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"We were walking, both together, in a fragrant seaside glen"

Shipload Bay

Devon, England


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Shipload Bay is a secluded beach located on the rugged coastline of Devon, characterised by its shingle and rock shoreline surrounded by towering cliffs.

Shipload Bay Beach is encircled by towering cliffs and is made up primarily of shingle and rocks. Historically, the beach was famous for being a favourite haunt for smugglers. Access to the beach was formerly provided by a long set of steps, but this has been closed due to landslides. The area is prone to landslides, and as a result, the beach has been closed to the public. However, the scenic views from the surrounding cliffs can still be appreciated.

The waters surrounding Shipload Bay are home to dolphins and seals, which can be spotted bobbing in the waters. A picturesque path leads to the cliffs, taking you through country lanes and lush fields. From the hilltops, it is possible to see across the Bristol Channel all the way to Lundy Island.

Nearby Hartland Quay offers a spectacular rocky beach backed by imposing cliffs on the North Devon coast. The beach is good for fishing and has amazing views of the unusual rocks surrounding it, known for a great number of shipwrecks in the past. The area is also home to a local museum with displays on the port's fishing, smuggling, and natural history. The area is designated as ‘Heritage Coastline’ and as an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’.

Shipload Bay is on the Hartland (Devon) Heritage Coast, and adjacent to the South West Coast Path.

Shingle Rock

Weather and tides for Saturday 19 July

Today
Chance of rain 77%
Max temp. 20°C
(feels like 18°C)
Wind 9mph
Max UV Index
Tonight
Chance of rain 79%
Min temp. 16°C
(feels like 14°C)
Wind 18mph

The tide at Shipload Bay is currently falling. Low tide will be at approximately 6:35 AM, and the next high tide will be at approximately 12:55 PM.

Today's air pollution levels are forecast to be Low

Approximate sea surface temperature:   17.6°C  

Detailed weather and tides »
  • Popular Activities

    Walking
  • Sea Life

    Dolphins Seals
  • Parking

    Limited parking in nearby East Titchberry.

  • Lifeguard

    No lifeguard cover at this beach

  • Water Quality

    Water quality not measured here

    Water quality not measured here

Recommended holiday cottages near Shipload Bay

Things to do and see in the area

Hartland Abbey & Gardens (2 miles)
Hartland Point Lighthouse (2.1 miles)
Hartland Quay (2.1 miles)
Cheristow Lavender (2.2 miles)
Docton Mill Gardens & Tea Rooms (3 miles)
Independent Charters (4.2 miles)
Clovelly Village (4.7 miles)

Places to eat near Shipload Bay

The Point (360 yards)

All distances are approximate

Other beaches nearby

Location: Exmansworthy

Location type: Rural

Nearest village: Stoke

OS Grid: SS245274

County: Devon

Country: England

Local Authority: Torridge

Parish: Hartland

Nearest postcode: EX39 6AU

(for sat-nav purposes only, a beach does not have a postal address!)

Important! Beach information is compiled from a variety of different sources and is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of compilation. However, information may be incorrectly supplied by our sources or go out of date after publication. BritishBeaches.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy of any information on this page.

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Visitor information for Shipload Bay, Devon, England. Weather, tides, visitor comments, beach facilities, photos, nearest postcode, beach information and nearby accommodation.

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18.97.14.84 Sat, 19 Jul 2025 02:19:27 +0100