A fabulous beach to visit at any time of the year and just a short drive from Little Comfort, Saunton’s three and a half mile stretch of unspoiled golden sand is backed by the dunes of Braunton Burrows, which have been named as a world heritage site. As well as being a world class family beach, Saunton is also renowned for some of the best surf in the country. Facing the Atlantic, when there is a good swell it can produce line after line of beautiful, long, slow rollers that prove to be an irresistible draw for long-boarders from all over the country. In addition to surfing there are many other sporting activities taking place on Saunton beach, kite surfing, kayaking and paddle boarding to name just a few.
Saunton is dog friendly throughout the year too, so a great destination for dog walking where they can run free. There is also a dog free area for those who prefer not to have our four legged friends flying across their picnic rug!
A number of surf schools operate from Saunton and you can hire boards and suits from the surf shop. The beach shop has everything you might need for a day out by the sea and the café serves hot food and drinks. If you’re wanting a more substantial lunch or evening meal then Sands Café offers great food with a stunning view across the beach and dunes from its balcony. There are public loos, a car park with disabled parking and a slipway access to the beach with no steps. For those who have difficulty walking, an all-terrain wheelchair can be hired from the beach shop and can be used on the sand as well as in the shallows.
Why not hire a traditional seaside beach hut for the day or a few days? It’s a great base for all your gear and if the weather isn’t so good then you’ve a bolt hole to slip into and sip tea (or a glass of wine!).
We love it on Saunton Beach in the evening after everyone’s left, we grab fish and chips from Squires in Braunton on the way down and shelter in the dunes watching the sun set over the sea. What a wonderful place to be!
Jackie Milsom