Mothecombe Beach

The sand here is proper golden, the kind that catches the light in the late afternoon and makes you squint. Mothecombe Beach near Plymouth is one of those Devon stretches that hasn't been overwhelmed - you'll find families building sandcastles, couples strolling at sunset, and the occasional dog having the time of its life in the shallows. It's a working beach too, with fishing boats pulled up on the shore, which adds a bit of character that many resort beaches have lost.

The beach itself is south-facing and sheltered, which means it catches the sun and stays relatively calm even when other parts of the coast are getting a battering. Low tide reveals acres of sand; high tide brings the water closer to the dunes. Rock pools dot the eastern end - kids will spend hours turning over stones and hunting for crabs. The cliffs behind don't tower like you'd find further west, but they're pleasant enough and covered in coastal scrub.

Walkers should allow an hour or two for a proper explore along the shore, though you can easily drop in for a couple of hours if you're based nearby. The nearest cafes are back in the small villages, so pack a picnic if you're settling in for the day.

Stay at Hidden Hill Devon, just 2.2 miles away, and you've got hot tubs and glamping sorted - proper luxury before heading to the beach. South Devon Camping at Lower Terawhiti Farm is a five-minute drive further, good for caravans and tents if you want something more traditional. Either way, you're well-placed to spend the morning here and still have time for other coastal walks.