Venerick's Cove

The walk down to Venerick's Cove takes you through proper Devon countryside - narrow lanes that feel like they've barely changed in fifty years, then a footpath that drops steeply through woodland before opening onto a small, sheltered beach. It's the kind of place locals know and visitors stumble upon by accident, which is half the appeal.

The cove itself is intimate rather than spectacular. Golden sand, backed by low cliffs, with enough rock pools to keep children occupied for a good hour or two. It's popular with families from Kingsbridge and the surrounding villages, but never rammed even during summer weekends. The exposure means it can get a bit windswept, and the approach is genuinely steep on the way back up - worth knowing if you've got young legs or dodgy knees.

Bring a picnic. There are no facilities here, which is exactly why it's worth the journey. High tide covers most of the sand, so plan your visit for low water. Summer's the obvious call, though autumn mornings have a particular quality when the light's golden and you've got the place nearly to yourself.

If you're camping at Wilton Farm or Start Bay, Venerick's is a solid half-day excursion - close enough to be convenient, remote enough to feel like an actual discovery. It won't blow your mind, but it's the sort of Devon beach that reminds you why you came here in the first place.