Croyde Bay beach review, North Devon

Croyde is a popular beach, sandwiched between the two longer sandy stretches of beach – Woolacombe Sands to the North and Saunton Sands to the South.

It’s a sandy bay, sheltered by a series of dunes and slopes, and features a rivulet running through the middle of the beach. It has terrific rock pools at either end of the beach, although our rightbeach contacts recommend the northern end of the beach for the best selection. Either way, these are ideal for keeping little ones occupied when not splashing in the water or making sand castles.

Away from the dunes the beach can feel exposed if there’s breeze, so take a wind break and a kite to get the best of both worlds.

Croyde is particularly notable for the waves and water. It’s a reliable surf beach, regularly featuring swell and decent breaks at either end of the bay. Swimmers beware however, as there are significant rip tides even when the swell is relatively low. But this shouldn’t deter you from taking the kids for a paddling session in the shallows.

Beach blurb

See Croyde Bay beach on a map …

Things to note to ensure your trip goes well:

  • Take your nets and head to the north end of the beach for the best rocks pools. Ideal if the weather’s a bit on the cloudy side.
  • Remember to take your kite. Away from the dunes, the breeze is perfect for this.
  • If you’re there to surf then hang around Down End to catch the point break or make use of the reef break at the northern end of the beach (aka Baggy Point) for an hour or so during high tides.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Area
Rating
Observation
Beach Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Rock pools, big waves, shallow paddling in the sea, and flat sand.
Crowded (1=deserted) Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Fairly popular with all ages, from families with young kids right through to hardcore surf dudes..
Surf Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Waves are usually pretty good. Swimmers need to watch out for strong rip tides..
Sand Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Wide flat sand backed by dunes.
Parking Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Parking is £5 per day but you can park at the nearby campsite (Ruda) for free.
Toilets Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Toilets are free and have baby-changing facilities.
Food Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Devon ice creams available at the beach shop … yummy!
Shopping Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating A well stocked beach shop, plus surf hire.

Review by Mark H

Ventnor beach review, Isle of Wight

Ventnor beach is a delightful cove positioned on the Southerly edge of the Isle of Wight. Set staggering down a steep cliff, with a zig zag path, tiers of shops and houses lead to golden sand and shingle. The beach has an esplanade that rolls round from The Spyglass Inn (west) to the recently built bandstand (east). Pretty little beach huts line neatly along the bottom of the cliff. High tide covers the sand and can leave you with little beach to sit on.

The town was built up in the Victorian era and sits on the side of St. Boniface Down. It is smaller than the nearby Sandown and Shanklin beaches and often much quieter on sunny beach days. Ventnor is filled with holiday makers and residents alike.

Ventnor is popular not only for the beach but for the coastal path that leads from Bonchurch (small beach to the north-east of Ventnor) through Ventnor and on to Steephill Cove (one of the best kept secrets on the Island, well, OK not so secret really but quite secluded as it can only be reached by foot).

Ventnor also has the famed Ventnor Botanical Gardens, home to many subtropical and exotic plants. Nannie rightbeach really enjoyed her stroll around them and even ventured onto the coastal path which is directly accessed from the gardens. Watch out for the ladders though! The beach is a good forty-five minutes’ walk from the gardens, along the costal path and then there’s the walk back!

rightbeach recommends Ventnor beach for all generations of the family, although the steep path and stronger currents suggest it would suit older children who can swim and carry their own lunch better than the pushchair brigade. It will be a real agile granny pleaser with the gardens and coastal walks. The Victorians believed Ventor’s suntrap micro-climate was ideal for restoring health-therefore rightbeach also recommends this beach if you are nursing a small hangover!

