Top 18 Natural Monuments around Braunton

Braunton offers a diverse range of natural features. You can explore the extensive sand dune system of Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, known for its unique flora and fauna. The dramatic headland of Baggy Point provides stunning coastal views and geological interest, while Morte Point is renowned for seal watching. Additionally, the historic Braunton Great Field showcases a rare medieval open strip field system.

Yes, several natural monuments around Braunton are great for families. Baggy Point offers an easy access path suitable for all ages to enjoy the rugged headland and views. Saunton Sands, adjacent to Braunton Burrows, is a vast sandy beach perfect for walking and relaxing. The River Torridge also provides pleasant spots for family outings.

For excellent wildlife spotting, head to Braunton Burrows, which is home to over 400 species of flowering plants, 33 butterfly species, and various birds, including wintering waterfowl. Morte Point is a prime location for observing seals, often seen bobbing in the sea or resting on the rocks. Baggy Point also offers opportunities to spot seabirds like guillemots and razorbills.

The natural monuments in Braunton are rich in history. Braunton Burrows and Saunton Sands were extensively used as training grounds for American forces preparing for the D-Day landings during World War II, with remnants still visible. Baggy Point also served as a WWII training ground and shows evidence of Mesolithic human occupation. The Braunton Great Field is a living historical monument, being one of England's last surviving medieval open strip field systems dating back to the 1200s.

You'll find a variety of walking routes. The South West Coast Path runs along Baggy Point and through Braunton Burrows, offering stunning coastal and dune walks. For more options, you can explore the hiking guide for Braunton, which includes routes like the 'Braunton Burrows & Crow Point loop' (easy) and 'Velator Quay – Crow Point loop' (moderate).

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, Little Hangman offers a more demanding hike with rewarding views. It's one of the main prominent landmarks in the area, known for its steep ascent and dramatic coastal scenery. Morte Point also features challenging sections along its coastal paths.

The best time to visit largely depends on your interests. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of Braunton Burrows and the beaches. Autumn offers dramatic coastal views and fewer crowds, though weather can be more unpredictable. Winter can be beautiful for crisp walks, especially for birdwatching, but some paths might be muddy.

While specific cafes might not be directly *on* every natural monument site, areas like Saunton Sands and Croyde Bay (near Baggy Point) have facilities. Braunton village itself offers various cafes and eateries, which are a short drive or walk from many of the natural attractions.

While much of the rugged coastline and dune systems can be challenging, Baggy Point offers an easy access path that allows people of various abilities to enjoy the headland and its views. Saunton Sands beach also has some accessible sections, though the sand itself can be difficult for standard wheelchairs.

Beyond hiking, the area around Braunton offers excellent opportunities for road cycling and gravel biking. You can find various routes in the road cycling guide and the gravel biking guide for Braunton. Saunton Sands is particularly popular for surfing, especially for beginners and intermediate surfers. Rock climbing is also a popular activity at Baggy Point and Torrs Cliffs.

The Braunton Great Field is unique because it is one of only two or three surviving medieval open strip field systems in England, dating back to the 1200s. It offers a rare glimpse into ancient agricultural practices, with visible 'landsherds' (small mounds separating strips) and 'Bond Stones' marking historical ownership divisions. Its open views across the field towards Braunton Burrows are also distinctive due to the lack of hedgebanks.

Torrs Cliffs, also known as The Seven Hills, tower over Ilfracombe and offer sweeping coastal views across the Severn estuary. On a clear day, you can enjoy fantastic vistas of the Welsh coast. The zig-zag path, dug by Victorians, makes for a scenic walk to these viewpoints.