A striking beach with red sand and shimmering water set in an ‘idyllic rural setting’ will make you feel like you’re a million miles from home. Tucked away on the coast of Torbay in South Devon, Broadsands Beach has rightfully earned its Blue Flag status and scooped the acclaimed Seaside Award last year.
Defying the UK’s measly reputation with ‘excellent’ water quality, this tranquil slice of the English Riviera is often touted as the ‘UK’s best kept secret’ and ‘heaven on Earth’. You’d expect Broadsands Beach to be saturated with holidaymakers year-round. And yet, the cove has managed to slip away from the tourist limelight and maintain its secluded feeling.
In the summer, you probably won’t be alone. But, it’ll still be less crowded than some of the nearby hotspots, where you’ll inevitably be rubbing shoulders with strangers on your sun lounger.
“Its gently-sloping gradient makes it a popular choice for families with children or those wishing to distance themselves from amusement arcades,” hailed Torbay Council. “At low tide, interesting rock pools are exposed at the southern end of the beach and there is a large area of parkland directly behind the beach, the perfect spot for a game of football or cricket.”
The ruby-red beach also boasts a long promenade with brightly coloured beach huts that you can hire out for the day – and is an ‘ideal starting point’ for scenic coastal walks nearby. For those not so keen on spending a day topping up their tan, the area around Broadsands Beach is famed for its rich wildlife – with many lucky travellers spotting various seabirds and even dolphins and seals along the shoreline.
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However, getting to the beach is no easy task – as travellers will have to climb down a dramatic descent through rugged cliffs. Handrails are available for part of the journey, but it may be too difficult for those with mobility issues. There is however a large car park which leads straight onto the promenade.
There are no lifeguards on watch and amenities are limited – meaning you’ll have to become pretty prepared if you want to spend the day here. Still, for those willing to trek down to the red beach, you won’t be disappointed.
Broadsands Beach is almost 220 miles from London, meaning you’ll have to endure a four-hour and 14-minute drive first. The nearest train station is Barnstaple – which can cut the journey time down to three and a half hours. From here, you’ll need to take a 26-minute taxi ride down to the beach.
If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fares from the Big Smoke to Barnstaple for around £60. This will include at least one changeover on the way, which is usually in Exeter.
*Prices based on Trainline listings at the time of writing.
What’s your favourite UK beach? Let us know in the comments section below
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