Watermouth Cove

Tucked between the high wooded cliffs of the North Devon coast east of Ilfracombe, Watermouth Cove is one of those places that feels genuinely special the moment you arrive. The cove sits at the head of the stunning Watermouth harbour, a natural inlet that offers one of the most sheltered and picturesque settings on this entire stretch of coastline.

The beach itself is small and stony, but the surrounding scenery more than compensates. The wooded slopes that rise steeply on either side of the cove, the crystal-clear water and the sense of complete enclosure create an atmosphere that is hard to find anywhere else in North Devon. At low tide, rock pools appear along the edges of the cove, and the clarity of the water makes for excellent snorkelling if you come equipped.

The area around Watermouth is also home to Watermouth Castle, a Victorian folly that sits dramatically above the cove and is well worth a visit if you are travelling with children. The combination of a beautiful hidden beach and an eccentric family attraction makes Watermouth Cove a very versatile destination for a day out.

Watermouth Valley Camping Park is based in the area and provides access and facilities nearby, making this a practical stopping point on a longer coastal itinerary. The surrounding coastal path offers excellent walking, with the dramatic scenery of this stretch of coast showing the North Devon coastline at its most wooded and varied.

Whether you are looking for a peaceful swim, an afternoon of rock pooling or simply a beautiful spot to sit and take in the scenery, Watermouth Cove delivers in considerable style. The drive along the old coast road from Ilfracombe to Combe Martin is wonderfully scenic, and Watermouth sits right on this route. It is very much worth building into a broader day exploring the eastern reaches of this remarkable coast.