Saunton beach is 3 miles long with beautiful rolling sand dunes. It is a stunning beach, which not only attracts surfers but visitors with a wide range of interests. Saunton is part of the Bioshere Reserve and is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Saunton does get busy in the summer months but because of its length and large tidal range you will never feel hemmed in as it satisfies the need for space and peace.

The Beaches

Sarah Whiteley's Surf School is based at Saunton Sands, mainly because of the nature of the waves - it is the most suitable beach to learn on with it's slow gentle rolling waves. It can produce some fantastic long rides & is very popular amongst the longboarders.

For more experienced surfers Croyde(1 Mile away) is far more challenging. The formation of the sand banks on the beach can produce some fast, hollow heavy waves.

Just around the corner you have Putsborough beach. You'll find it's always 1-2ft smaller than Saunton & Croyde, But can be a very useful little surf spot as it is sheltered from the South - Westerly winds.

At the other end of Putsborough is woolacombe beach, another popular spot for the surf & the nightlife in the summer months.

Accommodation & Facilities

You'll want to finish your your day off with a big feed. Sarah's personal favourite is The Sands Café Bar at Saunton. Sit on the Balcony with fantastic meal, ice-cold beer, watching the sun set over the sea. Perfect end to a day's surfing.

Saunton Sands Hotel is situated on the cliff overlooking 3 miles stunning beach. Alternatively The Thatch & Billy Buds pubs in Croyde offer B&B's and are a hub activity throughout the summer. There are a number of B&B's in Croyde & Braunton to choose. Ruda Caravan Park & Mitchums Meadow are camping alternatives.

The Firs

A family run B&B on the edge of Braunton in a good class residential area; there is ample space to store surf boards, mountain bikes etc over night if needed and in addition there is use of the garden. The village is about a mile away with plenty of pubs, restaurants etc and saunton Beach is approx 3 miles.
2 double bedrooms are available, both with ensuites, and a larger bedroom with accomodate a 3rd person if required. Full English breakfasts are provided and orders are taken the night before. To book please phone James or Allison on 01271 814358 or 815651 for availablity and prices.

Campsites

Incledon Farm, situated on the edge of the village of Georgeham. Camping @ Incledon Farm is the perfect base from which to explore the spectacular North Devon coastline
http://www.incledonfarm.co.uk/contact_us.htm

Lobb Fields is situated on the Saunton side of Braunton and Cherry Tree campsite at the top of Croyde.

Eateries

Apart from the nearest to the beach The Sands Café which pretty much sits on the sand at Saunton which is a cracking apres surf spot to get some good food and great atmosphere although there are other eateries around. Braunton hosts a few. Ragamuffins bistro is popular little one, the food is fresh, good servings, very friendly people, I would personally recommend the seafood platter.

There are Indian and Chinese restaurants/takeaways also

BUT....... if you are looking for something a little bit special then there is only one place I can really recommend for food in North Devon. If you are coming from afar, down the link road for instance (A361) between Tiverton and Barnstaple you must pop in to The Masons Arms at Knowstone. It is run by award winnning chef, Mark Dodson and his wife Sarah. The dishes available are prepared using the finest local ingredients and are presented with taste and style, the warm welcome is parallel to the food.

Within 6 months of taking the pub over Mark has already gained 1 michelin star. For booking or enquiries call (01398) 341231 or visit www.masonsarmsdevon.co.uk