Before you set off
Today's snapshot
Putsborough opens right up from mid tide down, and that's also when you can walk the sand to Woolacombe. At high water the beach narrows quickly under the headland, so don't get caught at the far end.
Plan your visit
Getting there
A large private car park sits directly above the beach, next to the beach shop. It's pay and display and the lane in from Georgeham is narrow, so allow extra time in August.
- Parking: Use the Putsborough Sands car park by the beach shop. Daily, weekly and season tickets are available.
- Dog rules: Southern section of beach (below the beach shop, left of the access steps) is restricted 1 May - 30 September. The main body of beach - approximately two miles towards Woolacombe - is open to dogs year-round.
- Accessibility: The car park sits directly above the sand with a short, fairly level approach, which makes it easier going than most beaches on this coast.
- Lifeguards: Lifeguard cover is not guaranteed here in the way it is at Woolacombe. Check the RNLI lifeguarded beaches listing before you plan to swim.
Get in the water
Hire & lessons
Hire is available from the beach shop above the sand, though the surf schools are based at Woolacombe and Croyde.
Putsborough Beach Shop
Surfboard, bodyboard and wetsuit hire from the shop above the beach, along with beach supplies.
After the beach
Eat, drink & stay
There's a café at the beach and a village pub a mile inland at Georgeham.
Putsborough Sands
The beach shop and café above the sand, plus self-catering accommodation on site.
The Rock Inn
A traditional pub in Georgeham, about a mile inland, serving local food and ales.
Worth doing
The low-tide walk
Putsborough and Woolacombe are one continuous beach at low tide. It's roughly two miles of firm sand each way, with only a stream to cross near the middle. The route is cut off as the tide comes in, so check the tide times before you set off and give yourself plenty of margin, or plan to return along the clifftop instead.
Local perspective
Local notes
Putsborough shares the same strand of sand as Woolacombe, but Baggy Point gives the southern end more shelter. It is often quieter around the main access than the village end of Woolacombe.
It can suit families in settled conditions. The surf is usually less powerful than Croyde, there are rockpools at the western end, and the car park is right above the sand. Around low tide, the long walk towards Woolacombe shows the scale of the beach.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is Putsborough beach dog friendly?
Southern section of beach (below the beach shop, left of the access steps) is restricted 1 May - 30 September. The main body of beach - approximately two miles towards Woolacombe - is open to dogs year-round.
What's the best tide for Putsborough?
Low to mid tide. The beach is at its widest and the walk along the sand to Woolacombe is only possible around low water.
Can you walk from Putsborough to Woolacombe?
Yes, around low tide. It's about two miles of firm sand each way and the route is cut off by the incoming tide, so check tide times first.
Are there lifeguards at Putsborough?
Cover is not guaranteed here. Check the RNLI lifeguarded beaches listing before you visit if you plan to swim.
Is it safe to swim at Putsborough today?
Check the Environment Agency Swimfo profile and Safer Seas & Rivers Service before swimming for the latest water-quality information.
Is Putsborough beach pram or buggy friendly?
Reasonably so. The car park sits directly above the sand with a short, fairly level approach, which is easier going than most beaches on this coast. Soft sand is still hard work on wheels.
What facilities are available at Putsborough?
Putsborough has public toilets, including accessible facilities, showers, a beach café, and parking on site.
Keep exploring