| Although Devon doesn't have as much coastline | | | | 3. Bigbury and Bantham. These beaches lie further |
| as Cornwall, it still boasts some of the most | | | | south near the town of Kingsbridge, and are |
| beautiful and dramatic coastal scenery in the | | | | subsequently more popular with surfers and |
| whole of the country. With more and more Brits | | | | bathers. Their features include impressive sandy |
| considering spending their holiday in the UK this | | | | bays, tall dunes, rock pools, and great views |
| year, it is unsurprising that the county is preparing | | | | across to Burgh Island. From Bigbury, it is possible |
| itself for a bigger influx of visitors than usual. Here | | | | to walk to the island at low tide, but at high tide |
| is my Devon guide to the top five beaches. | | | | the island (and hotel) is served by a one-of-a-kind |
| 5. Dawlish Warren. A short train ride from Exeter | | | | sea tractor! |
| and you get to the picturesque town of Dawlish. | | | | 2. Saunton. North Devon is not quite as accessible |
| The nearby warren is essentially made up of a | | | | as the south coast, but this doesn't seem to |
| sand spit and blue flag beach that stretches over | | | | affect its popularity. Saunton is not considered the |
| 505 acres into the mouth of the River Exe. This | | | | best surfing beach, but it does offer one of the |
| unique land feature has recently been officially | | | | longest golden stretches in the county at almost 5 |
| named a nature reserve and is very popular with | | | | kilometres long. Behind the beach, Braunton |
| locals and tourists in the summer months. But for | | | | burrows is the largest sand dune system in |
| those who are willing to walk up the spit will be | | | | England, and is subsequently designated (amongst |
| rewarded with an unspoiled, and crowd-free, | | | | other things) a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. |
| beach. | | | | 1. Putsborough. This is essentially the quiet end of |
| 4. Man Sands. This tiny beach is very much one | | | | Woolacombe sands, away from the town. The |
| of the secrets of south Devon. The bay is only | | | | surfing conditions are generally considered less |
| accessible by foot and so remains sparsely | | | | powerful than neighbouring Croyde, and so are |
| populated all year round - but is entirely worth the | | | | favourable for learner surfers. There are |
| walk. It is situated just south of the popular | | | | countless camping and caravan sites in the area, |
| tourist town of Brixham, in an area of Torbay | | | | and the dramatic rolling cliffs of Baggy Point are |
| that, unlike Torquay and Paignton, still retains | | | | also worth the walk round to Croyde village. |
| some character and charm. | | | | |