Saunton Sands

UK, United Kingdom

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Saunton Sands is a world-class beach near the village of Saunton on the North Devon coast, stretching over three and a half miles of stunning golden sand backed by the UNESCO-protected Braunton Burrows sand dune system at the heart of the North Devon Biosphere Reserve.

Famous for its reliable, long, slow-breaking waves and high tidal range of 8.5 meters, it is one of the UK's premium surfing beaches, particularly popular for longboard surfing and suitable for beginners, intermediates, and seasoned surfers alike. The beach is exceptionally dog-friendly with year-round access and no summer restrictions, making it one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in the UK, while also welcoming families with ample space for everyone to find peaceful spots even during peak season.

At low tide, the sea retreats up to 500 meters, exposing over two and a half million square meters of golden sand, and the beach holds the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded in the southwest at 35.4°C on August 3, 1990. Facilities include toilets, refreshments, surf hire, showers, and beach huts, with lifeguards on duty during summer, though swimming can be dangerous due to riptides as there are no permanent life guards.