Lee Bay

Location: 
North Devon.
Description: 
Lee Bay near Ilfracombe is a small rocky bay on the North Devon coast. At low tide there are extensive rock pools and a concrete path which leads to a sandy beach where there is access to the sea. To the west of Lee Bay on the coast path is a small beach called Sandy Cove.
Safety: 
Risk of getting cut off at high tide. Swimming not recommended due to strong, unpredictable currents. Risk of cliff falls. No lifeguards. See Beach Safety Guide.
Access: 
At Lee Bay from the road there is a short slipway to the rocky beach. At Sandy Cove there is a very steep path to the beach.
Dogs: 
Dogs allowed all year.
Directions: 
Lee Bay is close to Ilfracombe which is about 14 miles from Barnstaple in North Devon. There are various routes into North Devon to Barnstaple such as the A39 from Cornwall or the A377 from Exeter. At Barnstaple take the A361 on the road bridge over the River Taw. Then at the Braunton Road Junction turn left for Ilfracombe. Continue on the A361 through Braunton towards Ilfracombe. Then at the Mullacott Cross roundabout turn left onto the B3343 signposted to Woolacombe. Follow the B3343 for about a mile and then turn right (signposted to Lincombe). Follow this road to Lincombe and at a junction turn left and follow this road through Lincombe and through Lee village and then down to Lee Bay.
Post Code: 
EX34 8LR.
Parking: 
1 car park close to the beach (currently closed, expected to open autumn 2026).
Toilets: 
Currently closed, expected to open autumn 2026
Facilities: 
None.
Activities: 
None.
Nearby Alternative Beaches: 
Croyde Bay (8 miles, sandy beach, surfing, disabled access)
Putsborough Sand (7 miles, sandy beach, surfing, part dog friendly)
Woolacombe (3 miles, sandy beach, surfing, disabled access, part dog friendly)
Ilfracombe (3 miles, sandy beach, disabled access, part dog friendly)