Beach blurb

See Ventnor beach on a map …

Things to note to ensure your trip goes well:

  • The road in and out of the esplanade is extremely steep and twisting so beware! Nannie rightbeach has warned you!
  • High tide steals most of the sand away so time it right or head up into the pretty town to souvenir shop.
  • When swimming there may be hidden rocks or strong currents-rightbeach suggests adult supervision at all times. A red flag indicates unsuitable swimming conditions.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Area
Rating
Observation
Beach Sandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Sand, shingle, beach huts and rock pools. Mostly gone at high tide. Litter picked daily during the summer.
Crowded (1=deserted) Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Popular with locals and Grockles but not so that you are all piled on top of each other.
Surf Sandcastle rating Strong tide means it’s not great for watersports but swimming is good.
Sand Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Sand and shingle.
Parking Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Car parking is on The Esplanade or at the medium-sized car park at the end behind The Spyglass Inn, all pay and display. You could also park in the Botanical Gardens if you were planning a visit there.
Toilets Sandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Toilets clean and tidy.
Food Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating The Spyglass Inn, along Ventnor’s sea front, has a homely atmosphere that is filled with seafaring memorabilia that shows its history as a smugglers tavern. Local seafood specials mmmm! Fresh Ventnor crab and lobster may be purchased from a fisherman’s hut (Blake’s) located at the very start of the Esplanade.
Shopping Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating A Victorian town centre full of antique and knick-knack shops.

Review by Nannie rightbeach

St Helen’s beach, Isle of Wight

St Helen’s is a tranquil sand and shingle beach, maintained by The National Trust . It is situated along the sea edge of the Duver. At low tide there are fascinating rock pools to dip your net in or great clumps of seaweed in which to rummage for crabs. rightbeach saw three generations of one family having a ‘who can catch the biggest crab’ competition. Grandad and his bacon lure was the winner!

The beach is mainly used by twitchers, boat watchers and some families from Nodes Point Holiday Centre. During the Summer months, long lines of ponies can be seen trotting contentedly along through the shallows. It has no esplanade of sea front shops but there is a sea wall running the entire length, topped by a concrete promenade. A short row of beach huts and a cafe is all that can be found on some days. On sunny days, it is a stop off for cyclists and walkers.

The beach drops steeply down to the sea which becomes deep reasonably quickly. Boats coming into Bembridge Harbour pass close by and so swimming should be with this in mind. The red and green buoys mark the channel relatively close to the shore.

rightbeach recommends this beach for a morning of crabbing at low tide rather than a whole day camped on the beach. rightbeach‘s eldest daughter spent a marvellous hour trotting along the shore line on Turnip the pony-thanks to Sally’s Riding School of Nodes Point.

Beach blurb

See St Helen’s beach on a map …

Things to note to ensure your trip goes well:

  • To find parking near the sea, follow signs to The Duver, along Duver Road, past the Common and the entrance to the Duver and park near the remains of St Helen’s Old Church .
  • Dogs are allowed on the beach all year.
  • Bring a picnic as there is only one small cafe.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Area
Rating
Observation
Beach Sandcastle rating At high tide there is not a lot of beach left. Low tide leaves fab rock pools and crabby seaweed haunts. Breakwaters at regular intervals.
Crowded
(1=deserted)
Sandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Not a super sandy beach and so not too crowded even when the sun is high in the sky. Nodes Point Holiday Park is a five-minute stroll so there are families who use the beach regularly.
Surf Sandcastle rating Still water means it makes a great part of the sea for kayaking.
Sand Sandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Mostly sand and shingle with pebbles dotted around. Rocks when the tide is out.
Toilets Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Including disabled access.
Parking Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Park near to St Helen’s Old Church, plenty of space in the pay and display spaces.
Food Sandcastle rating One cafe on the sea front but a mile or so inland is The Vine Inn which serves local pub grub.
Shopping Sandcastle rating No gift shops, clothing or other retailers. Head up into the village for provisions, or better still round to Bembridge.

reviewed by The rightbeach Team themselves

Challaborough Bay, South Devon

Challaborough Bay beach is an enclosed Blue Flag sandy beach with some decent surf between tides, a stones throw away from Burgh Island of TV’s Poirot fame.

