Saint Gennys Beach

The cliffs here tower properly high over a stretch of sand that shifts dramatically depending on the tide and the season. Saint Gennys Beach, just south of Bude, is the sort of place that rewards getting there early - the car park fills up fast on summer weekends, and once the tide comes in, the beach shrinks to almost nothing.

It's a working beach in the best sense. Surfers and bodyboarders dominate the water when conditions are good, which they often are given the Atlantic swell that wraps around this part of the coast. The sand is coarse, the rocks are sharp (wear shoes), and the cliffs themselves are unstable enough that you'll see warning signs about falling debris. Not a criticism - it's real, which is exactly why it matters.

Families with older kids will manage fine; younger ones might get bored without water play, and the walk back up to the car park is steep. Walkers should time it carefully around the tides - the beach essentially disappears at high water. The café situation is patchy at best, so bring supplies.

Stay at Pencuke Farm Holiday Cottages just down the road and you've got a proper base for exploring this stretch of coast. Bude Camping and Caravanning Club Site is equally convenient if you're towing. Saint Gennys works best as part of a day that includes nearby Widemouth Beach or the cliff paths toward Crooklets - it's dramatic and moody rather than a full day's entertainment on its own.