Ness Beach

Rocky red sandstone cliffs drop dramatically into the sea here, creating one of South Devon's more dramatic coastal scenes. Ness Beach sits between Shaldon and Teignmouth, offering a proper stretch of sand when the tide's out and decent rock pooling opportunities for youngsters.

Families staying at nearby Dawlish Sands or Cofton Holidays will find it well worth the short drive. The beach works best at low tide when there's actual sand to play on - at high water you're looking at shingle and not much else. Dog walkers love it year-round, and the coastal path here offers cracking views back towards Tor Bay.

Parking can be a right pain in summer, with just a small car park that fills up fast. Early morning or late afternoon visits work better, plus you'll catch better light for photos of those distinctive red cliffs. The rock pools are properly good here - kids can easily spend an hour hunting for crabs and anemones.

It's free to visit, naturally, though you'll pay for parking. Allow two to three hours if you're planning a proper beach session with the family. Not the most accessible beach if you've got mobility issues, but perfectly manageable for most. The nearby Parkdean resort at Torquay makes this an easy day trip addition to a South Devon holiday.