Surf and Kitesurf Guide: Saunton Sands, Devon

Everyone surfing North Devon seems to end up at Croyde, fighting for space in a world-class but seriously crowded A-frame. A few minutes down the road, Saunton Sands offers three miles of open beach with long, easy walls that work for beginners, longboarders and kiters alike, backed by dunes so big they are a protected biosphere in their own right. This Saunton Sands guide covers the surf, the kite window at nearby Westward Ho!, and where to stay and eat in between sessions.

Why Saunton Sands?

Saunton sits on Bideford Bay in North Devon, a long, gently curving beach backed by Braunton Burrows, one of the largest dune systems in England and a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Where Croyde is famous for fast, hollow barrels that reward experienced surfers, Saunton is the mellower option next door, with long, slow walls that suit beginners and longboarders, and enough width that it rarely feels packed even on a busy weekend.

→ The beach's northwest to north orientation gives some shelter from westerly wind, which is part of why Saunton is popular with kiters as well as surfers.

↳ For dedicated kitesurfing, most riders head a few minutes south to Westward Ho!, which has a marked kite zone and clearer local rules.

Getting There & Getting Around

Saunton is a straightforward drive once you are off the motorway network.

By car, it is roughly a 3 to 3.5 hour drive from London via the M4 and M5, finishing on the A361 through Braunton.
→ The nearest train station is Barnstaple, about 20 minutes away by car, with regular services from Exeter connecting to the wider rail network.
↳ A car is the easiest way to link Saunton with Croyde, Woolacombe and Westward Ho!, since local bus coverage between them is limited outside peak summer.

When to Surf or Kitesurf

For surfing, winter is most consistent, with February standing out as the month most likely to deliver clean, surfable swell. Saunton works at any state of the tide and wants a west swell with an offshore east wind, though it holds up reasonably well across a range of conditions given its exposure. For kitesurfing, the season runs roughly April through September, with April to June and September to October typically the windiest and least crowded, while June and July tend to have fewer kiteable days.

Safety notes: Saunton has dangerous rips and can get crowded, so keep your bearings relative to the lifeguard hut if one is on duty. Kitesurfing at Saunton itself is restricted during July and August. At Westward Ho!, the marked kite zone sits about 200 meters north of the Sandymere lifeguard hut, kiting is not allowed in the final two hours either side of high tide, and riders must keep at least 50 meters from the pebble ridge when launching or landing. Third-party liability insurance is required at Westward Ho! unless you are with a certified school. A fatality at Saunton in 2019 during severe wind is a sober reminder to check the forecast properly before heading out in strong conditions.

Surf Breaks

Saunton Sands: A wide beach break with long, slow left and right walls across three miles of sand.
Wave: Beach break, works at all tide stages.
Level: Beginner to intermediate, with longboard-friendly shoulders.
Croyde Bay: A short drive north, with fast, hollow, world-class A-frame barrels on a good day.
Wave: Powerful beach break, strong rips.
Level: Advanced.
Westward Ho!: About 50 minutes south, with slower, more forgiving waves and the area's main dedicated kite zone.
Wave: Beach break, gentler than Saunton or Croyde.
Level: Beginner to intermediate, both surfing and kiting.

Walking on Waves, based at Saunton Sands Hotel, runs surf lessons and offers complimentary sessions to guests during school holidays, plus private coaching for those wanting to progress faster.

Where to Stay

→ From a campsite in the dunes to a landmark beachfront hotel, Saunton and neighboring Braunton and Croyde cover most budgets.

Budget

Lobb Fields Caravan & Camping Park, Braunton
A well-regarded campsite close to Saunton and Braunton, a short drive from the beach.

Mid-Range

Croyde Bay Resort, Croyde
A short drive from Saunton, with a range of room and self-catering options close to Croyde's own break.

Luxury

Saunton Sands Hotel, Saunton
A landmark beachfront hotel directly above the sand, with a spa, a beachside grill and its own surf school on site.

Food & Drink

Local Lunch: Beachside Grill, Saunton Sands Hotel
→ Casual food with a direct view over the beach, easy to reach straight from the water.
Dinner: Restaurants and pubs in Croyde and Braunton village
→ A short drive inland for a proper sit-down meal once the wind or swell has died for the day.
Post-Surf Wind Down: Source Spa & Wellness, Saunton Sands Hotel
→ A vitality pool and spa for easing out a long day of paddling or kiting.

Photographing Saunton Sands

Three miles of open beach, huge dune backdrops and long, readable walls make Saunton one of the easier UK spots to shoot well, whether you are after a surfer against the Burrows or a kite lit up low over the water. Shoot from the dune edge for the wide view, or get down on the sand for a tighter angle on the walls themselves. If you capture a session here, upload it to Surf Snaps so surfers and kiters can find their shots by spot and date. If you were riding, search Surf Snaps for your session.

FAQ: Surfing and Kitesurfing at Saunton Sands

Is Saunton Sands good for beginners?

Yes. Saunton has long, slow walls that suit beginners and longboarders far better than the fast, hollow waves at nearby Croyde.

Can you kitesurf at Saunton Sands?

Saunton itself has kitesurfing but it is prohibited during July and August. Most dedicated kiters head a few minutes south to Westward Ho!, which has a marked kite zone and clearer rules.

What is the best season for surfing Saunton?

Winter is most consistent, with February typically the best month for clean, surfable swell.

What is the best wind season for kitesurfing near Saunton?

Roughly April through September, with April to June and September to October usually windier and less crowded than the peak of summer.

Where can I find photos of my session at Saunton?

Search Surf Snaps by sport, place and date on the explore page to find galleries from the day you rode.

More Underrated Surf and Kitesurf Spots

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