Horsley Cove

The walk down to Horsley Cove takes you through proper Devon countryside - all rolling fields and gorse - before the land suddenly drops away and you're looking at a small, sheltered beach backed by high cliffs. It's not the sort of place you stumble on by accident; you have to want to get here, which keeps the crowds manageable even in summer.

The cove itself is intimate. Sand at low tide, shingle higher up, and enough rock pools to keep kids occupied for a solid hour if they're into that sort of thing. The cliffs provide decent shelter from westerly winds, and the water's clear enough for a swim if you're brave - it's Devon, so even in August it's fresh. The real draw is the quietness. You won't find ice cream vans or beach bars; bring a thermos and a picnic instead.

It's a proper coastal walk destination rather than a day-trip beach. Allow two to three hours total if you're coming from Kingsbridge - there's parking near the village, then a walk of maybe thirty minutes down through the farmland. Walkers get far more from this than families after facilities. The cliffs are worth photographing, especially in late afternoon light.

If you're camping at Wilton Farm or Start Bay, Horsley Cove is well within striking distance - close enough for a morning visit without burning a full day. It works best on a quieter weekday or out of peak season when the path isn't rammed.