Budleigh Salterton

Red cliffs tower over a pebble beach that feels properly Victorian in its unhurried elegance. Budleigh Salterton sits between Exmouth and Sidmouth, offering a genteel slice of East Devon coast without the crowds that pack nearby resorts. The beach stretches for about a mile, backed by those distinctive red sandstone cliffs that make this stretch of the Jurassic Coast so striking.

Families with small children might find the pebbles hard going for sandcastle building, but older kids love hunting for fossils and interesting stones. The swimming is decent at high tide, though the shelving beach means you'll need to wade out a fair bit. Rock pools at the eastern end provide entertainment when the tide's out.

What sets this place apart is its old-fashioned seaside town feel. No theme park rides or chain restaurants - just a proper high street with independent shops and cafes. The Fairlynch Museum offers a rainy day option if the weather turns.

From holiday parks around Exmouth like Devon Cliffs Resort or Ladram Bay, it's an easy drive down the coast road. Allow a full day if you fancy exploring the town as well as the beach. Early morning visits reward you with the best light on those red cliffs, and you'll have the place largely to yourself before the day trippers arrive.