Trevone Beach

The cliffs here drop straight down to a proper crescent of sand, and when the swell's up, you'll see why this stretch of North Cornwall coastline pulls surfers from miles around. Trevone Beach is split by a rocky outcrop - one side faces the Atlantic, the other's a bit more sheltered, which makes it useful when the wind's howling. The walk down is steep but only takes five minutes or so from the car park. Low tide reveals rockpools teeming with starfish and anemones, and the exposed sand is firm enough for a decent run if you're after that.

Families with young kids will find the sheltered side manageable on calm days, though the currents can be proper tricky, so never take your eyes off them. Teenagers and anyone with a wetsuit will be in their element when there's a swell. Dog walkers get a decent stretch, especially outside peak season. The beach itself is free, naturally. Allow an hour minimum if you're just paddling, longer if you're actually swimming or surfing. Summer weekends are rammed - early mornings or shoulder months are when you'll actually enjoy it.

Staying near Padstow Holiday Village or Dennis Cove Campsite puts you within a couple of miles. This makes it perfect for a beach-heavy park holiday - you've got Porthilly Beach Holiday Park and Porthilly Beach itself just down the road, so you're not reliant on one spot. The village of Trevone itself is quiet, which is either brilliant or dull depending on what you're after.