All within an hour or less of Lower Longwood, you’ll find a treasure trove of stunning beaches and coastal walks that showcase the rugged coastline of this region. From the massive expanse of sand and on-tap surf of Widemouth Bay to the historic charm of unspoilt Devon fishing villages such as Beer in South Devon. Read on to learn as we share with you, six of our favourite seaside spots.
Widemouth Bay, North East Cornwall
Without doubt, we have to kick this off with Widemouth Bay, located on the north coast of Cornwall (around 30 minutes from us), is a beach that really sums up the raw beauty of the southwest coast. Known for its wide sandy shores, this beach is a haven for surfers, sunbathers, and nature enthusiasts. The bay is surrounded by towering gnarly cliffs, providing a dramatic backdrop to the crashing waves. Whether you’re an experienced surfer seeking a day on the waves, or just looking to relax, Widemouth will not disappoint.
Westward Ho!, North Devon
Named after the famous Charles Kingsley novel, Westward Ho! is a charming seaside town in Devon that boasts a stunning beach. With its vast expanse of golden sands and views of the rugged North Devon coastline, this beach is a favourite among families. The ‘proper, old fashioned seaside town’ offers just about everything you’d want from a family-friendly day at the sea, including amusement arcades, traditional fish and chip shops, souvenir shops and ice cream parlours, making it an ideal spot for a classic British beach day.
Sandymouth Bay Beach, North East Cornwall
Tucked away on the Cornwall-Devon border, Sandymouth Beach is a hidden gem known for its dramatic cliffs, rock pools and amazing surf. The National Trust manages this beach, preserving its natural beauty. It’s perfect for long walks along the shoreline, exploring sea caves, and enjoying picnics with the family. Be sure to check the tide times as the beach all but disappears during low tide – however, this is not a day spoiler. From the car park at Sandymouth, you can access miles of cliff-top walks by following the South West Coast Path.
Boscastle, North East Cornwall
If you’re looking to explore an unspoilt Devon fishing village, look no further than Boscastle. This lovely old fashioned fishing village boasts direct access to the South West Coast path, two pubs plus a fascinating Witchcraft Museum! Take a stroll through the village and sample fresh seafood at the historic inns, or explore the dramatic rugged coastline nearby.
Salcombe Beach, South Hams, Devon
Salcombe, is a stunning little coastal town and designated ‘area of outstanding natural beauty’ in Devon that is home to not one, but two beautiful beaches, Salcombe North Sands and Salcombe South Sands. Both beaches offer miles of sand and amazing views of the estuary. Salcombe Town itself is well worth a visit too, with a charming old fashioned high street of independent shops, bars and eateries.
Exmouth Beach, South Devon
Probably the largest seaside town in Devon, you’ll find Exmouth at the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast. Exmouth offers a long and sandy shoreline that overlooks the mouth of the River Exe. The beach is a popular destination for families, attracting thousands of tourists every year. Exmouth Town itself offers everything you could possibly want, with a thriving high street, restaurants serving locally caught seafood, amusement arcades, souvenir shops, plus much more!
We love exploring the coastline and find it easy to reach from our little corner of Devon. Why not drag out a map and have a look along the coast, there are more beaches and coves than we could possibly mention!
