Combesgate beach from the Esplanade - May 2021.
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Combesgate Beach

4.8
Β·130 reviewsΒ·, United Kingdom

A secluded North Devon gem with stunning rock pools, great surf, and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for exploration.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Low tide evenings

Secluded, peaceful, and great light

CrowdLow
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Combesgate beach from the Esplanade - May 2021.

Combesgate Beach

Best Time

Low tide evenings

Secluded, peaceful, and great light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A secluded North Devon gem with stunning rock pools, great surf, and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for exploration. InstagramReddit

4.8
(130 reviews)

"This is by far the nicest place I have been in the UK!"

Vertical photo
TIP

πŸšΆβ€β™€οΈ Prepare for Steps

Many steps lead down to the beach; consider this if mobility is a concern. :athletic_shoe:

πŸš— Parking Patience

Parking can be challenging; expect to walk a bit to reach the beach. πŸš—

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.8 Β· 130 reviews

Type

Beach

πŸ‘Ά Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Secluded Coves & Rock Pools

Secluded Coves & Rock Pools

Edges of the beach

Discover hidden nooks and private spots, especially at low tide when crystal-clear rock pools emerge. Perfect for exploring!

Reddit+1
Surfing & Bodyboarding

Surfing & Bodyboarding

Main beach area

Enjoy the waves at this fantastic spot, popular with surfers and bodyboarders looking for a great ride.

InstagramReddit
Sea Glass Hunting

Sea Glass Hunting

Shoreline

Hunt for treasures along the shore; Combesgate is known to be a good spot for finding sea glass.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Parking & Access

Parking near Combesgate Beach can be tricky, often requiring a walk. Be prepared for a significant number of steps down to the beach, making it less accessible for those with mobility issues. InstagramReddit

Tide Times are Key

Combesgate Beach is best explored at low tide when you can access it via steps or from Woolacombe Beach, revealing rock pools and more space. High tide can limit access and beach area. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Low tide evenings
Why
Secluded, peaceful, and great light
Crowd
Low
When
Summer mornings
Why
Sunny skies and calm waters
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more space
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Follow and Share! @Samantha Wynn Greenstone
@jacobmhoff
45.8K likes β€’ 1.7M views

πŸšΆβ€β™€οΈ Prepare for Steps

Many steps lead down to the beach; consider this if mobility is a concern. InstagramReddit :athletic_shoe:

πŸš— Parking Patience

Parking can be challenging; expect to walk a bit to reach the beach. Reddit πŸš—

Wasn't too impressed with last night's post, so just been up there to do it again 😁 It is a lovely, sunny evening. The sky is blue and the sea full of surfers!! Enjoy this view of the beach from Putsborough to Combesgate! #northdevon #staycation #ukbeach #drivewithus #travelgram #halfterm #easterholidays #emptynesters
northdevonjules
6 likes β€’ 150 views
The gorgeous colours of Combesgate this afternoon ❀️ #combesgate #combesgatebeach #woolacombe #mortehoe #devon #northdevon
woolacombe_tic
108 likes β€’ 1.7K views

🌊 Check Tide Times

Low tide reveals rock pools and more beach space. Essential for exploration! Reddit+1 🌊

🐢 Dog-Friendly Spot

A great, tucked-away beach that's also good for dogs. Reddit πŸ•

Here we are again with the travelling shop in Combesgate. It's such a fantastic spot and we've already enjoyed seeing many of you giving us a big wave as you drive past. #travellingshop #popupshop #waveme #combesgatebeach #combesgate #woolacombe #vanlife #EspecialistasEmPontos
wave_me_official
3 likes β€’ 90 views

Tips

from all over the internet

πŸšΆβ€β™€οΈ Prepare for Steps

Many steps lead down to the beach; consider this if mobility is a concern. InstagramReddit :athletic_shoe:

πŸš— Parking Patience

Parking can be challenging; expect to walk a bit to reach the beach. Reddit πŸš—

🌊 Check Tide Times

Low tide reveals rock pools and more beach space. Essential for exploration! Reddit+1 🌊

🐢 Dog-Friendly Spot

A great, tucked-away beach that's also good for dogs. Reddit πŸ•

πŸ’Ž Sea Glass Treasure

Keep an eye out for sea glass along the shoreline – it's a good spot for finds! Reddit πŸ’Ž

What Travellers Say

4.8
(130 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Combesgate Beach is highly praised for its secluded beauty, abundant rock pools, and excellent surfing conditions, offering a more tranquil experience than nearby popular beaches. Visitors love the privacy and the chance to find sea glass. However, the significant number of steps and limited parking are noted drawbacks, making it less accessible for some.

