Putsborough Sands, North Devon
Putsborough Sands is said to be one of the best beaches in the South West; a long sweep of flat golden sands, clear waters that are good for bathing, surfing and other watersports, and well, spectacular scenery. Seriously, it's a good place to be and what makes it even better is that it's sheltered to some degree by Baggy Point so you don't get the nasty south westerlies bothering you. It tends to be quieter than Woolacombe, probably because there's not as much here, though there are loos and a cafe, and a beach shop, and a big car park, so who knows how long it will remain not-so-busy. Mind you, there are 3 miles of beach, so there ought to be plenty of room for everyone even in the height of summer when families come and build sandcastles and explore the rockpools, when people come to enjoy the good weather and the surf, and when folk are holidaying at the local caravan parks. The lanes leading down to the beach are narrow, so steady as you go, especially on a Bank Holiday Monday...
The shop sells just about everything you need for a day on the beach so if you forget your sun hat or your suncream, don't fret, just pop in and buy some; pick up a bucket and spade, maybe a rubber ring or a dinghy, make the most of it and have a proper day on the beach. Take a picnic or if you don't fancy the risk of sand in your sandwiches grab something from the cafe and sit outside on the terrace watching the comings and goings; they say the food is good and the service nice and smiley.
If you happen to be on holiday in Devon in the autumn or winter, well these beaches on the North coast are still a delight and Putsborough is no exception, so lucky you. Wrap up warm, take the dog for a stroll along the shore, have a spuddle about, and do stay and see the sunset because they really are wonderful here and what's more they're free.
All information correct at the time of writing