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Hi Kateboo, if you go to South Devon you don't get the surf but North Devon does.  I think I would look to go around Saunton Sands and Woolacombe if I was you.  Saunton has miles of sandy beach and all along that coast is great for surfing.  Rip tides are common though so you do have to be very vigilant and adhere to the flags.

Not much to do in North Devon in bad weather though IMHO.  No big shopping areas or many indoor attractions.

South Devon is much more diverse but you rarely get good surf.  Much much flatter but great for kayaking and swimming in general.  Also got Plymouth and Exeter when the weather is bad along with loads of attractions such as Paignton Zoo, Living Coasts, Babbacombe model village, Plymouth marine aquarium etc.

Hope that helps.

Ali

I'd echo Woolacombe and Saunton area for beaches and surfing. Croyde is also lovely. However it depends what you are interested in whether there is stuff to do if wet.

We just returned from a week of rain there and donned the cagoules walked the coastal path, visited Clovelly, Lynton and Lynmouth and did more walks. There is also the Tarka trail biking if you like that. Plus it doesnt have to be nice to surf!!!

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Hi Kateboo, if you go to South Devon you don't get the surf but North Devon does.  I think I would look to go around Saunton Sands and Woolacombe if I was you.  Saunton has miles of sandy beach and all along that coast is great for surfing.  Rip tides are common though so you do have to be very vigilant and adhere to the flags.

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 yes saunton sands is a wonderfull beach ,with all the facilities, toilets , cafe, shop.etc. but its a privatly owned beach and there are no lifeguards or flags.

and its 6 quid to park for the day.

campsite nearest to saunton is Lobb fields

stu

it depends on what you like.

Being a Devonian I myself prefer North Devon's beaches - long stretches of sand, more space, more "natural" beaches similar to Cornwall.  Saunton Sands is lovely - plenty of room and the beach stretches for miles.  All around that area is nice - Croyde, Putsborough, Westward Ho! etc. 

South Devon is more "kiss me quick style" I think, it always seems to be busier to me, lots of amusement arcades, you have the piers at Teignmouth and Paignton, shops in Torquay and all along the coast there is plenty to do in and out of the sea.

For a quiet walk with the dog we prefer Saunton, or for a night out with the kids we like south Devon's piers. 

Think you need to weigh out what kind of style of holiday you prefer and go from there.