Woolacombe

Three miles of golden sand stretch between rugged headlands, making this North Devon resort one of the country's finest surf beaches. The Atlantic swells roll in consistently here, drawing board riders from across Britain to tackle waves that can reach proper size during winter storms.

Woolacombe's beach dominates everything. During summer the sand fills with families, but venture out in autumn or spring and you'll often have vast stretches to yourself. The dunes behind provide shelter on blustery days, while rock pools at either end keep children occupied for hours. Surfing lessons run from Easter through October - the local instructors know these waters better than anyone.

Beyond the beach, Challacombe Hill offers spectacular coastal views after a decent climb. Pete Caswell Paintings and Layby Gallery showcase local artists' work, often inspired by this dramatic coastline. The Hawker Hunter jet, a Cold War relic perched on the hillside, makes for an unusual photo stop.

Driving here means navigating narrow Devon lanes, but it's well worth the effort. The nearest rail station is Barnstaple, about 40 minutes by car through Braunton village. Parking fills quickly in summer, so arrive early or use the park-and-ride service.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense - you're minutes from the beach but can escape the day-tripper crowds each evening. Golden Sands Touring Park gets consistently good reviews from families. After a day battling the surf or walking the coastal path, having a proper base nearby beats the drive back to distant accommodation every time.