Compass Cove

The stretch of shingle and sand at Compass Cove sits just south of Paignton, tucked away enough that you won't stumble into the crowds that pack the main beaches. It's a proper working beach - fishing boats still launch from here, and there's something honest about that. The cove itself curves gently, backed by low cliffs that shift between sandy browns and darker stone depending on the light.

Walking the shoreline you'll spot rockpools if the tide's out, and the pebbles are the kind that rattle satisfyingly underfoot. The beach faces south, so it catches decent sun, though it can whip up a bit when the wind's coming off the bay. Families tend to find it manageable - the slope's gentle enough for young kids, and the shingle means fewer of the chaos hazards that come with looser sand.

If you're based at Start Bay Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite - only six miles away - this makes an easy afternoon diversion. You could combine it with the proper Paignton beaches if weather turns, but honestly, Compass Cove's worth the visit for its own sake. It's the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think. No facilities to speak of, so bring what you need. Best visited outside peak summer when it stays quiet and you can actually find somewhere to sit. Allow an hour or two depending on whether you're just stretching your legs or settling in with a book.