Blackpool

The pebble beach at Blackpool curves away from Bideford with a proper seaside feel that's stayed refreshingly low-key. It's a working beach, really - fishing boats still launch from here, and you'll find the sort of worn charm that comes from being genuinely used rather than polished up for tourists.

What you get is a wide stretch of pebbles backed by grassy slopes, decent views across the coast, and enough room to actually breathe even when it's busy. The water's cold (this is Devon), but families wade in during summer. Walking the beach itself is the main draw - eastwards takes you towards gentler terrain, westwards opens up better vistas. Low tide reveals a wider shoreline and occasional rock pools if you're patient.

This works best for people who like understated coastlines without the fairground noise. Serious swimmers and surfers will find better spots nearby, but for a proper seaside walk or an afternoon of doing very little, it delivers. Two to three hours is plenty unless you're committing to a long coastal hike.

Camping or glamping makes sense here. Coastal Cabins Glamping sits just two miles away, so you're genuinely close to the beach without being trapped in it. Roeys Retreat is slightly further out but keeps you in reasonable reach. Either base works well if you're exploring the Bideford coastline more broadly - plenty of other beaches and spots within a short drive, so one afternoon here fits easily into a week's itinerary without feeling forced.