Woolacombe Beach

Woolacombe Beach is one of Devon's most celebrated stretches of coast — over two miles of golden sand running along the North Devon shoreline within the AONB, with views across to Morte Point and Lundy Island. At low tide the sand is vast and firm, opening up an enormous walking surface that ranks among the finest in England. The South West Coast Path links above the beach, the dune system behind adds another dimension, and facilities including car parks, cafes, and surf hire are well positioned near the main access points.

This outstanding dog friendly beach operates a zone system from April to September: Zone A at the north end prohibits dogs entirely, Zone B between the stream and Mill Rock requires leads from May, and Zone C south of Mill Rock is unrestricted year-round — still leaving a huge stretch of beach for off-lead enjoyment even in peak summer. The firm low-tide sand is perfect for running and fetching at full tilt, and the tideline is rich with kelp and driftwood for investigation. The clean Atlantic air and the sheer scale of the beach make Woolacombe one of the best dog walking destinations in the Southwest.