“There’s loads to see here from beautiful glass and fossils to a friendly little robin that comes and sits with you while you hunt for treasure.”
But if you want to explore a sandy spot, then head to The Slope Beach which looks out at Seaham Lighthouse.
A recent visitor said: “A hidden Seaham gem, with a gently sloping sandy beach leading down to a protected sea, with great views of the lighthouse at the far end of the pier.
In Seaham you can explore a beach, known for sea glassCredit: Alamy
“Great parking, a freshwater tap at the top of the beach, and all the facilities of the marina right next door, including toilets and a fantastic array of cafes.
“A great trip out for the kids, or a peaceful few hours to one’s self when they’re in school. Lovely!”
The town itself then also features a number of places to grab a bite to eat, including a Wetherspoons pub.
Or just up from Seaham Beach you can head to the Crows Nest pub, where you can order mac and cheese or Hunter’s chicken for £11.79.
If you fancy fresh seafood, head to The Lamp Room with options including a surf and turf salad for £16.95 or a seafood linguine for £15.95.
One diner commented: “The food was amazing, fresh, and very tasty.
“We had fresh mussels with fries, and the sauce was delicious.”
The Victorian seaside town of Llandudno in North Wales has been attracting holidaymakers since the 1800s with its picturesque beaches, historic Great Orme clifftop and palm-lined promenade
08:00, 16 Dec 2025Updated 08:41, 16 Dec 2025
It’s been dubbed the Queen of resorts(Image: Scott Heaney via Getty Images)
This NorthWales resort boasts an extensive history of drawing holidaymakers from across Britain, having secured the coveted title “Queen of the Welsh Watering Places”.
The Victorian seaside gem of Llandudno, with its rich heritage, is thought to have origins stretching back to the Bronze Age. These unique characteristics draw visitors keen to witness the stunning vistas of the Conwy Valley and explore the area’s captivating history.
Indeed, Llandudno has previously been recognised as among the most secure places to reside in Britain, home to roughly 19,700 lucky residents. Additionally, it’s far more budget-friendly to visit and stay in than many competing coastal resorts.
Two main beaches stretch across the shoreline – North Shore Beach and West Shore Beach. The northern section boasts an extensive promenade characteristic of any British seaside town.
Yet, what sets it apart from others is its palm-fringed pathway – evoking memories of a Mediterranean paradise. Tucked away behind North Shore Beach sits the Great Orme headland, offering an adventure on the Great Orme Tramway, carrying passengers to elevated viewpoints via cable cars.
One thrilled visitor said: “The cable car ride was amazing; for the length of the journey, £14 per return (this was the price in 2024) is pretty reasonable. The views are stunning, and you can see for miles on a really clear day, which we had.”
On the West Shore, tucked away on the opposite side of the town, visitors can soak up sweeping vistas of the Snowdonian peaks. One TripAdvisor reviewer says: “One of my favourite beaches anywhere: unspoilt, dog-friendly, free of kiosks and vendors – just sea, rock and sand. Stunning views of the Great Orme. Lots of parking.”
The delightful seaside resort of Llandudno possesses a fascinating past spanning from the Stone Age right through to the Iron Age, with countless communities established over centuries on the slopes of the limestone promontory, more commonly recognised as the Great Orme. This headland draws tourists from across the region and beyond, providing a four-hour hike packed with spectacular scenery.
The Victorian seafront, lovingly dubbed The Parade, alongside the famous pier represent two of the resort’s most treasured features, both constructed in 1877. Following major renovations, the pier has secured recognition as among Britain’s finest.
One holidaymaker described their pier adventure, explaining: “Excellent pier experience. A Punch and Judy, plenty of arcades, hair braiding/colouring, a good walk, fun stalls and a cafe with a wonderful lady singer belting out Amy Winehouse numbers. There’s even a little display of historical photos to show when the pier was used for the ferries. Well worth a visit.”
