Hele Bay

Hele Bay is a sand and shingle cove in the small village of Hele, a short drive from Ilfracombe on the road towards Combe Martin, sitting below the Hillsborough Nature Reserve and directly on the South West Coast Path. The beach is approachable and well-facilitated for its size: the Hele Bay Bar and Restaurant is immediately behind the beach, a large pay and display car park serves the area, and the slipway gives easy access to the water for those launching kayaks or paddleboards. Rock pools form on both sides of the beach at low tide and the cove is safe for swimming, with a good depth of water available for snorkelling when conditions are clear. At very low tides it is possible to clamber around the rocks at the western end to reach a further section of rocky beach sometimes known as Fishing Rock.

Dogs are welcome at Hele Bay year round with no restrictions, and the beach is well known locally as a reliable dog walking destination when the Ilfracombe town beaches are subject to seasonal restrictions. It gets busy with dogs as a result, particularly in summer mornings and evenings, which is worth bearing in mind for reactive dogs or owners who prefer quieter access. The coast path connections in both directions give good options for extending the outing, and the Hele Bay Bar and Restaurant is a practical stop for food and drink before or after the beach.