Putsborough Beach Surfing in Devon

Putsborough is the quieter southern end of the Putsborough-Woolacombe three-mile beach in north Devon — the section preferred by surfers wanting a less crowded line-up than Woolacombe village provides. It’s a 10-minute walk from the Putsborough Sands car park to the water, which keeps the casual day-trippers further north.

What to expect

A consistent beach break that picks up the same swells as Woolacombe but breaks slightly differently because of the southern headland’s shape. The wave is gentler than Croyde a mile south and similar in character to Woolacombe — suitable for intermediate surfers and longboarders. Big swells can produce some of the cleanest waves on the north Devon coast at this end.

Practical notes

Year-round; September-March for biggest swells. Wetsuit: 5/4/3 winter, 4/3 autumn, 3/2 summer. Putsborough Sands car park (paid) and the small cafe at the top of the beach access are the only on-site facilities. The Putsborough Manor holiday park gives self-catering accommodation. Combine with a Baggy Point walk, the Croyde village pubs, or a Lundy day trip. Parking fills early on a good swell — arrive before 8am or wait for the evening session.

Getting there car-free

Putsborough sits at the quiet southern end of Woolacombe Sands and is the more remote of the two. The nearest station is Barnstaple on the Tarka Line; from there a bus runs toward Woolacombe and Georgeham, and the last stretch down to Putsborough is on foot or by taxi.

Can you get to Putsborough without a car?

With a little effort. Train to Barnstaple, bus toward Woolacombe or Georgeham, then a walk down the lane to the beach. It is harder to reach than Woolacombe, which is part of why the southern end of the sands stays quieter.