Barricane Beach
Devon
Barricane Beach is a small sandy bay half a mile south of the main Woolacombe beach, famous for the cowrie shells and other exotic shells that wash onto its sand from the Gulf Stream via the Caribbean. The shells give the beach an unusual quality: crouching down at the waterline and sifting through the sand produces a miniature treasure hunt that appeals equally to children and adults. Rock pools on either side of the cove provide the usual intertidal interest at low tide. The beach is entirely inaccessible at high tide when the sea covers everything, so visiting at low water is essential. The beach cafe, operating on the sand from spring through to early autumn, serves curries and is unlicensed: bringing your own wine is encouraged, and eating on the beach as the sun goes down is a well-established local ritual.
Dogs are allowed at Barricane year round but must be kept on leads when the beach cafe is in situ, generally from around March to September. Check the signs at the top of the steep descent on arrival. Outside the cafe season, dogs are free to be off lead and the beach provides excellent sniffing territory with its shell and seaweed-rich tide line. Street parking is available along The Esplanade in Woolacombe; there is no dedicated car park for Barricane. The descent to the beach is steep with steps and ramps and requires a reasonable level of fitness. The beach disappears completely at high tide, so timing the visit around low water is not optional.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- Seasonal Restrictions
- Dogs must be kept on leads when the beach cafe is in situ (usually March to September). Check beach signage on arrival.
- Beach Type
- Sand, Rock, Shingle
- Tide Notes
- The beach is entirely inaccessible at high tide when there is no exposed sand. Only viable at low to mid tide. Rock pool-rich on either side.
- Facilities
- Seasonal beach cafe (famous for curries, BYO wine, unlicensed). No toilets at the beach. Woolacombe village facilities within walking distance.
- Parking
- No dedicated parking. Street parking along The Esplanade in Woolacombe. Steep steps and ramps down to the beach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Barricane Beach dog friendly?
Barricane Beach is dog friendly with a rating of 7 out of 10. Dogs are welcome year round, though during the warmer months when the beach cafe is operating (roughly March to September), they must be kept on leads. Outside of the cafe season, dogs can run off lead and there's plenty of shell and seaweed-rich shoreline to keep them thoroughly entertained.
Are dogs allowed at Barricane Beach year round?
Yes, dogs are allowed at Barricane Beach throughout the year with no seasonal ban in place. The main thing to be aware of is that leads are required when the beach cafe is in situ, generally from around March to September. Check the signs at the top of the descent when you arrive, as these will confirm the current rules.
What should I know before visiting Barricane Beach with my dog?
A few things are worth knowing before you head down. First, the beach disappears completely at high tide, so timing your visit around low water is essential rather than optional. Second, the descent involves steep steps and ramps, so it's worth considering whether your dog is comfortable on that kind of terrain. Finally, there's no dedicated car park , you'll need to find street parking along The Esplanade in Woolacombe and walk the half mile down to the cove from there.
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