It’s a pretty spot with nice flat sand, a freshwater rivulet, and is ideal for walks in the gorgeous Devon countryside, and shallow paddling in the sea.

Challaborough Bay is home to a reasonably large holiday park, with the caravans leading up to the road bordering the beach. Parking is via the holiday park and is limited (£4.50 for the day). However, despite the proximity of the holiday park the beach is not too crowded.

It’s a pretty reliable place for surf, with a steeply shelving beach creating a fast wave at higher stages of the tide, although the swell dies back during the highest part of the cycle.

Challaborough Bay has been recommended to rightbeach as a quiet, relatively sheltered beach, ideal for families with young children.

Beach blurb

See Challaborough Bay beach on a map …

Things to note to ensure your trip goes well:

  • Parking is limited so get there early to ensure you avoid unnecessary stress.
  • Chill out with an ice-cold drink at the Regatta Restaurant immediately overlooking the beach, or head over to Friar Tucks to grabs some fish and chips to take back to eat on the beach. Yummy.
  • Time you trip. At high tide there’s not much beach left and the waves die down. At low tide however there’s rock pooling to keep the young ones occupied. Between tides – surf’s up!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Area
Rating
Observation
Beach Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating A sandy beach with rocks exposed at low tide. Reasonably sheltered. Good for walks.
Crowded (1=deserted) Sandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Quiet and not too crowded.
Surf Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Better surfing between tides, with NO waves during high tide.
Sand Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Yep – there’s sand.
Parking Sandcastle ratingSandcastle rating £4.50 for the day in the holiday park car park but spaces are limited.
Toilets Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating  In the car park, so not too far away.
Food Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Ice creams and the usual fodder. Restaurant and fish and chips within staggering distance and groceries available via the holiday park shop.
Shopping Sandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Via the holiday park shop.

Review by Tom v A

Whitecliff Bay beach, Isle of Wight

Whitecliff Bay is a relatively small, golden sanded beach situated at the bottom of Culver Cliffs, on the south-east side of the island. It is 10 minutes walk  from Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park and so is popular with families and couples. The holiday park is the only parking available near to the main concrete path down the cliff. The path ends in a steep, oh so very steep, final section. Not so much fun for tiny tots or tired daddies on the hike back up to the car!

The beach has a very shallow slope towards the sea, making it good for swimming and paddling with little children. High on the cliff top, Yarborough Monument (known as ‘the Obelisk’) can be seen presiding. Rock pools and mini coves, isolated by high tide, to ‘beach left’.

There are two beach cafes/shops to keep a ready supply of buckets, spades, ice-creams and cold drinks on the beach. rightbeach had breakfast at the ‘Tuppenny Cafe’ and basked in the glorious morning sun, watching the rightbeach kiddies and grandparents taking the first plunge of the day…ahh fond memories.

rightbeach recommends this beach for families with older children due to the tricky path down to the beach and lack of toilets.

Beach blurb

See Whitecliff Bay beach on a map …

Things to note to ensure your trip goes well:

  • Get there early to nab a parking space and parking is limited (rightbeach warned you, 20-30 spaces max!)
  • Minimal kit or plenty of hands and arms to carry it to and from the top of the cliff.
  • turn ‘beach right’ at the bottom on the slope as it gets mighty windy to the left.
  • Rock pools galore to the left so pack your beach shoes, nets and buckets to nab all sorts of creatures of the deep.
  • Watch out for high tide, it can leave you with nowhere to run but back up the cliff!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Area
Rating
Observation
Beach Sandcastle ratingSandcastle rating What it lacks for in wide expanse of sand it makes up for in character.
Crowded
(1=deserted)
Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating It’s never too bad there although the car park and cafes can get busy. You can always head ‘beach left’ for seclusion.
Surf Sandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Mini rollers but nothing too fancy.
Sand Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Lovely golden sand but it is nearly completely covered at high tide.
Toilets NONE! Not even for staff at the cafes or at the top of the cliff! NONE!
Parking Sandcastle rating 20-30 spaces within Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park.
Food Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Two cafes  (hot and cold food and drinks) with a small range of buckets and spades, postcards, etc
Shopping The only shop nearby is the newly refurbished, reopened and fully stocked holiday park convenience store. Situated to the left of the driveway at the entrance to the holiday park.

