Woolacombe

Those three miles of golden sand stretch out like a proper beach holiday postcard - and yes, it really is as good as it looks in the photos. Woolacombe's main draw is obvious from the moment you crest the hill and see that sweeping bay below, but there's more to this North Devon resort than just the famous beach.

Surfing's big here, naturally. The waves roll in consistently, making it a favourite with both beginners taking lessons and seasoned boarders who know what they're about. Sandy Cove, tucked away at the southern end, offers a quieter spot when the main beach gets busy during school holidays.

Beyond the sand, Bull Point Lighthouse marks the dramatic coastline where things get properly rugged. The South West Coast Path winds past here, leading to some cracking cliff-top walks with views that'll make you forget about checking your phone. Mortehoe and Woolacombe Golf Club sits up on the headland - a proper links course where the wind adds an extra challenge to every round.

For something completely different, Segway Safari offers guided tours around the area, though purists might argue that walking's the better way to appreciate this stretch of coast. The village itself is geared firmly towards holidaymakers, with surf shops, cafes, and the sort of places that sell buckets and spades alongside proper camping gear.

Getting here's straightforward enough from Barnstaple, about eight miles southeast, though the roads get clogged in summer. Staying at one of the nearby parks like Golden Sands Touring Park makes perfect sense - you're close enough to nip down to the beach early before the crowds arrive, but far enough back to avoid the worst of the seasonal chaos.