Saunton

Travel Guide

A coastal cliff with houses on top and people on the beach.
A hillside with houses, lush greenery, and a clear sky.
A beach with tents, a lifeguard tower, and a hotel in the background.
Three beach huts with different colored doors and roofs.
A sandy beach with dunes and people.

This tiny coastal village is situated in the beautiful North Devon countryside, with miles of beach offering fantastic surfing.

Enjoy long walks on Saunton’s beach and hit the waves for excellent surfing, particularly for beginners. Relax with a round of golf at the local course and enjoy great food and drink at the clubhouse. Explore the dunes and discover their importance during World War II.

Learn to surf on Saunton Beach, where the flat sands and slow-breaking waves provide excellent conditions for beginners. Grab a longboard if you’re more experienced and enjoy the fantastically shaped surf, which allows for longer rides. These qualities have made the beach a frequent host of British Longboard Union events.

Take long walks on the 3-mile (5-kilometre) beach and feel free to bring your dog along, as this is the only beach in the area which allows dogs year round. Enhance your tan when the weather is good or go for a swim. Wander the Braunton Burrows or book a World War II tour and learn about the role the area played in defending Britain from the Nazis.

The burrows are at the heart of North Devon's Biosphere Reserve. Explore the 55 square miles (140 square kilometres) of dunes and grasslands and watch for birds such as lapwings, whinchats and whitethroats.

Play a few rounds at Saunton Golf Course, the 36-hole course which has been open for over a hundred years. Enjoy a drink at the bar afterward and sample from the restaurant menu if you’re hungry.

Saunton’s nearest train station is Barnstaple it is served by buses from Barnstaple and Braunton. Visit in the summer to enjoy the best weather or avoid the crowds by arriving in the off-season.

Saunton Sands Hotel Source Spa and Wellness

Saunton Sands Hotel Source Spa and Wellness

4 out of 5
Saunton Sands Hotel Braunton England
Stay at this beach hotel in Braunton. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (179 reviews)
"Spectacular location, disappointing hospitality It enjoys a stunning location overlooking one of England’s finest beaches, but unfortunately the service didn’t justify the £370–£400 price. My stay began badly when I arrived on my motorbike and was asked if I was lost before being told not to park ..."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2026

Saunton Sands Hotel Source Spa and Wellness
Woodford Bridge Country Club

Woodford Bridge Country Club

4 out of 5
Milton Damerel Holsworthy England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €183 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
€183
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this guesthouse in Holsworthy. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Clean room and excellent service very well maintained"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2026

Woodford Bridge Country Club
The Park Hotel

The Park Hotel

4 out of 5
Taw Vale Barnstaple England
The price is €129 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
€129
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Barnstaple. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
The Park Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Westbeach Holiday Apartments

Westbeach Holiday Apartments

4 out of 5
Nelson Rd Bideford England
Stay at this beach apartment in Bideford. Enjoy free parking, rainfall showerheads and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions North Devon Coast and Saunton ...
Westbeach Holiday Apartments
North Devon Resort

North Devon Resort

3 out of 5
Marlborough Road Ilfracombe England
Stay at this spa aparthotel in Ilfracombe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Ilfracombe Harbour and Woolacombe Beach ...
7.4/10 Good! (24 reviews)
"Great place and spacious room."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2026

North Devon Resort
The Mole Resort - Lodges

The Mole Resort - Lodges

4 out of 5
The Lodges at The Mole Umberleigh England
Stay at this family-friendly villa in Umberleigh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (85 reviews)
"We had a wonderful break. Everything was superb, clean and nicely decorated. Staff were really welcoming. We ate at the restaurant two nights and the food was delicious. Couldn’t fault it. We will defiantly return."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2026

The Mole Resort - Lodges
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do