Eastbourne beach, East Sussex

Eastbourne has been a noted seaside destination since the 1700s. It has the privileged title of Britain’s sunniest place, recording the highest hours of sunshine in a month for July 2011. It has a busy town is served by a well-connected railway station. The seafront has a pier, promenade, 1930s bandstand and the stunning Carpet Gardens.

The beach is a mix of shingle, pebbles and sandy stretches. It is a gentle slope down to the sea where there is sand at low tide and great rock pools and lots and lots of mussels.  In fact low tide is really rather good for young children to play and be occupied by the pools.  There can be a lot of seaweed.  The water is quiet and safe with no surf.  There are areas sectioned for swimming towards the town.

rightbeach recommends Eastbourne for day trippers from the Big Smoke and families with both young and older children. Plently of traditional seaside activites on and off the beach.

Beach blurb

See Eastbourne beach on a map …

Tips to ensure your trip goes well:

  • Head past Eastbourne town, towards Beachey Head and The Grand Hotel. It is slightly quieter but beach is great and the promenade is wide and spacious to walk along. There are green areas just above to hang out on and play as well.
  • Toilets are signposted but there are some just in front of the Grand Hotel, in front of the turreted area.
  • Remember your nets and buckets for rock pooling as there are not many shops that sell this type of thing.

Area
Rating
Observation
Beach Sandcastle rating Pebbles but sandy stretches at mid and low tide. Rock pools!
Crowded
(1=deserted)
Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Busy and friendly promenade beach, head towards Beachey Head for a quieter stretch of beach.
Surf No surf. Dedicated swimming areas.
Sand Sandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Pebbles and wet sand when the tide is out.
Toilets Sandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Not always easy to spot the signposts. Some directly outside The Grand Hotel.
Parking Sandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Car parking along the sea front. Can get tricky on a hot Summer day.
Food Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Bars and cafes by the pier and Harry Ramsden’s along the sea front. McDonald’s & Starbucks in the Arndale Centre.
Shopping Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating  The Arndale Centre is 5-10 mins walk from the sea front. It has many high street faves, not many gift shops or beach paraphernalia for sale near the sea front.

reviewed by Kerry T

Pevensey Bay beach, East Sussex

Pevensey Bay is a narrow and steeply pebbled beach stretching for some way between Eastbourne and Bexhill. This historical fishing village is known as the landing-place for William the Conqueror. The beach is lined with a smattering of holiday cottages, benches and, occasionally, private marinas along its substantial length. There are also opportunities for windsurfing and kayaking.

To be honest there’s not a massive amount of family-friendly attractions here other than the lure of being by the sea itself. Even bathing can present a challenge as the beach shelves steeply into the water, making paddling awkward. rightbeach did see parents and children taking the plunge but close supervision would be advisable.

Having said that it’s within relatively easy reach from Greater London and is a pleasant enough environment to have an ice cream or tuck into some fish and chips while gazing over the water.

rightbeach recommends Pevensey Bay for romantic yet bracing walks along the sea edge or taking the dog for a long run (maybe even combine the two?!) Finish off your chosen walk with fish and chips, shared from the paper wrapping-ahhh!

