Wild Pear beach

Wild Pear beach sits just outside Ilfracombe, a proper little cove that doesn't get the crowds of nearby Tourist spots. The beach itself is a mix of sand and shingle, backed by low cliffs with the odd bit of greenery hanging over the edge. It's the kind of place where you can actually hear the waves without someone's Bluetooth speaker competing for attention.

What you get here is straightforward - a quiet stretch of coastline, good for a wander, rock pooling if the tide cooperates, and the sort of views across the Bristol Channel that remind you why you came to Devon in the first place. It's not dramatic or showy. Just solid.

Families with younger kids will find it manageable; the beach access is relatively easy, and you can keep an eye on them without having to shout over crowds. Older children might get restless after an hour unless they're into hunting for shells and sea creatures. Walkers will appreciate it as a stopping point on longer coastal routes - the path along the cliffs offers decent walking either direction.

Ilfracombe's nearby, so you've got cafes and proper facilities just inland if you need them. If you're based at one of the camping parks - Sandaway Beach Holiday Park is practically on your doorstep, or Newberry Valley if you want a bit more space - Wild Pear makes a worthwhile evening visit or a quieter morning before the day crowds arrive. Go early, take a flask, and you'll have the place more or less to yourself.