BLACKPOOL SANDS, DEVON
This is the kind of spectacular beach you’d expect to find in Mallorca or Ibiza rather than, er, south Devon. Reached via a drive through pine forests, Blackpool Sands is a magnificent crescent of coarse, golden sand with some of the clearest water you’ll find off the UK coast – the turquoise hues are more Dominica than Dartmouth. Bookended by rocks that keep it sheltered, it’s a lovely place for a dip on a hot day – there’s usually a floating pontoon boat that you can swim out to and dive off. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even hire a kayak or paddleboard and explore further along the coast.
BEACH BONUS
The Venus Cafe overlooking Blackpool Sands is the heart of the bay. Locals and tourists flock here, attracted by the grass-fed Devon beef burgers, homemade falafel and hummus wraps, king prawn tacos, wakame seaweed salad and Salcombe Dairy ice cream on the menu. It’s part of The Venus Company’s small chain of sustainable restaurants, which aim to be the greenest cafés in the UK (Lovingthebeach.co.uk) – so leave the disposable wipes at home and don’t even think about a plastic straw with your organic elderflower fizz.
WHERE TO STAY THE UPPER DECK
There’s a New England vibe to the nautical-inspired blue-and-white decor in this converted barn, which sits within 30 acres of tranquil gardens, woods and fields. Everything you need for a comfortable stay is provided, including an outside area with a barbecue and sun loungers, access to a tennis court and even beach towels, so you can travel light. From £75 per night; Airbnb.co.uk.
GARA ROCK
Devon’s coolest hotel lies on a remote, wild and windswept clifftop, but inside it’s all velvet cushions, wood-burning stoves, freestanding baths and sheepskin rugs. When you’re not lounging on the beach or trekking along the South West Coast Path, you can enjoy the heated indoor and outdoor pools, the spa, the cinema room and the restaurant serving local dishes like Salcombe crab. Choose from suites or self-catering apartments – each has a balcony or terrace with spectacular sea or garden views. From £299 per night; Gararock.com. ›