Holiday rentals in Saunton Sands

Bordering a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve on the North Devon coast, Saunton Sands has beckoned surfers to the Bristol Channel for decades with its 5.6-kilometre stretch of sandy coastline and westerly-exposed waters. Wave riders of all abilities come here to hone their chops in the Atlantic swells. On the beach, you’ll find a surf school, responsible for turning out the next generation of British board jockeys, while behind it is the nature reserve of Braunton Burrows. This band of grass and plant-covered dunes hosts a myriad of rare plant and animal life, including lizards, birds, and the rare marsh orchid.

In spring and summer, the low-lying grassland is carpeted with wildflowers that provide food for the Burrows’ 33 species of resident butterflies. Don’t be surprised if you spot a herd of Devon Red cattle while exploring the dunes; these gentle grazers are part of the land management plan to control the scrub to prevent the wildflowers from being smothered.

North Devon has milder weather than the rest of the United Kingdom, making it a pleasant place to visit year-round. Spring and summer are the most popular times to rent Saunton Sands cottages, as the weather is warm and sunny. This is also when Saunton Sands stages an impressive re-enactment of D-Day to commemorate the military training that took place here during World War II. Sweltering hot days are rare in Devon and don’t typically last long. Winter is the ideal time of year to visit Saunton Sands if you aim to do some surfing. The best waves happen in January and February during the stormy season; this is also the coldest time in the Bristol Channel.

Saunton Sands Beach

Most people visit Saunton Sands to enjoy a pleasant day at the beach, whether for surfing, swimming, or lounging under a beach umbrella. A little planning can ensure that you arrive at low tide when the beach is at its biggest. The view of the Bristol Channel is even more enjoyable when you get to watch local surfers harness the curling waves off Devon’s golden coast.

Braunton Burrows

Braunton Burrows is a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve that is open to the public to explore on foot. Two nature trails wind around the impressive dune system, one of which circles noteworthy historical sites, including the ruins of a lighthouse and military artefacts from when the beach was a training base during WWII.

The Atlantic Highway

A zip down the A39, known as the Atlantic Highway, will take you on one of the United Kingdom’s best road-trip routes, with panoramic coastal views of the Bristol Channel. You’ll wind through fishing villages, beach breaks, and stately hills, where you'll find a combination of historical monuments and natural wonders that become more dramatic the further south you travel.