Hele Bay Beach
A charming North Devon cove with sand, pebbles, and rock pools, perfect for exploration and coastal walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter beach experience
Hele Bay Beach
Best Time
Quieter beach experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming North Devon cove with sand, pebbles, and rock pools, perfect for exploration and coastal walks.
"This is definitely more of an adventure beach, plenty of rocks to climb over, areas to explore."
🚗 Parking Perks
Parking is available and often cheaper than other spots, making it a convenient base for your beach day.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Hele Bay is a popular spot for dog walkers, so bring your furry friend along for the adventure!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rock Pool Adventures
Low Tide
Discover a miniature marine world teeming with life in the rock pools revealed at low tide. Perfect for curious explorers!
Sea Glass Hunting
Shoreline
Keep an eye out for treasures washed ashore; Hele Bay is known for its sea glass, adding a unique find to your beachcombing.
Coastal Path Walks
South West Coast Path
Embark on a scenic walk along the South West Coast Path, connecting Hele Bay to the charming town of Ilfracombe.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Hele Bay
Embrace the Coastal Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Perks
Parking is available and often cheaper than other spots, making it a convenient base for your beach day.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Hele Bay is a popular spot for dog walkers, so bring your furry friend along for the adventure!
🌊 Kayak Rentals
Rent kayaks to explore the waters around Hele Bay and enjoy a different perspective of the coastline.
☕ Cafe & Facilities
There's a cafe on-site for refreshments and public toilets, though they can be basic. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Perks
Parking is available and often cheaper than other spots, making it a convenient base for your beach day.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Hele Bay is a popular spot for dog walkers, so bring your furry friend along for the adventure!
🌊 Kayak Rentals
Rent kayaks to explore the waters around Hele Bay and enjoy a different perspective of the coastline.
☕ Cafe & Facilities
There's a cafe on-site for refreshments and public toilets, though they can be basic. +1
💎 Sea Glass Treasure
Hele Bay is renowned for sea glass; keep your eyes peeled for these smoothed, frosted gems.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hele Bay Beach is praised for its natural beauty, offering a mix of sand, pebbles, and fascinating rock pools perfect for exploration. It's a popular spot for dog walkers and offers scenic coastal walks, though some find the toilets basic. The availability of parking and a nearby cafe adds to its convenience.
"This is a beach with good variety - some dusty sand, some wet sand in areas to build castles, pebbles, sea glass and some climbing rocks. Some of the eroded rocks look really nice! There is also a nice coastal walk nearby and some disgusting toilets (but free 24/7 - so obviously misused) You can also catch shrimp here, oddly though, I didn't see any crabs."
Stephen Menet
"This is definitely more of an adventure beach, plenty of rocks to climb over, areas to explore. We are staying on a local caravan sight and this is perfect for an evening walk to make the most of the long summer evenings!"
Gareth James
"Nice little cove beach easy access onto the beach. Cafe and toilets. You can coastal walk from this beach to Ilfracombe."
Victoria Naxton-Kiddle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hele Bay Beach is located just east of Ilfracombe in North Devon. You can reach it by car, with a small, often cheaper, car park available. It's also accessible via a scenic coastal walk from Ilfracombe.
Yes, there is a small car park at Hele Bay Beach, which is noted for being cheaper than many other parking options in the area.
Absolutely! Hele Bay is situated on the South West Coast Path, making it a pleasant walk from Ilfracombe.
While specific bus routes can vary, Ilfracombe is served by public transport, and from there, you can walk or take a short taxi to Hele Bay. Checking local bus schedules is recommended.
Many visitors enjoy combining a beach visit with a coastal walk, exploring the rock pools, and perhaps staying at the nearby Beach Cove Coastal Retreat for a full experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Hele Bay Beach itself is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. Parking fees may apply.
As a natural beach, Hele Bay is accessible at all times. However, facilities like the cafe and toilets will have specific operating hours.
