United Kingdom
It's a race to be first in the queue to order an evening meal at the Start Bay Inn, Torcross, in the South Hams. It's no surprise why. The fish couldn't be fresher, the batter lighter, the chips fatter. The pub, a 14th century thatched inn, is right on Slapton Sands, a two-and-a-half mile long stretch of shingle that borders a freshwater lake, Slapton Ley. Grab a pint of Otter and a table outside for the best views of the beach. Then, when you're stuffed, skim stones into Lyme Bay as the sun goes down beyond the lighthouse at Start Point.
Start Bay Inn, Torcross, Kingsbridge
On the A379 between Dartmouth and Kingsbridge
www.startbayinn.co.uk