"Really loved this beach compared to some of the bigger busier beaches near here. Parking is a bit of a pain so you will have to walk a bit to get there but it's definitely worth it. We went in the evening and had the whole beach to ourselves as nobody else was there. Its a good beach also for sea glass hunting! Be aware that it is quite a few steps down to the beach so not suitable for those who can't walk much as they might struggle."

Holly O'Sullivan

"Very clean, tucked away beach by the watersmeet Hotel. Tucked away and great for dogs.

Very clean as are the rest of the beaches around here. Good for rock pooling and other activities. Lots of space at low tide and normally very quiet."

Olly Stump

"Can't go wrong with any beach in this area, gorgeous"

Steve wicks-eales

What People Like

Secluded and peaceful atmosphere
Abundant rock pools
Good for surfing

What People Dislike

Many steps to access
Limited parking

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

Combesgate Beach is located about 600 meters north of Woolacombe Beach. Access is often via a long flight of steps. If staying at Twitchen House holiday park, it's about a 20-minute walk to Woolacombe Beach, with Combesgate a short walk further. Instagram Parking can be limited nearby, so be prepared for a walk. Reddit

Unfortunately, Combesgate Beach is not ideal for prams or wheelchairs due to the significant number of steps leading down to it. InstagramReddit

Parking directly at Combesgate Beach is very limited. Visitors often park in Woolacombe and walk north along the beach or coast path. Reddit

Yes, at low tide, you can access Combesgate Beach from Woolacombe Beach. This offers a scenic route and more beach space. Reddit

Many visitors arrive by car and park in Woolacombe, then walk. Public transport options to Woolacombe are available, followed by a walk to the beach. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Combesgate Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. Reddit

Combesgate Beach is open to the public at all times. However, access and usability are heavily dependent on tide times. Reddit

No booking is required for Combesgate Beach as it is a natural public beach. Reddit

Combesgate Beach is a more natural and secluded spot, so facilities like public toilets or cafes are minimal or non-existent. The nearby Watersmeet Hotel might offer some amenities. Reddit

Swimming at Combesgate Beach is generally safe, but always be aware of currents and conditions. Lifeguard services may not be present, so swim with caution. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Combesgate Beach is excellent for rock pooling, exploring coves, sea glass hunting, surfing, and bodyboarding. It's also a beautiful spot for a relaxed beach day. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, families enjoy Combesgate for its rock pools and opportunities for building sandcastles and exploring. However, the steps can be a challenge with young children. Reddit

Absolutely! Combesgate Beach is a popular spot for surfing and bodyboarding, offering good waves. InstagramReddit

At low tide, Combesgate Beach reveals numerous rock pools, some quite deep, teeming with marine life like fish, blennies, gobies, and crabs. InstagramReddit+1

Combesgate Beach is generally quieter than its larger neighbors like Woolacombe. It's often described as secluded and peaceful, especially in the evenings or during weekdays. InstagramReddit

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography

Capture stunning shots of the secluded coves, dramatic rock formations, and vibrant rock pools at low tide. The coastline views are also spectacular. Instagram+2

Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful light for photography. Early mornings or late evenings can also provide dramatic skies and fewer people. Instagram+1

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastline and coves. A macro lens can be useful for close-ups of rock pool life. Instagram

The cliff paths above the beach offer panoramic views. Exploring the beach itself at low tide reveals unique angles and compositions. Instagram+1

Yes, Combesgate Beach is a surf spot, so you can capture action shots of surfers catching waves. Instagram

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