Beacon Cove

The walk down to Beacon Cove catches you off guard - it's steeper than the map suggests, and the path narrows as you descend through coastal scrub. Worth it though. The cove itself is intimate, with golden sand backed by high cliffs that turn rust-red in certain light. It's the kind of beach that feels properly remote even though Kingsbridge is just down the road.

You get rock pools at low tide, which will keep kids occupied for a solid hour, and the water's clear enough for swimming if you don't mind the cold. There's no facilities whatsoever - no café, no loos, no ice cream van - so come prepared. Arrive early in summer or you'll be fighting for space with families from the nearby caravan parks like Karrageen, which is only 1.2 miles away.

Historically, the beacon gave the place its name - a signal fire would warn of approaching danger. These days the main threat is losing your footing on the descent, so wear proper shoes. The cove works brilliantly as a morning stop if you're based at one of the local holiday parks, then head into Kingsbridge for lunch. Plan two hours maximum unless you're a serious lounger. It's not dramatic enough to warrant a day trip on its own, but slot it into a wider South Devon coastal walk and it slots in nicely. Low tide is essential - come when the sand is actually visible.