Devon at low tide
Sheltered coves, rock ledges and low-tide pools across North Devon and the South Hams.
4 local guides
Rock pooling in North Devon
Low tide. The sand and the rock ledges either side are at their widest, and the rockpooling is best two hours either side of low water.
Rock pooling in North Devon
Wildersmouth, the town beach, has a poor bathing-water classification and there is standing advice against bathing there. Treat Ilfracombe as a place for boat trips, rockpools and the coast path rather than a swimming beach, and check the current Swimfo profile before going in anywhere here.
Rock pooling in North Devon
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.
Rock pooling in North Devon
Go two hours either side of low water. That's when the sand opens up, the rockpools appear at both ends and you can walk a long way along the shore. Leave early enough that the tide doesn't back you into the boulders, and take a jumper for the walk back up the path.
2 local guides
Rock pooling in South Hams
Yes. Low tide exposes rockpools on both sides of the cove.
Rock pooling in South Hams
Low to mid tide is best. The beach is at its widest and the rockpools around Thurlestone Rock are exposed for exploring.