Watermouth Cove
Watermouth Cove is in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the North Devon coast.
Romantic Watermouth Cove is a rocky inlet, situated on the unspoilt North Devon coast, two miles to the east of Ilfracombe, and two miles west of Combe Martin, close to the village of Berrynarbor.
The cove is sheltered from the prevailing south westerly winds and offers a peaceful anchorage for small boats and yachts.
Over the centuries the rugged North Devon coast with its cliffs and secluded inlets became well known area for smuggling. Watermouth Cove was an ideal isolated landing point and there are stories of its use by smugglers to avoid the ‘Revenue Men’.
Watermouth cove with castle in the background.
Watermouth Cove is overlooked by Watermouth Castle. The castle built in 1825 is now a family theme park and popular tourist attraction.
Watermouth Cove is an ideal and peaceful base from which to explore the varied scenery, entertainment and activities offered by this relatively unspoilt corner of rural England. Click here for more information on the area.
Watermouth Cove is a popular place for mooring yachts and boats. Visitors are welcome to take their boats there and use the slipway.
When the tide is out you can walk out past the breakwater. Two streams run into the harbour so bring your jelly shoes or wellington boots!
For walkers in the West Country, the South West Coast Path and the Tarka Trail are readily accessible, as they are combined at Watermouth Cove - only 200 yards from Watermouth Cove Cottages. The Tarka Trail, its name emanating from Tarka the otter whose exploits were based in North Devon, covers most of the county.
The North Devon coast is offically recognised as AONB (area of outstanding natural beauty) It offers spectacular scenery, beautiful beaches, woodland and moorland.
North Devon's coastal scenery is both rugged and dramatic. Rocky outcrops, with emotive names such as Hangman Point, Morte Point thrust out into the sea.
Watermouth Cove is also on the fringes of Exmoor - Lorna Doone country. This beautiful moor teems with wildlife, from red deer to birds of prey, and of course the famed wild ponies.
Berrynarbor, just a few minutes drive from Watermouth, is a prize winning village overlooking the beautiful Sterridge Valley - with a first class restaurant and an historic Inn.
Ilfracombe, a couple of miles west of Watermouth Cove, has Rapparee Cove, Hele Bay and Tunnels beaches, with delightful walks and gardens.
There is an exceptionally scenic coastal golf course and boat trips are available for fishing and visiting Lundy Island.
Ilfracombe has a swimming pool, tennis courts, local museum, aquarium, theatre, cinema plus a wide range of cafe and restaurants.
Close by are the beautiful golden sandy surfing beaches of Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton Sands.
The major surfing beaches of Woolacombe and Croyde on the northwest tip of Devon are only a short 15 minute drive away.
Surfers can take advantage of last minute special savers for short breaks when the surf is up!
Broad Sands Beach (main picture)
SSSShhh - tell no -one about this hidden cove
It is one of Exmoor’s best kept secret swimming beaches.
We can give you directions via the south west coastal path.
The beach is a hidden gem and is beneath stunning wooded cliffs between Watermouth and Combe Martin,
Not for the faint hearted as there are nearly 200 steps to get to it.
Its worth it though ....to find a deep double cove with many caves to explore and a beautiful secluded shingle beaches offering sheltered swimming
NB as its a 'wild' beach its your own risk as there are no lifeguards, or cafe.
Other local beaches
Barricane, near Woolacombe : good surfing, many seashells. Drive past Woolacombe towards Mortehoe
Braunton Burrows: Situated just behind Saunton Sands. A National Heritage site - beautiful sand dunes that stretch for miles. Ideal for dog walking.
Broadsands: Sandy beach a short walk from the cottages along coastal towards Combe Martin. Great views towards Combe Martin and Hangman hills
Bude, Cornwall - lovely beaches with safe swimming for children, lifeguard on duty
Combe Martin: Small sandy beach with rock pools. Next village along after turning right out of Watermouth Castle entrance
Croyde : excellent surfing beach, with wake boarding and doughnut rides, shops, beach restaurant. Indoor pool with flume rides, Jacuzzis. Suits and surfboards can be hired.
Hele Bay: Small sandy beach one mile from the Cottages towards Ilfracombe,
Ilfracombe: Tunnels Beach, a safe, tidal bathing pool available from May to September
Instow: long sandy beach with dunes and many rivulets into the sea
Lee Bay: delightful small beach with sand and rock pools - area is surrounded by wild fuchsia bushes that bloom all year round
Lynmouth : rocks and pools with sandy basin on the river, popular with surfers.
Putsborough: excellent long sandy beach 3 miles long stretching towards Woolacombe
Saunton Sands: magnificent stretch of sandy beach - walk for miles and miles....
Watermouth Cove: sand, rocks and mudflats, on the Tarka Trail and Coastal Path - stream runs into the Cove
Woolacombe : excellent long, sandy beach, also great for surfers the far end puttsborough Beach is dog friendly
Most accept dogs all year round [including Watermouth Cove]