The Local Area
Head to the Beach
Based near the Somerset and Devon boarder, visitors to Cosy Barn have a wide range of stunning beaches to visit. Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect surf spot, the best rock pools, or a classic beach day in the sand, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect spot! Including Minehead, Saunton Sands, Croyde, and Woolacombe; there are several award-winning beaches we’d love to recommend! As well as stunning beaches, visitors can also discover the dramatic South West Coast Path which passes through all the beaches and seaside towns across Devon, and up to Minehead in Somerset. Stumble across hidden cloves, spot the seals, and enjoy the views!
Minehead
Sitting on the edge of Exmoor National Park just 26 miles away from us, Minehead is West Somerset’s largest town. With a wide beach that’s also known as The Strand, visitors can enjoy the beach’s combination of sand and a variety of rock pools – all thriving with hidden gems from the sea! Dogs can roam freely along the beach from October through to May, and visitors should note that no lifeguards are on hand!
Woolacombe
An award-winning beach, and another one of the most popular in the South West; Woolacombe offers 3 miles of clean golden sand, making it one of the finest beaches in the country. There’s plenty of parking, wheelchair access, and facilities available for visitors. The beach itself is perfect for water sports; with lifeguards on the beach throughout the summer months to keep you safe. And for keen surfers, the length of the beach means it’s possible to find quieter spots in the surf, even at the height of summer, so don’t worry about packed crowds!
Photo credit: Mark Johnson
Saunton Sands
Sitting on the North Devon Coast, Saunton Sands is one of the most popular beaches in the UK because of its long stretches of golden sand and picturesque dunes. Spanning 3 miles, the beach is a surfer’s paradise, with wide, rolling waves that makes the spot ideal for surfers of all experience. Manned with lifeguards, and offering wheelchair access, the beach is accessible for all, with shops, toilets, and many other facilities available.
Photo credit: Mark Johnson
Putsborough Beach
Putsborough Beach is another award-winning beach, again known for its long sweeping sands, perfect surf, and cleanliness. With plenty of rock pools waiting to be explored, Putsborough is ideal for the whole family, and with its own car park, access isn’t a problem. Another bonus is that this beach is on the south side of Woolacombe and further away from the hotels and shops, meaning that you’re guaranteed more peace and quiet than other nearby beaches. Surfboard hire is available on the beach, and dogs are permitted from October through to April.
Photo credit: Mark Johnson
Croyde Beach
Surfers will be excited to hear that Croyde Beach is ranked as one of the best surfing beaches in the world! This award-winning stretch of golden sand is just around the corner from Saunton Sands, and again is easily accessible with its own car park. Swimmers can relax as the beach is manned with lifeguards, and there is plenty of equipment to hire from the beach shop. Dogs are allowed to roam free between the months of October and April, and we’d advise getting down to this smaller beach early, as it can get busy!
Photo credit: Mark Johnson
XX Miles
Woolacombe
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Photo credit: Mark Johnson