Westcombe Beach

The shingle beach at Westcombe stretches out quiet and workmanlike, the sort of place where you actually find space to breathe rather than fight for a spot on sand. It's about three miles south of Plymouth, tucked away enough that it doesn't draw the bucket-and-spade crowds, but accessible enough for a proper half-day visit. The beach itself is grey pebbles backed by modest cliffs - nothing dramatic, but there's a genuine peacefulness about it that the busier Devon beaches have lost.

Walking families will find it manageable, though the shingle can be tough on small ankles and pram wheels. The water's cold and the undertow can be strong, so it's a beach for supervised children rather than toddlers left to paddle freely. Bring proper shoes. The real appeal here is for people who want a proper coastal walk without the circus - you can head along the foreshore either direction and feel like you've found something actual, not a postcard. An hour is plenty if you're just swimming or paddling; half a day if you fancy a proper hike.

Stay at Hidden Hill or South Devon Camping at Lower Terawhiti Farm, both within easy reach, and Westcombe becomes a genuine alternative to the overstretched beaches closer to Plymouth town centre. It won't change your life, but it's exactly what a Devon beach should be - honest, windswept, and refreshingly free of amusements. Go on a quiet weekday if you can.