Saunton, near Braunton, North Devon

Saunton Sands

Beach

Place photograph

8.1

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

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Cost

Big-sky

Feel

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Why it's Wildland

8.1

A long sweep of sand beneath the dunes of Braunton Burrows, where the open Atlantic, broad low-tide foreshore and surf give the coast its scale.

Saunton Sands earns its place through sheer coastal space: a long sandy shore backed by the distinctive dunes of Braunton Burrows. It offers room for a substantial beach walk and a strong sense of exposure to the Atlantic, with surfing part of its established character.

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Saunton, near Braunton, North Devon

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The experience

Walk the broad shore, take in the dunes behind it and watch the Atlantic surf. Surfing is identified in the supplied sources, but check local conditions and current arrangements before taking part. Allow around one to two hours for a straightforward visit; a longer stay depends on conditions and your plans.

Things to do

Walk the broad sandy shore

Take a shoreline walk and enjoy the open view across the sands to the Atlantic. The available foreshore varies with the tide.

1–2 hours

Take in the dunes of Braunton Burrows

Look inland from the beach towards the dune landscape of Braunton Burrows, identified by the supplied sources as a nearby nature area and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Watch the surf

Observe the incoming Atlantic waves. Surfing and local surf lessons are mentioned in the supplied sources; check conditions and current arrangements before participating.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 1–2 hours

Quick Escape: stretch your legs on the sands

01
Head onto the beach and take a relaxed walk along the shoreline.
02
Pause to look back at the dunes of Braunton Burrows and watch the Atlantic surf.
03
Turn back when the tide, weather or available time suits; check local conditions before setting out.

Half day · Half day

Make a half day of it: beach and dunes

01
Spend time walking the beach and taking in its length and open coastal views.
02
Explore Braunton Burrows only where access is permitted and follow current local guidance; the supplied source identifies it as a nearby dune landscape with nature trails.
03
If you want to surf, check local surf-school availability, conditions and arrangements in advance.

Hidden details

The foreshore changes with the tide — The supplied source notes that a wide foreshore appears at low tide. Check tide times and conditions before walking far along the beach.

When to go

June · July · Choose a time that suits the tide, weather and planned walk; check conditions before visiting.

The supplied local source specifically promotes early summer for coastal scenery and outdoor activities. It does not establish precise seasonal wildlife or flowering dates.

Exposed Atlantic coast: check the forecast, tide and surf conditions before setting out.

Worth pairing with

Braunton Burrows

A nearby dune landscape identified in the supplied sources as part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with nature trails mentioned by the local source. Check current access and trail information before visiting.

Croyde

The supplied local source describes nearby Croyde as a seaside village with pubs, restaurants and independent shops.

South West Coast Path

The supplied local source identifies a coastal section of the South West Coast Path as a nearby walking option; check the route and access details before setting out.

What to look for

01
Notice the contrast between the open sandy foreshore and the dunes behind it. At low tide, the foreshore becomes especially broad
02
the tide changes the character of the walk.

Best time to go

Early summer is highlighted by the supplied local source; the beach can be enjoyed in other seasons, but conditions vary.

The supplied local source recommends early summer. Choose a time with suitable weather and check tide and surf conditions before setting out.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · Families · Dogs · Cyclists