Rane Beach

You'll find Rane Beach tucked away near Bude, and it's one of those Cornish stretches that doesn't get mobbed like Fistral or Crooklets. The beach itself is golden sand backed by rocky outcrops - proper scenic without being Instagram-cliché. At high tide it shrinks considerably, so check the tides before you go or you'll be standing on shingle.

It's a solid choice for families with younger kids who want to paddlepad without fighting through crowds, though the rock pools are modest. Dog walkers love this spot, and there's enough dramatic coastline nearby to justify a proper walk if you're not just here to sunbathe. The swell can be decent for experienced surfers, but it's not a dedicated break.

There's limited parking - a small gravel area that fills up quickly on fine weekends - so arrive early or go out of season. Getting here is straightforward from Bude town centre, just takes ten minutes or so. Free to access, obviously.

If you're staying at Wooda Farm Holiday Park or Atlantic Horizons - both less than four miles away - this is an easy evening visit or a lazy morning alternative to the more famous beaches. It won't blow your mind, but that's partly why it's worth going. You'll actually have space to move about, and the water's the same temperature as everywhere else on the Cornish coast. Go on a clear day and the light's genuinely lovely.