Combe Martin beach

The beach at Combe Martin stretches for nearly two miles along the Devon coast, and it's one of those rare stretches of sand where you can actually breathe. Unlike the heaving mess you'll find at Ilfracombe just down the road, this place stays relatively quiet even in peak summer. The sand is soft underfoot, backed by red sandstone cliffs that glow orange when the light hits them right - usually late afternoon.

You can walk the full length at low tide, which takes a good hour and is genuinely one of the nicer coastal walks in North Devon. The beach shelves gently, making it decent for families with younger kids who want a proper paddle without the drama of rocks or sudden drops. There are rock pools at the southern end worth poking about in, and the cliffs above offer decent views if you fancy a climb.

Car parking is straightforward - there's space right behind the beach, and it won't cost you anything. The village of Combe Martin sits just above, with a handful of shops and cafes if you need a break. Given how close the holiday parks are - Sandaway Beach is practically on the doorstep, and Newberry Valley sits just across the road - this works brilliantly as a base for a week. You could easily hop between here and Ilfracombe's attractions without spending your entire holiday in the car. Allow three to four hours if you're planning the full walk and a swim. Best visited when the tide's on its way out, which gives you the maximum space to roam.