The beaches of Sunnycliffe

Our guide to all the beaches you could need

Combesgate beach

Guests staying at Sunnycliffe will be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing which beach to visit. Just across the road from the cottage is Combesgate Beach, a pretty, secluded cove, which is only accessible between low and mid tide meaning it is not as popular as many of the other well-known nearby beaches. Combesgate is great for guests with children as there are fun rock pools to explore, however, surfers will also love the swell that develops here.

Barricane beach

Next door to Combesgate is Barricane Beach, a picturesque bay tucked between the rocks. The beach, which is famous for the cowries and exotic sea shells that wash up on the shores from the Caribbean is a wonderful place to spend the day. Children and adults alike will love searching for those unusual shells, many of which are in perfect condition before settling down for a bite to eat from the onsite café, which in recent years has become famous for its Sri Lankan curries, which can be enjoyed on the beach, you just need to bring your own wine and blanket. Barricane Beach is also designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and not accessible at high tide.

Mortehoe beach (Grunta beach)

A little further afield but still within walking distance is Mortehoe Beach, otherwise known as Rockham. This small sandy beach is good for rock pools and can only be accessed on foot with three flights of stairs leading to Rockham.

Woolacombe beach

One of the best beaches in the world is Woolacombe, and when staying at Sunnycliffe it is only a 20-minute walk along the esplanade. This award-winning beach, which sits between Baggy Point and Morte Point is a firm favourite with families and surfers, stretching along the North Devon coast for three miles and featuring golden sands and crystal blue seas. Attracting visitors throughout the year, the blue flag beach always has a quiet spot for those looking for a bit of peace and quiet away from the crowds, it is also monitored by lifeguards from Easter through to the end of October.