Devon beaches.
Browse the main surf beaches in Devon directly, then open the guide for each place.
Westward Ho!
Long sandy beach with plenty of room and a choice of surf schools.
Saunton Sands
Long, mellow walls and one of North Devon's most popular beaches.
Woolacombe
Huge sandy beach with plenty of peaks and options for different abilities.
Croyde Bay
Classic North Devon beach break known for powerful, high-quality waves.
Putsborough
A more sheltered option at the southern end of Woolacombe Sands.
Bantham
Popular South Devon surf beside the Avon estuary.
Bigbury-on-Sea
South Devon beach overlooking Burgh Island with surf on the right conditions.
Challaborough
Compact South Devon beach tucked into the bay beside Bigbury.
Lynmouth
Serious North Devon point break for experienced surfers only.
Compare
Which beach for which day?
Quick comparison from each guide's at-a-glance facts. Conditions change daily, so check the forecast and the full guide before you go.
| Beach | Best for | Break | Lifeguards | Dogs | Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westward Ho! | Lessons, families, longboards | — | — | — | Lessons · Hire |
| Saunton Sands | Learners and longboarders | Long, gentle sandy beach break | — | Year-round — turn left at the slipway | Lessons · Hire |
| Croyde | Intermediates; learners with a school | Powerful sandy beach break | Seasonal patrol | Not allowed 1 May–30 Sep | Lessons · Hire |
| Putsborough | Longboards, improvers, windy days | Sandy beach break | — | — | Lessons · Hire |
| Woolacombe | All levels — choose your day | Sandy beach break, many peaks | Seasonal patrol | Zoned, 9am–6pm in season | Lessons · Hire |
| Lynmouth | Experienced surfers only | Left-hand point over cobbles and boulders | No regular patrol | — | Lessons · Hire |
| Bantham | Learners with a school; experienced on good banks | Sandy beach break and river mouth | Seasonal RNLI | Main beach banned 1 May–30 Sep; River Beach open | Lessons · Hire |
| Bigbury-on-Sea | Learners, families, longboards | Sandy beach break | Main beach 11 Jul–6 Sep 2026 | Year-round west of the causeway | Lessons · Hire |
| Challaborough | Improvers on the sand; experienced on the reef | Beach break plus right-hand reef | RNLI daily 16 May–27 Sep 2026 | Not allowed 1 May–30 Sep | Lessons · Hire |