Hele Bay
Devon
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.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- Year Round
- Beach Type
- Sand, Shingle, Rock
- Tide Notes
- Sand at higher water giving way to low-level rocks and pools at low tide. Safe for swimming and a good spot for snorkelling and kayaking. Rock pools on both sides of the beach.
- Facilities
- Hele Bay Bar and Restaurant adjacent to beach, toilets, slipway access. Part of South West Coast Path.
- Parking
- Large pay and display car park directly behind the Hele Bay Bar and Restaurant. Signposted from the Ilfracombe to Combe Martin road.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hele Bay dog friendly?
Yes, Hele Bay is a well-established dog-friendly beach with no restrictions in place. It's particularly popular with dog owners from nearby Ilfracombe, where the town beaches have seasonal rules, making Hele Bay a reliable year-round alternative.
Are dogs allowed at Hele Bay year round?
Dogs are welcome at Hele Bay throughout the year with no seasonal restrictions. This makes it a go-to spot for local dog walkers, especially during the summer months when other beaches in the area limit dog access.
What should I know before visiting Hele Bay with my dog?
Because Hele Bay serves as a popular escape from Ilfracombe's restricted beaches, it can get noticeably busy with dogs , particularly on summer mornings and evenings , so it's worth keeping that in mind if your dog is reactive or you prefer quieter visits. On the plus side, the coast path connects in both directions for a longer outing, and the Hele Bay Bar and Restaurant is right behind the beach if you fancy food or a drink after your walk.
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