North Devon family beach days

FAMILY-FRIENDLY BEACHES IN NORTH DEVON

Compare three North Devon beaches where the practical family essentials are close at hand.

Plan the practical details

Family beach days with fewer surprises

These beaches combine toilets, food nearby, a straightforward place to park, seasonal RNLI patrols and an approach that is manageable for many families. That does not guarantee suitable sea conditions - check the tide, weather, flags and current patrol dates before anyone enters the water.

3 family beach guides

Family-friendly beaches in North Devon

Practical family beach in North Devon

Croyde

A ramped, step-free route runs from the northern end of Down End car park to the beach, though the loose sand beyond it is hard going on wheels.

Parking: Down End car park is closest to the beach and uses number-plate cameras. Croyde village car park and the National Trust car park at Baggy Point are the alternatives.
Access: A ramped, step-free route runs from the northern end of Down End car park to the beach, though the loose sand beyond it is hard going on wheels.
Toilets: Croyde has public toilets, including accessible facilities, and outdoor showers near the beach.
Food nearby: The Thatch - The thatched village pub at the centre of Croyde, with food, live music and rooms.
Seasonal lifeguards: RNLI lifeguards patrol through the main summer season. Swim between the red and yellow flags.
Full beach guide: Check facilities, tide advice and current patrol dates

Practical family beach in North Devon

Westward Ho!

The slipway gives level access straight onto the sand. Crossing the pebble ridge from Northam Burrows is uneven and hard work with a pushchair or wheelchair.

Parking: Use the seafront or slipway car parks for the quickest access, or Northam Burrows Country Park for the quieter northern end.
Access: The slipway gives level access straight onto the sand. Crossing the pebble ridge from Northam Burrows is uneven and hard work with a pushchair or wheelchair.
Toilets: has several public toilet blocks, including accessible and Changing Places facilities, plus showers along the seafront.
Food nearby: The Pier House - A bar and restaurant above the beach with wide views along the bay.
Seasonal lifeguards: RNLI lifeguards patrol through the main summer season. Swim between the red and yellow flags.
Full beach guide: Check facilities, tide advice and current patrol dates

Practical family beach in North Devon

Woolacombe

A short but fairly steep slipway leads from the Esplanade onto the sand. Beach wheelchairs can be booked through the tourist information centre in the village.

Parking: Use the beachside car parks at the village end, or park further along and walk in if the main ones are full.
Access: A short but fairly steep slipway leads from the Esplanade onto the sand. Beach wheelchairs can be booked through the tourist information centre in the village.
Toilets: Woolacombe has public toilets with accessible and baby-changing facilities, outdoor rinse-off showers, and RNLI lifeguards through the main season and selected holidays.
Food nearby: The Red Barn - A family and dog-friendly pub a few steps from the beach, serving food and drinks.
Seasonal lifeguards: RNLI lifeguards patrol daily through the main season and at holiday weekends. Swim between the red and yellow flags.
Full beach guide: Check facilities, tide advice and current patrol dates