Northam Burrows Country Park, near Westward Ho!, Bideford EX39 1XS
Sandymere Beach
Beach
Place photograph
6.2
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Big-sky
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.2At the northern end of the Westward Ho! shoreline, Sandymere opens onto broad sands backed by the Pebble Ridge and the dunes, salt marsh and grassland of Northam Burrows.
Sandymere earns its place for the contrast between a wide, open beach and the protected coastal habitats behind it. It feels more spacious and less resort-like than the Westward Ho! end of the shore, with the Burrows’ dunes, salt marsh and grassland adding a proper wild-coast dimension.
Big-sky · Wild · Peaceful
Find your way
Open mapNortham Burrows Country Park, near Westward Ho!, Bideford EX39 1XS
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The experience
Walk the beach and look back towards the Pebble Ridge, then explore the adjoining landscape of Northam Burrows. The shore changes with the tide, so check local tide and weather information before setting out.
Things to do
Walk the Sandymere shore
Take a beach walk along the northern end of the long Westward Ho! shoreline. The available sand and walking conditions vary with the tide.
1–2 hours
Explore Northam Burrows’ coastal habitats
Explore the adjoining country park’s coastal plain, where dunes, salt marsh and grassland form part of the wider SSSI landscape.
Look across the Pebble Ridge
Notice how the pebble ridge separates the beach from the open grassland and dunes behind it.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
A short beach-and-ridge escape
- 01
Park at Northam Burrows Country Park, checking current vehicle access and charges.
- 02
Walk to the Sandymere beach access and cross the Pebble Ridge via the slipway or walkway.
- 03
Spend time on the beach, then return the same way; check tide and weather conditions before setting out.
Hidden details
The shoreline changes with the tide — At low tide, a much larger expanse of firm sand is exposed. Check local tide information before choosing how far to walk.
Look behind the beach — The setting includes more than sand: the Pebble Ridge backs onto Northam Burrows’ dunes, salt marsh and coastal grassland.
When to go
May · June · July · August · September · Choose a time that fits the tide and forecast; no specific time of day is verified as best.
The supplied beach guide describes seasonal lifeguard patrols from mid-May to late September, and the source row identifies May to September as the milder visiting season. This is not a guarantee of good weather or quieter conditions.
This is an exposed coastal setting. Check the forecast, tide information and current beach safety advice before visiting. Lifeguard cover is seasonal, not year-round.
What to look for
The Pebble Ridge behind the beach, and the change from open sand to the dunes, salt marsh and grassy coastal plain of Northam Burrows. At low tide, a much wider expanse of firm sand is exposed.
Best time to go
May–September for milder conditions and seasonal lifeguard cover; check local conditions and tide times before setting out.
Late spring to early autumn is the source-supported season for milder conditions. For a quieter visit, avoid assuming summer will be secluded; choose a time that suits the tide and check conditions before travelling.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Families · Dogs · Wildlife lovers
Practical information
Opening & access
A beach access point within Northam Burrows Country Park. The park is open to pedestrians at all times; vehicle access is restricted. Check current vehicle charges and access arrangements before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
Parking is available inside Northam Burrows Country Park near the visitor centre and Sandymere access. Vehicle entry is charged during the main season; verify current arrangements.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Northam Burrows Country Park says its toilets are open all year. Check current facilities before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
A café is listed at Northam Burrows; check its opening times before travelling.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs are allowed north of Sandymere Bridge throughout the year. From 1 May to 30 September, dogs are prohibited on the section south of the bridge towards Westward Ho! and must be kept on leads along the promenade. Check current signage.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The beach is reached via a slipway or walkway across the Pebble Ridge. Pebbles and soft sand can make the beach difficult for wheelchair users; an accessible path links the raised car park with the visitor centre and its facilities.
Cost
Paid for vehicle entry during the main season; pedestrian access to the park is free. Check current charges.
Check before visiting
Water
Sea; coastal beach at the Taw–Torridge Estuary.
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Sandymere Beach
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
