WOOLACOMBE BEACH on your doorstep

Most surfers would consider a point break the perfect wave as the actual time riding the surfboard will be the longest. At our very own Woolacombe Beach, point break is to the right. Here you will find amazing conditions, but be careful of rocks.

If you don't like to paddle far to get out to the breaking waves, beach break here is known as "middle beach" - basically it's anywhere left of the stream.

SAUNTON SANDS 25 minute drive

Saunton is one of the best beaches when it comes to facilities for pre and post-surf; there's a seasonal beachside grill, as well as deck chair and beach hut hire so you can really make a day of it. It is much more suited to beginners and intermediate surfers than its neighbour, Croyde Bay.

If you're looking for point break, it's to the right at Saunton.

Little-known fact... Robbie Williams used Saunton in the video for 'Angels'.

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PUTSBOROUGH SANDS a short stroll away

Putsborough Sands is a favourite with locals. It's perfect for sunset sessions - keep an eye out for long cruisey waves - they're especially good for longboarders.

This beach has clear water, great surf and a gentler away-from-it all feel.

BARRICANE BEACH picture perfect

Just a quarter mile along the coastline from the main Woolacombe beach, this evening sun trap is perfect for sunset paddles; but be careful - it is not lifeguarded.

After your paddle, you can grab a curry from the Sri Lankan Beach Shack. During the day they serve snacks and light lunches, and curry is generally from Thursday-Saturday, 5-7pm, but when they run out it’s closing time. Typically available Easter to September.

There is parking and SUP launch is easy.

GRUNTA BEACH delightfully hidden

Grunta Beach is a delightfully hidden beach; it's just around the corner from Combesgate Beach, which is a great lunch stop whilst out paddleboarding.

Grunta Beach is one of the prettiest spots you'll find, but it's 'off the beaten track' status means it is literally that: off the beaten track. You'll need to carry your board down some steep steps so it's best for inflatable boards that can be easily carried in a SUP backpack. Once you get down, it's well worth the trip. Visit at low tide, as Grunta isn't accessible when the tide's in.

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WATERMOUTH COVE discover secret coves

A short drive away, if you time your visit ride you can paddle through the caves.

Watermouth Cove is a great place for SUP newbies as it's a lovely sheltered cove so you can ease into the paddleboarding experience. That said, it won't be any less exciting for experienced SUP-ers as it's just a gorgeous place to be. To experience it from the water is truly special - there are so many secret coves and stunning coastal sights!

SUP hire an lessons are available here.

 

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WOODY BAY Exmoor

Hidden among the wild cliffs and peaks of Exmoor’s coast you’ll find a mermaid’s lido. At the far end of Woody’s Bay, a remote shingle beach, the softly undulating rocks dip into a natural tidal pool.

An epic pool, you can float without a care, and with no one there.

THE RIVER BARLE Exmoor

The largest river on Exmoor National Park, the Barle is a mighty vein of coursing water and a rich habitat for salmon, otters, kingfisher, and a rare river jelly lichen. This makes it a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and, as you may expect, the water is crystal clear.

Near a little place called Simonsbath, there is a calm and open section of river which lends itself to swimming.

Watersmeet Exmoor

Bring the whole family – and the pup – to splash around in the pools, or follow the river for 1.5km to Long Pool. This is a 50m long ravine, where the inky depths of water are shielded by granite sides, over which ferns have crept. It’s an otherworldly, implausible spot. So serene that you may hear the plop of a salmon or see an iridescent flash of dragonfly.

WOOLACOMBE BEACH our very own!

Woolacombe Beach is just a short stroll from the hotel but, blessed with miles of sand, it is a deep beach so you are best to take a short drive down to the entrance of the beach to drop if you'd like a nice relaxing start! If you're hiring, Woolacombe Surf Centre can help.

If you want some adventure and the wind is in your favour, you can paddle along the coast up to Mortehoe Point. Always paddle against the wind first so you can use it in your favour when you are more tired on the route back.

PUTSBOROUGH SANDS just a moment away

If you’re looking for an action-packed afternoon, Putsborough Sands is a good spot for kayaking. This is one of the only beaches in the area to have some protection from south and south-westerly winds, thanks to a headland known as Baggy Point.

There's plenty of parking and easy access via a long, sloping path.

Postcode: EX33 1LB

WATERMOUTH COVE 25 minute drive

Overlooked by Watermouth Castle, this cove is very sheltered with a narrow entrance to the sea.

Launch from Watermouth Cove and you can paddle to Broad Sands Beach - one of Exmoor’s best kept secret swimming beaches! The beach is a hidden gem and is beneath stunning wooded cliffs between Watermouth and Combe Martin. By paddling to reach it you can avoid the steps down...of which there are nearly 200!

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DIVING TRIPS for all levels

Lundy Island has some of the best diving in the country including over 40 dive sites made up of reefs, pinnacles, drop offs and countless wrecks! It is also a marine nature reserve – home to seals, birds and an abundance of marine life.

The shallow and sheltered dive sites are suitable for novice and experienced divers, and the guides from Wild Frontier can show you all the best places.

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SWIM WITH SEALS at Lundy Island

Depart Ilfracombe Harbour for Lundy Island as seen on ‘Countrywise’ and ‘Britain’s Secret Seas’ where you will spend the morning swimming with the seals in one of the many coves and bays around the Island’s Marine Nature Reserve. Go ashore and stroll the many coastal paths or grab lunch in the Marisco Tavern.

The journey over is just over an hour long and we often encounter dolphins along the way!

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FISHING TRIPS reef & sea fishing

Wild Frontier offer fishing trips from 2 hours to 10 hours. Sail aboard their large modern catamaran "Wild Frontier 2" for some of the best fising in the South West. Rods bait and tackle are included, as is tuition for novice anglers.

What will you catch? On local trips mackerel, pollock, codling, gurnard and bass are all possible on shorter reef fishing trips. Longer deep fishing days are also available.

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