Beach blurb

See Pevensey Bay beach on a map …

Things to note to ensure your trip goes well:

  • Park in the main car park (pay and display) – there should be enough space.
  • The fish and chip shop on Eastbourne Road behind the beach (Rose Grill and Fry) serves pretty good fish and chips to take back to munch on the beach, if a bit on the expensive side.
  • It’s fairly exposed and so can get a bit on windy on the beach. Together with the pebble beach making wind breaks impractical, we’d advise setting yourselves up next to one of the breakwaters, in the lee of the prevailing wind.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Area
Rating
Observation
Beach Sandcastle rating Pebbles all along and a steep incline down into the sea
Crowded
(1=deserted)
Sandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Plenty of space to spread out or stroll along in relative solitude.
Surf Sandcastle rating Deep in the heart of the English Channel so not much in the wave department
Sand Sandcastle rating Stones, pebbles and, if you’re lucky, a bit of shingle.
Toilets Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Free, clean and located in the main car park.
Parking Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating One smallish pay-and-display close to the beach but there seems to be enough space to deal with demand.
Food Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Bit of choice on the main road, plus plenty of pubs with beer gardens close to the beach.
Shopping Sandcastle ratingSandcastle rating A couple of beach-type shops but their stock was pretty shabby and definitely over priced.

reviewed by The rightbeach Team

Sennen Cove beach, South Cornwall

Sennen Cove is a fabulous, wide, sandy beach at the south-west tip of Cornwall, with rock pools for exploring and perfect sand for building sand castles. It is exposed to the Atlantic and picks up any swell, particularly the northern area and Gwevner beach. As a result, the beach is popular with surfers and there is a surf school. It has designated swim areas and surf areas to allow fun in the sea without too many collisions!

Additional activities include walking to Lands End (just a 20 minute stroll away), buses to and from Penzance Town, or simply watching the  tides as come in fast but safe.

There are plenty of ice-cream and snack facilities by the beach and along the promenade behind. There is also a restaurant , fish and chip shop and a surf shop, and a chance to attend surf school or hire equipment. Toilet facilities small but close by.

rightbeach recommends Sennen Cove for all things family, especially children who are confident swimmers and enjoy the water.

Beach blurb

See Sennen Cove beach on a map …

Things to note to ensure your trip goes well:

  • Safe for kids and great pasties!
  • Wet suits a must-cold waters and fashion sense tell us this so!
  • There are loads of places to eat or get food to bring back to the beach so no need to pack up that heavy cool bag/box to feed the family.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Area
Rating
Observation
Beach Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Rock pools, shallow pools for swimming, freshwater rivulets, big waves, shallow paddling in the sea. Pretty amazing really!
Crowded
(1=deserted)
Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating
Surf Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Surfing and body boarding are popular.
Sand Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Flat and fine sand and there’s sand at all times despite the varying tide.
Toilets Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Toilet facilities small but close by.
Parking Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Two fairly small car parks close by and a larger one a short but steep walk, so it’s best to get there early.
Food Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Plenty of ice-cream and snack facilities by the beach and along the promenade behind. Fish and Chips too! Maybe visit more than once this holiday to sample all the foodie delights!
Shopping Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Well stocked with shops including craft and surf shops.

reviewed by Maria D

Crackington Haven beach review, North Cornwall

Crackington Haven is a little charmer of a beach. The winding road down eventually leads you out to the hamlet which contains a couple of cafes, a shop, a pub and a small pay and display car park (there is another overflow car park slight further up the hill). There are a surprising amount of good things crammed into this small beach.

The beach itself is a sequence of pebbles, shingle and sand as you get closer to the sea, with the sand covered by the tide as it draws in.

There’s some pretty robust surf, a nice collection of rock pools and impressive scenery formed by the steep hills and cliffs which is also why it’s popular with walkers.

rightbeach wholeheartedly recommends (and frequently uses) Crackington Haven for a crab sandwich lunch with the children followed by an ice cream on the beach hunting for interesting pebbles to plop into the pools.

