North Devon : Saunton Sands

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Saunton Sands is one of the largest and most perfect beaches in the UK. Well over 5 kilometres long the beach sits on the right side of Bideford Bay and is back backed a huge expanse of internationally important sand dunes. There is significant parking, which with the beach's popularity ensures there are thousands of people on the beach each day of the summer. The beach is a fine gold sand, at a very shallow angle which means that low tide can expose over a kilometre of beach below the high water mark.

The waves here peel off the headland on the right and with the size and angle of the beach, means that under the right conditions you can get some very long rides as the waves peel right up to the beach. Combined with the slow pace and spilling nature of the waves this beach is a long boarders dream. Along the beach are hundreds of separate shifting peaks, which with the slow pace of the waves makes this beach perfect for novices learning.

After a day at the beach the best nightlife is either up the coast at the famous Thatch pub in Croyde or back inland to the pubs of nearby Braunton.

Details
Driving Access: Main road just behind the beach
Car Park spaces: 1000+
Price: Over £5
Beach facilities: Lifeguards, café, toilets, showers, restaurant, surf shop
Beach type: Sand
Break type: Beach
Pub: None close by
Sort of wave: Spilling
Peaks: Headland and various shifting beach
Left/Right: Both
Offshore wind direction: Easterly
Local highlights: Scenery and sand dunes
National Trust: No

Ratings
Ability: Novice - Legend
Kids: 2 - rock pools and sand dune
Other stuff: 1 - I'll barely leave the water
Access: 3 - short walk down ramp
Urban proximity: Village life
Water quality: Good

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