Bude beach

The moment you crest the dunes at Bude, you understand why this stretch of Cornish coastline has drawn surfers and families for decades. Three miles of golden sand roll out in either direction, backed by low cliffs and a proper seaside promenade that still feels properly lived-in rather than theme-parked.

The beach itself is genuinely good. The sand is fine and firm, the water runs cold but clear, and the swell picks up enough most days to make it interesting for anyone with a board. For non-surfers, there's plenty to do. Rock pools scatter the northern end, kids can dig in the sand without anyone getting precious about it, and the lifeguards keep a decent watch during summer months. The beach breaks into a few distinct spots depending on the tide and what you fancy - quieter zones if you want to avoid the action.

Families with young children do well here. The sheltered northern section near the canal is calmer, while the main central beach suits older kids who want to mess about on bodyboards. Walkers should head towards Crooklets Beach to the south for some proper coastal views and fewer crowds.

There's no entry fee. Allow a couple of hours minimum, though a full day wouldn't feel wasted. Summer weekends get rammed, so go on a weekday if you can. Both Wooda Farm and Atlantic Surf Pods sit close enough for a beach stay - Wooda in particular is worth booking if you want somewhere decent to base yourself for a few nights of proper Cornish seaside.