Duckpool

The walk down to Duckpool from Bude takes about twenty minutes and honestly, it's the best part. You descend through proper wild coastal scrub, the path narrowing as you go, until suddenly you're standing on a small sandy beach backed by dramatic dark cliffs. It's intimate without feeling claustrophobic - just enough room to breathe but not so vast that you feel exposed.

The beach itself is quiet, even in summer. You'll find rock pools at low tide worth exploring, and the sand is the kind that's firm enough for walking without being hard as concrete. Swimming is possible but the water's cold and there's a bit of a swell most days, so it's not for the nervous. Families with young kids might find the walk a bit much for the payoff, though older ones who like exploring will love hunting through the rock pools and scrambling on the boulders.

Walkers and photographers really get the most from Duckpool. The cliffs here are proper impressive - dark grey with streaks of colour - and the isolation means you might have the place largely to yourself. There's no facilities down there, so bring water and a packed lunch if you're staying long.

Stay at Wooda Farm Holiday Park just 2.8 miles away and you've got easy access without the drive every time. The park itself is excellent, and Duckpool makes a fine addition to exploring Bude's coastline. It's not flashy, but it's genuine.