Short answer: Braunton is inland of the beaches and is a working village, so parking is far easier and cheaper than Croyde or Woolacombe. Crow Point has a £2.50 toll road with a coin-operated barrier — bring change.
Braunton sits inland of the best beaches in north Devon and is a large working village rather than a holiday one. That makes parking straightforward and considerably cheaper than Croyde or Woolacombe, both about ten minutes away.
Plenty of people park here and walk or cycle out along the Tarka Trail rather than paying beach rates.
The wild beach at the estuary mouth is reached by a toll road with a coin-operated barrier, currently £2.50. No card, no app. Turning up without change means turning round, so put coins in the car before you set off.
Check the toll road is open before driving out — it closes at times.
The largest dune system in England and a UNESCO biosphere reserve, with the concrete D-Day mock landing craft still standing in it. Parking is at the edge of the dunes, and it is free or cheap compared with the beaches.
Ten minutes away, with its own parking above the beach. Three miles of open sand, dog friendly all year, and the best sunsets in north Devon. Beachside Grill sits right beside it with a proper kitchen.
Across the estuary, around £8 a day, with a visitor centre, café, clean toilets and a free lending library of beach toys. Parts of the car park flood at high tide — read the signs.
The Williams Arms at Wrafton has its own parking and a carvery served every day. The Duck Dive on Caen Street is the best-rated place to eat in Braunton.
Charges are reviewed every year and seasonal tariffs change in March and November. Treat any price here as a guide and check the machine on the day.
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