Crooklets Beach

The sand at Crooklets stretches golden and wide, backed by low cliffs that catch the afternoon light rather beautifully. You'll find this beach just outside Bude, and it's become something of a local favourite - which means it fills up fast on decent summer days, but rewards early risers with proper elbow room.

It's a working beach for families. The slope is gentle enough that toddlers won't struggle getting to the water, and there's enough width at low tide to build sandcastles without feeling cramped. Surfers use it regularly - the Atlantic swells here are decent year-round - so don't be surprised if you're sharing the break with wetsuit-clad folks on winter mornings.

Walkers will appreciate the coastal path access. Head north along the cliffs towards Widemouth Bay and you've got a solid couple of hours of walking without needing a car. The path itself is well-maintained and not particularly taxing, though it can get blustery when the Atlantic's in a mood.

The real draw? It's uncrowded compared to Widemouth and Summerleaze, both within spitting distance. You get the same sands, fewer ice cream queues. Facilities are modest - a cafe and some basic shops nearby in Bude, nothing fancy - but that's rather the point. If you're based at Wooda Farm Holiday Park, it's a straightforward drive or even a nice bike ride. Worth making it your base beach rather than trudging further afield.