Boat Beach

The cove at Boat Beach is one of those Devon spots that rewards a bit of effort to find. It's a proper working beach - fishing boats still launch from here, which gives it a lived-in feel rather than the polished, Instagram-ready vibe of more famous South Devon strands. The beach itself is small and pebbly, backed by low cliffs and accessible enough that families with younger kids won't struggle, though the descent is steep enough to make you feel like you've actually gone somewhere.

What makes it worth the trip from Kingsbridge is the authenticity. You'll see locals actually using the beach, not just tourists photographing it. The water's cold, as Devon water tends to be, but the shallows are relatively sheltered if you're after a genuine seaside dip rather than a dramatic coastal experience.

Really, this works best as part of a broader wander around the South Hams rather than a destination in itself. Allow an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're the sort who settles in with a flask. The nearby caravan parks - Karrageen and South Devon Camping at Lower Terawhiti Farm are both excellent bases, both within a mile or so - make it an easy addition to a week pottering about the area's quieter coves.

Go in shoulder season if you can. Summer fills it with day-trippers from Kingsbridge, and the parking situation becomes a bit of a headache. Spring or early autumn, you'll have the place nearly to yourself.