All though Smytham Holiday Park is in land, there are plenty of beaches easily within 30 miles reach for a great day out. Whether you are looking to swim, surf or go rock pooling, the beaches close to Smytham are great for this.
Westward Ho! is a beach that caters for every tourist, with seaside shops, amusements and a range of food outlets, it is a fantastic family beach. Westward Ho! is a Blue flag beach, made up of a long sandy beach backed by a pebble ridge and Northam Burrows Country Park, this beach offers sand, rock pools and nature. RNLI Lifeguard service is available from May to September. The beach is a popular location with windsurfers, surfers and swimmers. Dogs are permitted from October to April on the whole beach and all year round at the Northam Burrows end, with ample car parking.
Instow Beach is a beach that runs along side the estuary where the Taw and Torridge rivers meet. it is known for its peaceful riverside walks. The sand is soft and golden which is more drier than Westward Ho! It also runs alongside the village which has pubs, shops and bars. Dogs are restricted on a small section(quay to Lane End Road) during July and August (10am-5pm) but are welcome everywhere else. Swimming is generally advised against due to water quality.
Blacklands beach is a dog-friendly shingle beach in Lynmouth. Through the summer months you can hire deck chairs to keep an eye out for the dolphins who call this water home. Blacklands and the surrounding water is a paradice for surfers, whether your experienced or not. There is plenty of parking in and around Lynmouth, however if you would like, you can park up at Lynton and ride the Cliff Railway down to the sea. There are plenty of places to grab some food or to sit and have a drink to admire the beautiful coastline.
Barricane Bech is a picturesque, secluded cove near Woolacombe. It is well-known for its unique shell-covered sand and rock pooling at low tides. There is a small cafe that serves drinks, snacks, and famour shri-Lanken Curries. Surfing is popular here, though high tides limit its use. Dogs are allowed all year-round, but restrictions apply (Dogs on leads from may-september).
A major part of North Devon's golden coast, Saunton Sands is a long straight sandy beach backed by the impressive Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The long stretch of water is perfect for swimmers and surfers and it is much more suited to beginners and intermediate surfers than Croyde Bay. There are facilities, such as a shop, restaurant, toilets and showers adjacent to the carpark. Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round, and the coastline allows walks to Crow Point, with breath-taking views.
Both the beach and facilities are wheelchair acssessible. Currently Saunton is the only beach in North Devon to have a Landeez all-terrain wheelchair. This wheelchair allows those who are less abled or disabled to have full enjoyment of the beach as it is able to traverse all areas and to be used in the shallows of the sea.
A stunning popular sandy beach, famous for world-class surfing. Great for families, backed by dunes with rock pools at the ends. RNLI patrols from May-September and busy periods. Dogs are allowed from October to April. Although this beach is suitable for families, the rip currents are very strong, especially at low tide and near rocks.
Woolacombe is one of the finest beaches in the West Country, and it is easy to see why it has won numerous awards. It’s a big favourite with families and surfers attracting thousands of people each summer to the beach as well as Woolacombe village. The rolling surf brings unbroken Atlantic breakers from across thousands of miles of ocean to pound on this three-mile long stretch of golden sand. The sheer length of the beach means it is possible to find quieter places in the surf even at the height of summer. Easy access and three large car parks with space for 2000 cars means that Woolacombe beach combines magnificent natural beauty, excellent facilities and a wide range of activities for all ages.
Life guards ensure safe family swimming during the summer and surfers come from all over the country to enjoy the great waves and clean water. Dogs are welcome on the beach year-round, with some restrictions in the summer months. Woolacombe itself is a lively village with great pubs and restaurants. Mortehoe village adjoins Woolacombe and also has plenty of places to eat and access on to the coast path.
If the coast and beach is something you love, make sure you book your holiday now!
