Beesands, Kingsbridge, Devon
Not far from Kingsbridge on the coast of South Devon, Beesands is a little off the beaten track, but worth the drive down the steep and narrow lanes to get there because if you come when it’s quiet, it feels like a different world here, one that’s far removed from the push and shove and the chaos of life in the big towns and cities. Back in the day it was a tightknit fishing community, and that’s something that still goes on, with boats landing their catch on the mile long shingle beach.
It's hard to pinpoint exactly what makes Beesands such a dear little place; it’s partly the relaxed ambience, it’s the fresh coastal air and the astonishingly gorgeous backdrop of South Hams countryside, it’s the quietude. Old school traditions remain in this little corner of the world, you see; the catch comes in, some of it is carried up to the village green up behind the beach to be sold, and fresh crab sandwiches are a big feature on local menus.
There’s not actually much to the village, but it’s not without its charm; there are a handful of houses and cottages, a church, and a couple of places to eat that both have fantastic sea views. One is The Cricket Inn where back in the 1950’s, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards performed live for the very first time when they were here on holiday as teenagers.
The beach holds Blue Flag status for its safe and clean waters, and is backed by low cliffs, fields and a freshwater lake; it’s a good place for watersports, so people come here, mostly in the high season, to go surfing, bodyboarding, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking and sailing. It’s also dog friendly all year, so if you’re staying nearby on your large group holiday in Devon and fancy a stroll along the shore with the pet pooch, head to Beesands, make a day of it, make memories.
All information correct at the time of writing