Beach blurb

See Crackington Haven beach on a map …

Things to note to ensure your trip goes well:

  • Check the tide times – if sand is a must for your beach trip then there’s little point going if the tide is in.
  • In order to get a space in the closest car park, you should aim to get there for 10am at the latest (however there’s always the one up the road as a back up).
  • We always make a point of having fresh crab sandwiches at the excellent Haven Cafe, followed up by an ice cream from next door (rightbeach loves candy floss flavour, and hokeypokey, and rum and raisin…oh and raspberry pavlova, and good old-fashioned strawberry, you get the idea!).

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Area
Rating
Observation
Beach Sandcastle ratingSandcastle rating What it lacks for in wide expanse of sand it makes up for in character.
Crowded
(1=deserted)
Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating It’s never too bad there although the car parks and cafes can get busy.
Surf Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Body boarding is big on the beach.
Sand Sandcastle ratingSandcastle rating There’s nothing wrong with the sand but it’s covered by the sea around high tide and at other times it remains wet.
Toilets Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Nice and close to the beach.
Parking Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating One small (50 spaces) pay-and-display close to the beach which always seems to be on the full side. There’s an overflow car park somewhat up the hill.
Food Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Two cafes – our favourite being the excellent Haven Cafe (not the cheapest but good food). Plus there’s a pub with its own car park for patrons.
Shopping Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Two shops pretty well stocked with beach goodies.

reviewed by The rightbeach Team

Trebarwith Strand beach, North Cornwall

Trebarwith is, in rightbeach‘s opinion, the jewel of the North Cornish Coast. It’s a tidal beach – completely covered by the sea three hours before and after high tide, meaning that you have to time your visits right to get the maximum time to explore and enjoy the fab surroundings. It does have a tricky slipway entrance to the beach so take it easy and wear appropriate footwear!

Here’s a round up of its many attractions: golden sandcastle sand; decent surf; fabulous kid-friendly paddling pools of sea water with sandy bottoms; beautiful sheltering surrounding cliffs; cute gift shops and nice cafe choices. In past years, rightbeach has turned ‘beach left’ to set up camp by the freshwater stream flowing onto the beach, and also ‘beach right’ to find the more secluded and very safe sandy pools. rightbeach also likes to go climbing and see how high we can get (maybe not with the small children!)

rightbeach recommends Trebarwith Strand for families with young and/or older children (and the family dog!). Oh, and great for surfing if you manage to find a safe place to leave the children! Do check the tide times first though or there may be no beach at all.

Beach blurb

See Trebarwith Strand beach on a map …

Things to note to ensure your trip goes well:

  • There are two car parks. If you’ve got young ones, you may want to get to the beach early in the day (tide permitting) and pay the extra charge for the closer car park to spare yourself the walk down to the beach.
  • To make a day of it, take plenty of supplies and head onto the rocks to sit out high tide; alternatively retire to the Port William pub (up on the cliffs) or cafes and munch through sandwiches and ice creams.
  • Seek out the secret tidal pools and explore the rocky protrusions – guaranteed to keep kids and grown ups occupied for at least an hour.
  • TIDE TIDE TIDE-check it out before you leave home!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Area
Rating
Observation
Beach Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Awesome when the tide times fit with your holiday dates but sadly that’s out of our control.
Crowded
(1=deserted)
Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating  Lots of mini camps of groups of families together.
Surf Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Pretty reliable rollers. Popular with body boarders and surfers alike.
Sand Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Coarsish but good for digging and epic sandcastles.
Toilets Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Pretty average – bit of a bind having to walk up the slipway from the beach.
Parking Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Two car parks. The closest one is quite expensive (£6-ish for all day – price drops as tide comes in) and fills up quickly. Get their for 10am to ensure a space.
Food Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Nice selection of hot, cold and ice cream vendors.
Shopping Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating A couple of art galleries and the usual beach shop offerings. We like the Crazy Mermaid for wacky prints and paintings.

review by The rightbeach Team