UK BEACHES
BLACKPOOL SANDS, SOUTH DEVON Thanks to its backdrop of verdant pines, rugged clifftops and thick evergreen trees, Blackpool Sands is an enduring family favourite that’s not just a pretty face. The privately-owned shingle sand beach is packed with activities for the whole family. Swelter in a newly-launched sauna on the beach, tap your feet to live music every Saturday morning, build sandcastles in purpose-built sandpits or acquaint yourself with Devon’s coastline on guided paddleboard or sea kayak trips through secret coves. Parents will appreciate the convenience of this well-prepared beach: there are showers, baby-changing areas and equipment hire, as well as lifeguards on duty and a café. The sea here is award-winningly clean, but make sure you pack water shoes for splashing about, so there are no complaints about pesky pebbles under little feet. HOW TO GET THERE: 40 minutes south of Paignton on the south Devon coast WHERE TO STAY: Sunnybeach Holiday Apartments, Paignton, Salty Dog Apartment (2 adults, 2 children) from £167 per night sunny-beach.co.uk
BARAFUNDLE BAY BEACH, PEMBROKESHIRE Recently crowned the UK’s cleanest beach, Pembrokeshire’s Barafundle Bay will have you blinking and rubbing your eyes to make sure you haven’t accidentally arrived in Fiji. The tiny, isolated cove rewards its few visitors with impeccably clear waters, soft golden sands and dreamy views of sloping dunes, vertiginous cliffs and pine trees. It’s harder work to get there than most of the other beaches, as it’s a half mile walk over cliffs from the nearest car park at Stackpole Quay, and it’s not suitable for buggies due to some steep steps. However, this more challenging route keeps Barafundle Bay feeling undiscovered and remote even on the warmest of summer days. Once there, you and your kids will feel like intrepid explorers happening upon a desert island as you enjoy the solitude of the scenery or a chilly dip in the sea, if you dare. HOW TO GET THERE: 30 minutes west of Tenby on the Pembrokeshire coast, southwest Wales WHERE TO STAY: Shellstone by Wigwam Holidays, Tenby, Standard Cabin (2 adults, 2 children) from £134 per night wigwamholidays.com
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