Exmouth Beach East

The eastern stretch of Exmouth Beach runs for about two miles and feels properly different from the main seafront - quieter, sandier, and far less crowded even during summer holidays. You get a long, sheltered beach backed by low red cliffs, the sort of place where you can actually find a spot to sit without treading on someone else's towel.

It's a family beach through and through. The sand is firm and stays relatively clean, the water's gentle, and there's enough going on to occupy kids for hours without needing theme parks or arcades. Older children will enjoy exploring the rock pools at low tide, and the promenade path makes it accessible for buggies and those less mobile.

Walkers get the best of it, though. The beach connects to the South West Coast Path, so you can head inland towards higher ground and cliffs proper, or stroll the quieter eastern limits away from the main commercial drag. Allow two to three hours if you're just beach-focused, longer if you fancy walking further along the coast.

Season matters less here than at the crowded western end - it's genuinely pleasant even in shoulder months. The only real downside is exposed westerly winds can make it bitey. Exmouth itself is a traditional seaside town, nothing fancy, but the nearby Haven holiday parks (Devon Cliffs and Devon Cliffs Resort) sit perfectly positioned for beach access, so you won't be schlepping far from your caravan.