Widemouth Bay

The beach at Widemouth Bay stretches for nearly two miles - proper job if you're after space to breathe. Sand, sand and more sand, backed by low cliffs and a scattering of holiday homes that don't overwhelm the place. It's the kind of beach where families can actually spread out without feeling hemmed in by deck chairs and parasols.

The bay faces north-west, so it catches Atlantic swells and gets popular with surfers, though it's reasonably sheltered for swimmers during calmer spells. Low tide exposes loads of sand; high tide fills it. The beach has that raw, working feel about it - no pier, no arcades, just the sea doing its thing.

Widemouth is good for a half-day visit if you're based nearby in Bude, about three miles away. Families with younger kids who want space to run about will get more from this than somewhere crowded. Older children and teenagers keen on surfing will have a field day. Walkers can stretch their legs along the sand in either direction, though it's not dramatically scenic compared to some Cornish stretches.

For a park-based holiday, it's genuinely convenient. Wooda Farm and Pencuke Farm are both within ten minutes' drive and well-rated, making this a solid beach option without the faffing about. There's a café or two and a car park that actually has space, which matters more than it sounds in summer. Go when the swell is up if you like watching surfers; go at low tide if you want maximum beach.