The fascinating UK county with two coasts featuring secret Victorian seaside pools and hidden beaches
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.
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.
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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 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.”
Meanwhile, on the south coast, Bantham has fairly reliable conditions (tip: be mindful of the rips that can take inexperienced surfers by surprise).
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.”
In North Devon, Tessa Lomas suggests Barricane Beach.
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.”
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 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.”
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.
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.
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.
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"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.”
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