No, tickets are not required to visit Hele Bay Beach as it is a public access area.
Generally, Hele Bay is open to the public. During extreme weather events, access might be temporarily restricted for safety.
You'll find a cafe, public toilets, and kayak rentals available at Hele Bay Beach. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Activities include exploring rock pools at low tide, hunting for sea glass, sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying coastal walks. Kayak rentals are also available. +1
Yes, Hele Bay Beach is known for its rock pools that are revealed when the tide goes out, offering a great opportunity for exploration. +1
Yes, families can enjoy building sandcastles on the sandy areas, exploring rock pools, and the general beach atmosphere.
Swimming is possible at Hele Bay, but always be mindful of tides, currents, and weather conditions.
The beach has a mix of sand, pebbles, and rocks, offering varied terrain for exploration.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located at Hele Bay Beach. Additionally, the nearby village and Ilfracombe offer various dining options, including pubs.
The cafe at Hele Bay typically offers refreshments, coffee, and cake, perfect for a beachside snack.
Ilfracombe has a range of restaurants and pubs. Some are known for serving hearty meals like roast dinners, which are popular after a coastal walk.
Picnics are welcome at Hele Bay Beach, making it a great option for a budget-friendly meal. Remember to take all your rubbish with you.
Yes, there are pubs near Hele Bay Beach that are known to serve food, including popular roast dinners.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the rock pools, sea glass treasures, the unique beach huts at Beach Cove Coastal Retreat, and the scenic coastal views. Drone shots offer a stunning perspective.
While the main sunset view might be partially blocked by cliffs, you can still capture beautiful orange glows as the sun descends.
Drone footage can offer spectacular views of Hele Bay and the surrounding coastline, showcasing its beauty from above.
The Verity statue by Damien Hirst in Ilfracombe is a striking landmark nearby, and the historic corn mill in Hele village adds character.
Early morning or late evening often provides softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the beach's serene beauty.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a unique experience, the Beach Cove Coastal Retreat offers family-friendly accommodation nearby, some with hot tubs, adding a touch of luxury to your family holiday.
+1 Remember to check tide times to maximize your rock pool exploration and keep an eye on children near the water. 🐶 Dog Lovers
The varied terrain of sand, pebbles, and rocks provides an interesting environment for dogs to explore. After a good run on the beach, you can head to the nearby dog-friendly pub for refreshments, making it a complete outing for you and your canine companion.
Just be sure to keep your dog under control, especially during busier times, and clean up after them to ensure the beach remains enjoyable for everyone. 🚗 Budget Travelers
Bringing your own picnic is a great way to save on food costs, with a cafe available for more casual snacks.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Hele Bay's Natural Wonders
The beach is also a gateway to the stunning South West Coast Path. A walk eastwards leads towards the picturesque village of Ilfracombe, offering breathtaking coastal vistas along the way.
For those seeking a unique stay, the Beach Cove Coastal Retreat offers beach hut-style lodges right on the edge of Hele Bay, providing a cozy and scenic base for exploring the region.
+1 This retreat enhances the experience, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the coastal charm of Hele Bay and its surroundings. Hele Bay: A Dog-Friendly Haven
Beyond the beach itself, the surrounding area also caters to dog owners. The pub located near Hele Bay is known to be dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy a meal or a drink with your pet after a day of exploring.
This makes Hele Bay an excellent choice for travelers who don't want to leave their furry friends behind. Remember to always be mindful of local dog-walking regulations and ensure your pet is under control, especially during busier periods. The Verity Statue and Ilfracombe's Artistic Flair
Ilfracombe itself is a charming seaside town with a rich history and a developing arts scene. Exploring the town after a visit to Hele Bay can add another dimension to your trip. You can wander through the harbor, discover local shops, and appreciate the Victorian architecture. The proximity of Hele Bay to Ilfracombe means you can easily combine a relaxing beach experience with a dose of culture and art.
Social
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