One of England’s best secret beaches forced to close to the public indefinitely
A BEAUTIFUL Devon beach has been closed for the foreseeable future.
Due to a landslide, Broadsands Beach near Ilfracombe in North Devon has been sectioned off and is currently inaccessible.
It's been reported that a landslide has prevented public access to the beach, which has previously been called a "must-visit" location, and it has been closed indefinitely.
The beach, tucked between Watermouth and Combe Martin, is only accessible by foot down the coastal path which is around 200 steps.
But the walkway has reportedly been destroyed.
The nearby camping site of Watermouth Valley Camping Park, which owns the land, confirmed that 'access is currently closed due to a landslide'.
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It said: “You are advised not to attempt to access Broadsands until have completed their assessment and required works.
“We will be able to provide no more information until this has been completed, which we are told will be by 21st April.”
According to , one local said: “It’s a nasty slip, there's no other way down, you could probably get there from Combe Martin but just by kayak.”
The beach is popular with locals particularly because it's quiet and big in low tide.
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One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: "There were rarely more than a handful of people on the beach over the season and going early or late meant the chance to have it to myself.
"The beach is small when the tide is in but remarkably large and spacious at low tide. A must visit if you are prepared to put in the effort - there are few places this unspoiled left."
Another added: "It was heavenly. It was empty and low tide when we arrived so plenty of beach to sit on. You can easily get caught out when tide turns so keep a watch."
named included the beach in their list of 'seven of the UK's best secret beaches' last year.
It described Broadsands Beach as one for the "brave-hearted" because of its incredibly steep descent.
The Times added that it's best at low tide with views of Combe Martin Bay.
And for anyone in that area, it also suggested a visit to the National Trust-owned Hunter's Inn hotel, the "perfect place for hearty pub meals."
According to the , Broadsands is little-known and one of the best beaches for swimming on the coastline.
It's also a great spot for exploring as there are a few caves too - but that will have to wait for another time.
While the landslide is being cleared, the nearby beaches include Newberry, Combe Martin and Wild Pear.
Read More on The Sun
Plus, the sandy UK beach that looks like you’re abroad which families love.
Why Devon Is The Ultimate Staycation Destination
The picturesque county of Devon, sandwiched between Cornwall to the west and Somerset and Dorset to the east, has everything you need for a fantastic holiday.
Fill your days by building sandcastles, walking the coastal path, trying various watersports, diving into fascinating history or simply embracing nature.
North Devon boasts some of the country’s best surf spots, such as Croyde, Woolacombe and Saunton Sands, with companies like and offering lessons and equipment hire.
The more sheltered south coast also has a handful of spots to ride perfect waves, including Bantham, Bigbury-on-Sea and Challaborough Bay, and you can book classes with a provider such as .
If you still want in-water action but prefer something gentler, both North and South Devon are ideal for other water sports, such as bodyboarding, kayaking and canoeing.
You can even add a splash of history, by hiring a paddleboard with an operator like and then paddleboarding amidst the shipwrecks of Hope Cove in the south.
In South Devon, you’ll get Ayrmer Cove and Wyscombe Beach almost to yourself, so long as you’re prepared to walk to get there.
Families with prams, and wheelchair users, are able to roll straight onto Challaborough Beach, Bigbury-on-Sea and Saunton Sands – where bucket-and-spade perfection awaits.
Meanwhile, dog walkers will never have to tread the same path twice, with miles of dog-friendly beaches, coastal paths and country trails to explore.
