Barricane Beach

Barricane beach (also known as Combesgate beach) not only offers a picturesque landscape tucked in between the rocks, but is famous for cowries and other exotic sea shells. These shells have travelled off the shore of a Caribbean island, thousands of miles across the Atlantic to be dropped, in near-perfect condition in this tiny little inlet on the North Devon coast. This explains the Caribbean origins of the beaches name 'Barricane', and its designation of a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Set in a bay half a mile from the main Woolacombe beach Barricane Bay is great for rock pooling and popular among surfers. Despite the lack of lifeguards there are some good coastal walks towards Mortehoe and the water quality is MCS Recommended. With shops available, car parking available near the beach and dogs permitted from October to April and on a lead in May to September; this is a great place for swimmers and surfers alike, however the beach is not accessible at high tide when it transforms into a natural pool.

Good for shells