Saunton Sands

Three miles of golden sand, backed by the sweeping expanse of Braunton Burrows and overlooking the full width of Saunton Bay. Welcome to Saunton Sands, one of the most beautiful and expansive beaches in the whole of England.

Saunton sits within the North Devon World Surfing Reserve and offers one of the longest, most consistent beach breaks in the country. The long, even swell that wraps around the headland and lines up across the bay is a longboarder’s dream, and on a good day you will see waves peeling perfectly from one end of the beach to the other. For less experienced surfers, the gentle slope of the beach and the consistent nature of the waves makes Saunton an excellent learning ground.

Beyond surfing, Saunton is simply a wonderful place to spend a day. The scale of it is genuinely impressive, and even on a busy summer weekend there is always room to find your own stretch of sand. The dunes of Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, stretch behind the beach and are well worth exploring. Home to rare plants, wildlife and a landscape that feels almost impossibly dramatic, they add an extra dimension to any visit.

Dogs are welcome all year round with a straightforward zoning arrangement, making Saunton a brilliant choice for dog walkers who want a proper, expansive beach without restrictions. The evening light here is spectacular: as the sun heads towards the horizon, the whole bay glows warm and golden, making sunset walks along the shoreline genuinely unforgettable.

Access is excellent with a large car park adjacent to the beach and the iconic Saunton Sands Hotel perched above the bay. Food and refreshments are available seasonally from the beach facilities, and the hotel bar has views over the bay that are worth the trip alone.

Whether you come to surf, walk, swim or simply sit and breathe, Saunton Sands delivers on every level.