Braunton Burrows
Vast, protected sand dunes with unique wildlife and WWII history, offering peaceful walks and stunning coastal views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warmer weather, blooming flora
Braunton Burrows
Best Time
Warmer weather, blooming flora
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast, protected sand dunes with unique wildlife and WWII history, offering peaceful walks and stunning coastal views.
"Discover one of the UK's largest sand dune systems, a haven for nature and a step back in time."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The dunes are sandy and uneven. Wear good walking shoes or boots for comfort and stability.
🗺️ Use Your Phone's Map
Large areas can become flooded or disorienting. A smartphone map can help you navigate back to the car park.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vast Sand Dune System
Explore one of the UK's largest sand dune landscapes, a haven for diverse flora and fauna.
WWII Practice Landing Craft
Scattered across the dunes
Discover remnants of military history, including concrete mock landing craft used for D-Day practice.
Rare Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for unique insects, plants, and even reptiles like adders in this protected habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Dunes
Respecting the Environment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The dunes are sandy and uneven. Wear good walking shoes or boots for comfort and stability.
🗺️ Use Your Phone's Map
Large areas can become flooded or disorienting. A smartphone map can help you navigate back to the car park.
☕ Coffee & Snacks Available
A coffee hut is often available at the local car park, but there are no toilets.
🐶 Dog Waste Bags
Bring your own dog waste bags and be sure to clean up after your pet on this sensitive site.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The dunes are sandy and uneven. Wear good walking shoes or boots for comfort and stability.
🗺️ Use Your Phone's Map
Large areas can become flooded or disorienting. A smartphone map can help you navigate back to the car park.
☕ Coffee & Snacks Available
A coffee hut is often available at the local car park, but there are no toilets.
🐶 Dog Waste Bags
Bring your own dog waste bags and be sure to clean up after your pet on this sensitive site.
🚁 Unexpected Sightings
You might see military helicopters training overhead, adding a unique element to your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Braunton Burrows for its stunning natural beauty, vast sand dunes, and unique historical WWII remnants. It's a great spot for walks, wildlife spotting, and photography, offering a sense of peace and escape. However, some find the terrain challenging, and the lack of facilities like toilets and bins, along with issues of dog waste, detract from the experience for some. +1
"Local car park has a coffee hut but no toilets, its around a 15 - 20 minutes walk to the start of the sand dunes which were absolutely beautiful. My little boy loved it! We didn't get to the beach as we had somewhere ro be so not sure how much further it was but quite a challenging walk once your on the dunes. Other than that its a flat and easy walk"
Sophie O
"Beautiful plus historic. I suggest you read about its history. Be careful if walking across it during rainy seasons because large areas, the slacks (valleys) become flooded and many paths can be submerged. People can become disoriented as they search for alternative routes back to the carpark! You can use Google maps on your smartphone to help find a way back."
B
"Visited concrete mock landing craft which were used to practice beach landings, Lovely bike ride but was difficult to find them."
Gary H-Jones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Braunton Burrows is located near Braunton village in North Devon. The most common access point is via the Sandy Lane Car Park (EX33 2NX). You can drive directly to the car park, which has a small fee.
Yes, there is a car park on Sandy Lane which charges a fee, typically around £2.50 for the day.
Cycling is a popular way to explore the area, with lovely bike rides possible through the dunes and towards the beach.
While direct public transport to the heart of the dunes is limited, you can reach Braunton village by bus and then walk to the Burrows. Check local bus routes for options.
It's approximately a 15-20 minute walk from the local car park to reach the start of the sand dunes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Braunton Burrows itself is free. There is a charge for parking at the main car park.
Braunton Burrows is an open natural landscape and is accessible at all times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
There is no entrance fee to walk through Braunton Burrows. The only cost is for parking at the designated car park.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to potential disorientation, lack of lighting, and the sensitive nature of the wildlife.
As a Site of Special Scientific Interest, visitors are asked to respect the environment, stay on marked paths where possible, and take all litter with them.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy long walks, explore the unique sand dune landscape, spot rare wildlife, and discover historical WWII remnants. It's also a great spot for photography.
Unfortunately, there are no public toilets directly at the Braunton Burrows car park or within the dunes themselves.
Yes, Braunton Burrows offers excellent walking opportunities, from easy strolls to more challenging hikes across the dunes.
The beach is accessible from the dunes and is suitable for activities like bodyboarding.
It's a haven for diverse flora and fauna, including rare insects, plants, and sometimes reptiles like adders.
📸 📸 Photography
The vast sand dunes, unique plant life, WWII relics, and coastal views offer stunning photographic subjects. Sunsets can be particularly dramatic.
Absolutely! The open landscape and coastal position make it a fantastic spot for capturing beautiful sunsets.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive dunes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions.
The higher points of the dunes offer panoramic views. Experiment with different angles to capture the scale and texture of the landscape.
Yes, the concrete mock landing craft are a unique historical subject. Be mindful of the terrain when approaching them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The relatively short walk from the car park to the dunes makes it manageable for younger children. Be prepared for sandy shoes and clothes! Bringing a picnic is a great idea, as there are limited facilities. Ensure children are supervised closely, especially near any waterlogged areas or if exploring further into the dunes. The historical landing craft can also spark imagination about the past.
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Nature Lovers
The diverse flora and fauna offer endless opportunities for observation and photography. Take your time to wander through the dunes, breathe in the fresh sea air, and appreciate the unique landscape. It's a perfect spot for mindfulness and escaping the everyday hustle. Remember to be self-sufficient with water and snacks, and always respect the environment.
🐶 Dog Owners
However, it's crucial to be a responsible dog owner here. As a sensitive ecological site, please ensure you clean up after your dog thoroughly and take the waste with you.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Ecology of Braunton Burrows
Conservation efforts are ongoing to manage these special habitats. Visitors are encouraged to tread lightly and respect the delicate ecosystem. Sticking to designated paths helps protect the fragile vegetation and prevents erosion. The presence of rare species means that responsible behaviour is crucial to preserving this natural treasure for future generations.
During spring and summer, the dunes burst with colour as wildflowers bloom. Birdwatchers may also find interesting species, especially near the coastal fringes. The sheer scale and natural beauty make it a fascinating place for nature lovers and photographers alike.
A Glimpse into WWII History
Scattered across the dunes are the remnants of this military past, most notably the concrete mock landing craft. These imposing structures, some partially buried in the sand, serve as a stark reminder of the intense preparations undertaken here. Finding them can be an adventure in itself, adding a layer of historical discovery to your visit.
These historical artifacts are not only a testament to the area's wartime significance but also add a unique visual element to the landscape. They offer a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in history, making a walk through Braunton Burrows a journey through both nature and time.
Planning Your Braunton Burrows Walk
Many visitors enjoy walking from the Sandy Lane car park towards Saunton Sands beach, a journey that takes around 15-20 minutes to reach the dunes. For those seeking a longer excursion, you can explore deeper into the dune system, covering several miles. Be aware that after rainfall, some of the lower-lying areas, known as 'slacks', can become flooded, potentially submerging paths. It's advisable to use a smartphone map to help navigate and find alternative routes if needed.
Consider the weather when planning your walk. While sunny days are pleasant, the exposed dunes can be windy. Bringing water and snacks is recommended, especially for longer walks, as facilities within the dunes are limited.
Social
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