Broad Sand

The beach at Broad Sand curves in a long, gentle sweep backed by salt marsh and dunes - the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think. It's a proper nature reserve, managed for the wildlife rather than the ice cream van trade, which means it stays relatively quiet even in summer. You'll find wading birds working the mudflats at low tide, and the marshland behind the beach is thick with specialist plants that don't grow many other places in Devon.

The walk here from Kingsbridge direction takes you through quiet lanes and past farms, which is half the point. There's no visitor centre, no facilities to speak of, no entrance fee - just open access to a working landscape. Bring binoculars if you're serious about birds; bring a picnic if you've got kids who need keeping occupied. The beach itself is wide and muddy rather than sandy at low tide, which puts off some people but actually makes it brilliant for exploring rockpools and seeing what's living in the estuary.

Walkers get the most from Broad Sand, particularly birders and anyone interested in coastal ecology. An hour is enough to walk the length and back, or two hours if you're properly poking about with a field guide. Time your visit for low tide if you want maximum beach, though honestly any state of tide has something to offer.

Stay at South Devon Camping or Karrageen just down the road - both are within easy striking distance - and you've got a decent base for exploring this quieter corner of the South Hams. It won't blow your mind with drama, but it's exactly what the Devon coast should be.