Devon's Alternative Beach Hot Spots

The County of Devon offers so much more than the holiday brochure blurb. Devon's coastline is so varied and many of its finest destinations have somehow managed to avoid being over-commercialised. These places promise the most spectacular beaches, coves and coastal walks.

The scenery is mostly made-up of National Parks, old fishing villages, historic ports and some very memorable watering holes and gourmet experiences. It's all a matter of taste, but the first step is to decide between the two main coastal regions that make up Devon; the wilder Atlantic shores of North Devon, ideal for those who love a wave or two, or the calmer shores of South Devon, where the scenery is more ambrosia.

There is only one way to describe North Devon's Atlantic coastline. It is dramatic, rugged and most of the beaches are big and sandy. There are many fabulous hot spots that are popular with families and surfers alike. But if you want something a little more intimate and old school then there are some charming places that will feel totally authentic. In fact North Devon's best-kept secrets have to be Appledore and Ilfracombe. The latter for its unique beaches and sophisticated town centre and the former for its quaint charm and idyllic location.

Ilfracombe is mostly famous for its incredible Tunnel Beaches. These are big, Blue Flag sandy havens that are accessed via a curious tunnel - quite an experience for the family. And there are other beaches too, some sheltered and others that are thrashed by the Ocean. Surfers will love the main beaches. But there is so much more to this chic resort, namely its impressive aquarium, museum, theatre and its main attraction, Larkstone Leisure Park. During the summer there are all sorts of cool events held in town by the harbour-side and along the waterfront. And if you're an outdoor adventure junkie, then the activity roster here will knock your socks off.

Appledore may not have all the attractions that Ilfracobme has but it offers so much more in the way of history and visual appeal. At first you notice the dainty pastel and whitewashed cottages that line cobbled lanes and quirky streets and then the blue water and golden sands will catch your eye, many that are dog friendly and ideal for families. Appledore lies at the point where the Rivers Torridge and Taw converge to form a stunning Estuary that fills and empties twice a day to reveal magical waterscapes and mysterious crabbing beds.

The town itself oozes maritime charm and its history is evident everywhere, including its fine cafes and restaurants, especially on the quayside. The beaches around here are equally stunning. Westward Ho! is just round the corner and great for a spot of classic British seaside fun, especially for large group holidays in Devon. That said, there are a few more huge beaches to choose form, namely the enormous Saunton Sands and the slightly smaller Croyde Beach, both of which are very surf-oriented.

If surfing isn't your thing then South Devon might be more alluring to you, and no, we're not talking about the English Riviera. There are many alternative shores to choose from located to the north and the south of the very popular Tor Bay hotspots. For example, if you head just north of the Riviera, you'll find the delightful and traditional seaside village of Dawlish that offers plenty of seaside fun on its grand Blue Flag beach, minus the crazy crowds. There is even a nature reserve next door for the peace-seeking nature lovers.

Just South of the Riviera lies another grand resort town called Dartmouth. This is a seriously classy affair, with a fabulous atmosphere and great restaurants and bars to match. It can get a little busy in the summer months but the crowds are refined and animated, especially around the Dartmouth Regatta, which includes the famous Red Arrows and fireworks display. Local beaches include Castle and Leonards Coves and the fabulous Blackpool Sands. The latter is a crescent of magnificent pale sand lined with pines complete with a cool beach cafe that serves the best in local organic grub. Utter heaven.

A little further south lies East Portlemouth which sits on one of Devon's many Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Another of those idyllic seaside-fishing ports surrounded by super scenic waterways and relatively free of crowds. East Portlemouth lies on the beautiful Kingsbridge Estuary, opposite the resort of Salcombe, close to the world famous Start Point headland. Suffice to say that the coastline around here is drop-dead gorgeous and makes for some of Devons' most awesome coastal walks and cycling routes.

The local beaches include East Portlemouth, a family and dog friendly beach, as well as a number of other nearby stunning sandy enclaves. The smaller ones include Fishermans and Smalls Cove and Mill Bay. You will have to cross the estuary for the bigger beaches, but it's quite a thrilling boat ride and the beaches definitely deliver on X factor. There is the smaller North Sands with a little shop and a great beach café, then there is the larger South Sands, which is a fully loaded beach with all the facilities and water sports that you'd expect of a Blue Flag beach.

Last but not least on our list is Plymouth, a good choice for those who want a bit of buzz and culture with their beach holiday. This is not just any old city, this is a major historic port with amazing cultural attractions that lies on a picturesque natural harbour, surrounded by gorgeous golden sandy beaches and home to a range of luxury holiday apartments to rent. What more could you want? The nearest beaches include Plymouth Hoe's East and West shores, then there is Batten Bay and the marvelous Bovisand Bay.