United Kingdom
Historic hand carved tunnels which lead to rockpools and blue flag beaches.
Best to go here when the tide is low giving you a better chance to see a wider variety of 'creatures'.
Also not very far from the tunnels is the Watermouth Castle. As well as the castle and dungeon there is a theme park, gardens and maze.
Tunnels Beach:
www.tunnelsbeaches.co.uk/
+44(0)1271 879123
Watermouth Castle:
www.watermouthcastle.com/
Berrynarbor, Ilfracombe, Devon, EX34 9SL
+44(0)1271 867474
Google map: bit.ly/hsqbNG
I'm not a great horse rider but there's something about the activity which inspires my romantic notions. While on holiday in Woolacombe I booked some riding lessons with Hannah (based along the coast in Ilfracombe) and she got me riding confidently within a few hours. I joined a group for a beach ride later on in the week and while it wasn't exactly the scene out of the Black Stallion film when he gallops bareback through the surf but it was close enough for me.
I'll never be a dressage queen but Hannah has got me to a level where I can ride ok and will definitely be including as part of future trips.
About two miles west of Ilfracombe - as the crow flies - lies this small gem of a seaside village. It's set in a very deep 'combe' or valley and is one of those places where you genuinely feel as though you've stepped back in time. The village can be reached by road where you can experience the vertiginous descent through narrow lanes or by footpath across the cliffs from Ifracombe with wonderful sea views.
Once there you can enjoy a variety of pleasures - visiting the Fuschia tea gardens or the Grampus pub, taking one of several excellent walks, or just enjoying the wonderful little rocky cove and beach which for many is the highlight that really provides Lee with its charm.
From Ilfracombe take the B3231 passing through Slade valley and Lincombe then descend into Lee.
www.leebay.co.uk/
Combe Martin is about six miles out of Ilfracombe on the A39.
It's excellent for rockpools. Head onto the beach and walk to the cliffs on the right. At low tide you will find a path that follows the base of the cliff and around the headland about 200m.
It has an abundance of big and small rockpools full of sealife.
Keeps the kids (and dads) happy for hours.
There is also a lovely stretch of sandy beach exposed beyond the water break at low tide.
A few miles south of Ilfracombe are the villages of Croyde, Saunton and Braunton. What they all have in common are huge sandy beaches and conditions that have become well known for surfing. If you don’t surf, just get an ice cream and watch – it’s quite entertaining.
Croyde, Saunton, Braunton
www.croydedevon.co.uk/
Just a couple of miles up the road from Ilfracombe is the small resort of Woolacombe. The most remarkable thing about it is its huge sandy beach with a warren of dunes behind it. Most people seem to crowd together at the town end, but if you're prepared to put in a little exercise you can have the pick of the mile or so of sand that stretches before you.
Woolacombe
Four tunnels carved through the cliffs lead to a secluded beach and tidal pool. Very safe for children and bliss for adults over the crowded summer. Snacks available from the cafe so you can make a whole day of it.
Open all year. July and August, 9am-7pm; the rest of year, 10am-5pm or 6pm;
Entrance fee: £1.75 for adults and £1.25 for children.
Search Been there