Lee Bay Beach

1.5 miles | 25 mins walk | 5 mins by car
Dog friendly: Yes, all year round

Lee Bay Beach is a wonderfully secluded and sheltered rocky cove surrounded by rolling Devonshire countryside. With sandy shores at low tide and an abundance of rock pools this dog-friendly beach is just a stroll away from Ravendere Retreats. The beach is perfect for picnics with plenty of sheltered spots. Please be aware there are no lifeguards and strong currents. Check tide times before you visit!

Hele Bay

4 miles | 12 mins by car
Dog friendly: Yes, all year round

Hele Bay is a small village with a sandy cove (part sand, part shingle) in Ilfracombe. Being dog friendly year round it's a great beach to visit if you're staying with your canine companions. Discover the secret smugglers’ caves and admire the dramatic coastal rock formations. The beach is popular with canoeists and there are facilities nearby, however please note there is no lifeguard cover.

Woolacombe Beach 

4.2 miles | 15 mins by car
Dog friendly: Yes, all year round (April to October certain zones are restricted)

Renowned for its vast expanse of golden sand and having won numerous awards, Woolacombe has long been recognised as one of the best beaches in the UK. The Atlantic current results in fantastic surf attracting novice and professional surfers, and with plenty of pubs, bars and restaurants it's an idyllic place to spend the day. There is an RNLI Lifeguard service available from mid June to October.

Barricane Beach 

4.5 miles | 16 mins by car
Dog friendly: Yes, all year round

This tiny secluded beach is home to one of the best seasonal cafes around! Serving hot drinks, ice creams, freshly made baguettes and home made cakes during the day it's an idyllic spot to relax. From Thursday - Saturday (5 - 7pm) they serve an exquisite selection of authentic Sri Lankan curries. Bring a drink and picnic blanket and enjoy a curry on the beach whilst watching the sun set. (Check out their Facebook page for more information.)

Croyde Bay 

8 miles | 23 mins by car
Dog friendly: Yes, from October - April

A popular beach for swimmers and more experienced surfers - in fact it's rated as one of the best surfing beaches in the world! There are a number of public footpaths nearby including the walk to Baggy Point, which offers spectacular views. Surfboard, bodyboard, wetsuit and equipment hire is available and there is an RNLI Lifeguard service available from June to October.

Saunton Sands 

10 miles | 30 mins by car
Dog friendly: Yes, all year round

Situated between the villages of Braunton and Croyde, this idyllic stretch of golden sand is backed by Braunton Burrows (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) and reaches just over 3 miles. The beach is popular with beginner and intermediate surfers and there are a range of cafes and beach shops. Take a stroll to Crow Point for amazing views across the coastline. The beach does have facilities but there is no lifeguard cover.