Location and the Beach
Saunton Sands is a three mile long expanse of sandy beach facing due west and cut off to the south by the combined estuaries of the rivers Taw and Torridge. Behind the beach is a large area of sand dunes - Braunton Burrows - which are home to a golf course, a nature reserve and Ministry of Defence training areas ( marked "Danger Area" on O.S.maps). The last of these features are unlikely to be a problem at holiday times - but further information my be available from the car park attendant at Saunton. The training area is only used a few times a year, when the beach is closed for military exercides so a Hercules military transport plane can practise landing and taking off from the beach!
The beach is reported to be clean and the sea unpolluted. When the tide, wind and sea combine in the correct proportion Saunton can produce excellent surfing conditions - at such times swimmers should exercise proper caution. The exact part of the beach used by naturists may well vary according to the number of textile visitors - arriving early and setting the trend my well encourage others to join you.
As at all beaches, naturist visitors to Saunton Sands should behave with consideration for other beach users.
Beach Facilities
Snack bar and restaurant next to Saunton Sands car park in high season.
Directions
By Car
From Barnstaple take the A361 to Braunton and then left on to the B3231 to reach Saunton where a (paying) car park is available near the Saunton Sands Hotel.
Some visitors prefer an alternative route via a minor road and private toll road south from Braunton village. A short walk across the burrows from this road leads to Crow Point at the southern tip of Saunton Sands - adjacent to the Taw Estuary - from where the naturist-frequented area lies to the north.
"The Crow Point car park is very easy to get to, it's free and it's just around the corner."
There is a more convenient Car Park, along Sandy Lane, to the back of the Burrows. Although there are no facilities there, and unfortunately one now has to pay, it is a much shorter walk onto the beach
Satvav: EX33 2NU (car park behind beach), EX33 1LG (Saunton Sands Hotel car park)
By Public Transport
Barnstaple is the terminus of the railway line from Exeter. The Saunton area is served by Route 21 bus service.
Access to the beach and Naturism
From the car park strike out southwards on foot to reach area used by naturists, however that may be up to two miles at high season. Reports suggest that the car park may get full at busy times.
Additional Information
The beach descriptions originally came from the closed NUFF website.
Thanks to its authors.
Last update: 26 Jun 19