Short answer: Braunton is a working village rather than a resort, sitting inland of Saunton and Croyde. Braunton Burrows is the largest dune system in England and a UNESCO biosphere, with D-Day training structures still standing in it.
A large working village inland of the beaches, rather than a holiday village on them. That means it is open all year, the shops serve residents, and it is a considerably cheaper base than Croyde or Woolacombe ten minutes away.
The largest dune system in England and a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Concrete D-Day training structures still stand in it, built for rehearsals before the Normandy landings. It is free, vast, and quiet even in August because most visitors go straight to the beach.
Saunton Sands is ten minutes away — three miles of open sand, dog friendly all year round, and one of the best winter beach walks in the country. The sunsets here are the best in north Devon.
Crow Point is the wild one at the estuary mouth, reached by a toll road with a coin-operated barrier. Bring change, and check the road is open before setting off.
Runs through, flat and traffic-free, connecting Braunton with Barnstaple and the estuary. Good for a first family bike ride.
The Williams Arms at Wrafton, just outside the village, is famous locally for a carvery served every day. The Duck Dive on Caen Street is the best-rated place to eat in Braunton with big breakfasts. Beachside Grill at Saunton sits right beside the sands with a proper kitchen.
The village local on North Street, relaunched with live music, an open mic night and a beer garden — the pub for an evening rather than a lunch.
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