Rockham Beach
A stunning, secluded North Devon bay with dramatic rock formations, a shipwreck, and vibrant rock pools revealed at low tide.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Reveals rock pools & sand
Rockham Beach
Best Time
Reveals rock pools & sand
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning, secluded North Devon bay with dramatic rock formations, a shipwreck, and vibrant rock pools revealed at low tide.
"Amazingly beautiful place. The walk itself is quite challenging, lots of steps and steep slopes!"
Steep Descent Alert! :athletic_shoe:
Be prepared for a steep, challenging walk down to the beach. Wear sturdy shoes!
Check Tide Times First! :clock1:
The tide comes in fast. Always check local tide times before exploring rock pools.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Secluded Bay Views
Mortehoe
A picturesque, sheltered bay with dramatic rock formations and a shipwreck. Perfect for exploring at low tide.
Rock Pool Exploration
Low Tide
Discover vibrant intertidal pools teeming with anemones and marine life as the tide recedes.
Cliff Path Scenery
Coastal Path
Enjoy breathtaking coastal vistas on the walk to Rockham Beach, with stunning views of the sea and surrounding cliffs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Rockham Beach
Tide Times & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Steep Descent Alert! :athletic_shoe:
Be prepared for a steep, challenging walk down to the beach. Wear sturdy shoes!
Check Tide Times First! :clock1:
The tide comes in fast. Always check local tide times before exploring rock pools.
Pack Light if Possible :handbag:
The steep path makes carrying heavy items difficult. Travel light for an easier journey.
Waterfall on Descent :droplet:
Look out for a beautiful waterfall to your right as you descend the steps.
Tips
from all over the internet
Steep Descent Alert! :athletic_shoe:
Be prepared for a steep, challenging walk down to the beach. Wear sturdy shoes!
Check Tide Times First! :clock1:
The tide comes in fast. Always check local tide times before exploring rock pools.
Pack Light if Possible :handbag:
The steep path makes carrying heavy items difficult. Travel light for an easier journey.
Waterfall on Descent :droplet:
Look out for a beautiful waterfall to your right as you descend the steps.
Dog-Friendly (Seasonal) :dog:
Check local restrictions, but dogs are often welcome outside of peak summer months.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rockham Beach is a stunningly beautiful and secluded bay, highly praised for its dramatic rock formations, rock pools, and shipwreck. Visitors love the unspoilt nature and the scenic coastal walk. However, the challenging and steep access is a significant drawback for many, with the National Trust steps often being closed.
"Accessible if you’re confident to descend on the cliffs. Seems a few people managed it whilst we were there, but the NT steps were no longer viable.
Seems a great beach from the viewpoint above."
Livy Kimbell
"Amazingly beautiful place. As you walk down the stairs there is a waterfall to your right.
The rocks are perfect for exploring and climbing as the tide goes out, but be warned; the tide turns quickly."
Chelle Knight
"Unspoilt beach with a shipwreck. Intertidal pools have anenomies in but beware these can sting soft tissue on your legs and torso. Watch the tide times too. Access suitable for most able bodies people but very steep steps."
david leggett
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rockham Beach is located near Mortehoe and Woolacombe in North Devon. Access is typically via a steep cliff path. The National Trust steps may be closed, so be prepared for a challenging descent. Parking is available in Mortehoe, followed by a walk. +1
The nearest parking is in the village of Mortehoe. From there, it's a walk to the beach, which involves a steep descent.
No, you cannot drive directly to Rockham Beach. Access is on foot via the coastal path, which can be steep and challenging.
The walk involves a steep descent down the cliff. Some visitors describe it as challenging, especially with children or heavy bags.
Due to the steep and often uneven cliff path, Rockham Beach is generally not accessible for wheelchairs or prams.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Rockham Beach is a natural beach and does not require tickets for entry. Access is free.
Rockham Beach is accessible at all times, but its usability is dependent on the tide. Always check tide times before visiting.
There are no entry fees for Rockham Beach itself. However, you may need to pay for parking in the nearby village of Mortehoe.
While beautiful, visitors should be aware of the steep access and the fast-turning tide. Always check tide times and exercise caution.
Swimming is possible when the tide is in, but conditions can vary. It's advisable to be aware of currents and check local advice.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Rockham Beach, you can explore rock pools at low tide, admire the rock formations, discover a shipwreck, and enjoy the scenic coastal path.
Rockham Beach is a natural, unspoilt beach and typically has no facilities such as toilets or cafes directly on the beach.
Rockham Beach is described as a stony, shelly beach at high tide, with sand revealed at low tide.
It can be, but the steep access and fast tide require careful supervision. Rock pools are a hit with children.
There is a known shipwreck at Rockham Beach, adding to its historical intrigue and appeal for explorers.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic rock formations, the shipwreck, and the sweeping coastal views. The beach itself at low tide with its rock pools is also very photogenic. 
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, offers beautiful light for photography. Low tide is essential for exploring the rock pools.
Drone usage may be subject to local regulations and landowner permissions. Always check before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the coastal scenery, while a macro lens can be useful for close-ups of rock pool life.
The combination of dramatic cliffs, the shipwreck, and the intertidal zones offers unique photographic subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Pack light, wear sturdy shoes, and always supervise children closely, especially near the water and on the slippery paths. The waterfall on the descent is also a fun point of interest.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Coastal Path Enthusiasts
+1Recommendations: Combine your visit with a longer stretch of the South West Coast Path. Be prepared for varied terrain and potentially steep sections, even beyond the direct access to the beach.
📸 Photographers and Artists
+1Tips for creatives: Visit during golden hour for the best light. Bring a wide-angle lens for the expansive views and consider a macro lens for detailed shots of the rock pools. Be prepared for the challenging access if you plan to shoot from the beach itself.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Terrain: Accessing Rockham Beach
For those with mobility issues or traveling with very young children, reaching the beach itself might be difficult. However, the views from the cliff path above are still spectacular, offering a rewarding experience even without descending. Always check local conditions and tide times, as the beach is best explored when the tide is out, revealing its sandy stretches and rock pools.
A Note on Safety
The terrain can be slippery, especially after rain or near the waterfall. Be mindful of your footing. The tide also turns quickly, so it's essential to keep an eye on the time and the approaching water.
The Allure of Rockham Bay: Natural Wonders and History
Adding to its mystique is the presence of a shipwreck, a reminder of the area's maritime history and the power of the sea. This historical element, combined with the raw natural beauty, makes Rockham Beach a captivating destination for explorers and nature lovers alike. The coastal path leading to the beach offers stunning panoramic views, making the journey itself a significant part of the experience.
+1Local Inspiration
Author Veronica Henry has cited Rockham Beach as an inspiration for her novel 'The Secret Beach,' highlighting its enduring charm and the memories it holds for locals and visitors.
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