Peppercombe Beach

Getting down to Peppercombe Beach is half the adventure. The path drops steeply through woodland - proper steep in places - before opening onto a remote stretch of sand backed by dramatic red cliffs. It's the kind of beach that feels like you've stumbled onto somewhere private, even though technically you haven't.

The beach itself is wide at low tide and scattered with rock pools that keep kids occupied for hours. The cliffs are the real draw though: layered red and orange sandstone that looks almost theatrical against the sky. Bring a camera if you're into that sort of thing, because the light here is genuinely special.

Walkers will love this place. The terrain is proper demanding - that descent isn't a stroll - but the payoff is a beach that most casual tourists miss entirely. You're looking at a good hour each way if you take it steady, plus whatever time you want to spend on the sand.

It's free to visit, and there's no formal facilities, so come prepared. A car park sits at the top near Bideford, which is only a few miles away. Time your visit for low tide if you want the full beach experience.

If you're camping at one of the nearby sites - Broad Park or Owl Valley are within touching distance - this works perfectly as a morning or late-afternoon expedition. It's quieter than the busier Devon beaches, and the effort required keeps the crowds down. Worth every minute of that climb back up.