THINGS TO DO IN
NORTH DEVON
NORTH DEVON
one of the UK’s best coastal destinations, known for its wide sandy beaches, consistent surf, and laid-back outdoor lifestyle. North Devon has recently been awarded as one of the World Surf Reserves. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay, there’s no shortage of things to do — from beach days and coastal walks to learning to surf.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in North Devon, this guide covers the top spots and activities to make the most of your time here.
SURFING IN NORTH DEVON
North Devon is one of the best places in the UK to learn to surf. With a variety of beaches offering different conditions, it’s ideal for complete beginners, those looking to improve, and advanced surfers looking to make the most of our high-quality surf.
At Walking On Waves, we run beginner-friendly surf lessons at Saunton Sands, focusing on maximising surf progression with experienced local instructors in a safe, fun and friendly environment.
Whether you’re visiting as a surfer, couple, family, school group or stag/hen group, surfing is easily one of the most popular things to do in North Devon — and for good reason.
BEST BEACHES IN
NORTH DEVON
Saunton Sands is one of the longest beaches in North Devon, stretching for miles with plenty of space even in peak season. Its gentle, rolling waves make it one of the best places in the UK for surf lessons.
Backed by Braunton Burrows (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), it’s also perfect for long walks, picnics, and sunset sessions.
This is where we run our surf lessons, thanks to its safe and consistent conditions.
Saunton Sands
Croyde is one of the UK’s most well-known surf spots. It’s smaller than Saunton but offers more powerful waves, making it popular with experienced surfers. Low tide can offer very heavy, barreling waves, but be cautious as it can be very rippy and more dangerous.
We have our very own Surf Hire and Beach shop in Croyde, located in the fantastic Croyde Bay Holiday Resort, offering a range of surfboards, wetsuits, bodyboards, and beach games. Guests of the resort enjoy 10% off all our surf hire and surf lessons.
The village itself has a great atmosphere, with pubs, cafés, and a classic surf-town feel.
Croyde Bay
Located at the southern end of Woolacombe, Putsborough is a beautiful, quieter alternative with stunning cliff views. It offers a mix of conditions, making it suitable for both beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers. Putsborough offers shelter in South/Westerly to Southerly winds, due to Baggy Point acting as a wind-break.
It’s a great option if you want something a bit more relaxed, although expect high parking charges, and congested, windy back-road access during the peak season.
Putsborough Beach
Woolacombe is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the UK. It’s ideal for families, with lots of space, easy access, and reliable waves. Woolacombe offers long, wally steeper surf across the beach, more suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers.
Perfect for swimming, bodyboarding, or just spending the whole day by the sea.
Woolacombe Beach
Famous for its unique pebble ridge and long sandy stretch, Westward Ho! offers fun surf conditions year-round, although often weaker waves make it more of a beginner-friendly beach.
It’s slightly less crowded than the northern beaches, making it a good choice for a more relaxed day out.
Westward Ho! Beach
Other water activities
If surfing isn’t your thing (or you want to mix it up), there are plenty of other water-based activities
Stand-Up PADDLE-BOARDING (SUP)
A great activity when there is no surf or at sheltered beaches.
Plenty of rental and tour options available.
wake-boarding
The North Devon Wake park has a lake loop cable with all levels of obstacles and features to learn and test your skills.
bodyboarding
A timeless classic. Great fun for all with plenty of rental shops available at every beach. Don’t forget to check out our hire shop in Croyde.
Coasteering
Explore the coastline with a twist. Go on guided rock climbing expeditions and put yourself out of your comfort zone by jumper into deep pools of ocean water.
aqua park
Total Wipe-Out style inflatable obstacle course, great fun for a family day out. Also located at the North Devon Wake Park.
fishing
Head to Ilfracombe Harbour for fishing charters during Spring to Autumn. Also plenty of individual fishing spots around our rugged coast.
The North Devon coastline is part of the South West Coast Path, offering some of the most scenic walks in the UK.
Popular routes include:
Saunton to Croyde (stunning cliff views)
Woolacombe to Baggy Point
Hartland Peninsula (for something more rugged)
Expect dramatic cliffs, sea views, and plenty of photo spots.
coastal walks &
scenery
restaurants, pubs & cafés
North Devon has a strong food scene, especially around the coast.
Expect:
Beachside cafés (pasties!)
Fish and chips after a surf
Ice cream stops on sunny days
Pubs
Here are some of our own favourite spots for food and drink in the area:
The Beach Cafe (Croyde) - Quality cafe with great food and lovely views. (Sri Lankan curry!)
The Kings Arms Pub (Georgeham) - Classic village pub with great food.
The Rock Inn (Georgeham) - Classic village pub with great food.
The Beach House (Woolacombe) - Quality seafood restaurant.
The Duck Dive (Braunton) - Great restaurant.
Squires (Braunton) - Award-winning fish and chips restaurant (a local favourite).
The Thatch (Croyde) - Great family pub with great post-surf atmosphere.
Biffin’s Kitchen (Croyde) - 5* Street food vendor located in Ocean Pitch campsite.
The Beachside Grill (Saunton) - Just across from our Surf School, a fantastic restaurant.