Haven Cliff - Seaton

Devon (south coast)

Not as spectacular as other nearby beaches, but easy access along the seafront from the town centre

Seaton - Ax river mouth

Lyme Regis Seaton landslip beach walk Approach to Haven Cliff beach. Photo taken looking inland towards marina, cafe, and bridge

Aug-23 • Andrew Murphy • On flickr

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Haven Cliff Beach - Looking back towards Seaton

Lyme Regis to Seaton landslip beach walk. A rainy August day close to low tide. Note the fresh rock fall. Cliff with greenery is safer.

Aug-23 • Andrew Murphy • On flickr

swcwalks swcwalk156 nuffseaton nuffbeach 53103644635

Seaton (50226715527)

• • On wikipedia

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Haven Cliff is located a short distance to the east of Axmouth Harbour near Seaton in East Devon. Whilst not as remote and attractive for swimming as some nearby beaches - such as Weston Mouth - it is easy to access on foot and is regularly used by a small number of local naturists.

Getting There

Satnav: EX12 4AA, OS Map Ref: SY265905

Note: Axmouth harbour (and bridge) are on the sea front on the east side of Seaton. Axmouth village is a little inland, and Axminster (station) is a few miles inland.

By Foot: Accessible via the South West Coast Path which runs along the entire length of the Jurassic Coast.

By Road: Seaton can be reached by car from A3052 coast road or from the A35 at Axminster via the A358 and B3172. There are a few on-street parking places just inland from the harbour. Seaton seafront has a 'CPZ' (google Devon CPZ map) which extends a fair way inland. A long-stay car park, EX12 2WD, is located near to the Seaton tramway terminus on Harbour Road.

By Bus: There are regular Seaton - (coast towns) - Exeter, Seaton - Axminster (station) and 2-hourly Seaton - Lyme Regis buses. Change at Lyme or Axminster for the 'Jurassic Coaster' bus service along the coast to Bridport, then to Weymouth or Dorchester.

From Harbour Road (or the sea front) walk with the sea on your right towards Axmouth Harbour, passing the Yacht Club, then over the old road bridge (now pedestrians only) before turning right along the quayside (see photos). Continue a short distance to reach the mouth of the River Axe and the beach.

From here, continue east along the beach beneath Haven Cliff for about 200 metres to reach a point where nude use seems acceptable.

Description

Like almost all the beaches along this coast, this is a pebble beach that shelves quite steeply at high tide. At lower tides, larger rocks and boulders can make getting into the water very difficult - possibly dangerous when the sea is rough. At very low tides sand and extensive rock pools may be exposed. Sitting directly under the cliff is not to be recommended as minor falls are common.

At this point the Coast Path runs inland over Haven Cliff on its way to the famous Undercliff and Lyme Regis. Since there are no connections to the path further along the beach, very few walkers pass along this stretch of beach.

Whilst not the best naturist beach in the area, Haven Cliff has the advantage of being a relatively short and level walk from "civilisation" and thus suitable for those unable or unwilling to make the cliff path hike to reach Weston. It is used by a small number of local naturists and no problems have been reported.

The beach is best at high tide (for swimming) or at spring low tide (paddling and rock pooling).

Facilities

There is a cafe at the start of the beach. Seaton has a large Tesco, and a good selection of shops, pubs and restaraunts.

Water Quality

Water quality is generally as good as anywhere along this coast and better since improved treatment plant was introduced

Swimming may be hazardous when the sea is rough.