exhibit | lifestyle
EDITOR: Bridie Adams
13 OCT 2021 |
Devon beaches to visit this autumn Bridie Adams, Editor, explains why autumn is the best time to explore Devon's beaches
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EVO N has some of the finest beaches in England – clear sea, big sandy beaches and hidden coves. With 120 miles of remarkable coastline, Devon has plenty of beaches just waiting to be looked at and enjoyed. The beaches over the entire South West get extremely busy during the summer months, with both local people who holiday here and an inundation of visitors to the region. In the summertime, beaches completely fill up - especially because Devon’s seaside towns have a selection of souvenir stores, ice cream stands and fish and chip shops. Many of these beaches are popular with families for picnics, walks and kite flying, but of course there is also plenty for students to do and see (if you’re willing to navigate the throngs of people who flock to Devon for their summer holidays!)
Exmouth Beach Exmouth Beach is well-celebrated for its two miles of golden shore. With interesting rock pools, it’s a paradise that is wonderful to escape to if your studies are stressing you out. Exmouth Beach is also the perfect location to try your hand at aquatic sport - be it kite surfing, kayaking, standup paddleboarding or windsurfing. The beach is well worth visiting. As well as the golden sandy seashore, you've got pedalo boats, amusements and plenty of alongshore pubs, restaurants, bars and ice cream stalls. Special shout outs for food and drink go to Ocean and Seashore Ice Creamery. There are also the classic options of KFC and Dominos, among other chains, for if you’ve got a craving for fast food.
THESE BEACHES ARE POPULAR WITH FAMILIES
Dawlish Warren Beach Dawlish Warren is a coastal spot close to the town of Dawlish in Teignbridge. Dawlish Warren is composed almost entirely of holiday housing and space for holiday-makers. The sea is clean and safe to go in - ideal for seaside fun. The seashore is sandy and is backed by remarkable rockfaces. Dawlish Warren is proud of its beach, as it has achieved success in winning the Blue Flag award for being an extremely safe beach. The seashore spreads out to one and a half miles with a lot of sand dunes. It is also significant for its wildlife, as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Candidate Special Area of Conservation (CSAC) for its sand dunes. It is part of the Exe Estuary Special Protection Area and Ramsar site, designated for the enormous flocks of wildfowl and wading birds that hibernate at this place. At Dawlish Warren, about 180 distinct bird species are recorded each and every year! At the end of your trip to the beach, look in the retail stores, or have a beverage or something to eat in Dawlish Warren.
However, now that the high season for tourists has come to an end, you can enjoy a more peaceful experience at the beach. If you like the feeling of sand between your toes and the sound of the sea in the background, autumn is the ideal season to reap the benefits of Devon’s beaches. The cooler weather and fewer crowds contribute to perfect circumstances for visiting the beach after summer. Seawater will be chilly, but this temperature has actually proven to be good for your health. By submerging in the sea, your body reacts by emanating warmth and pushing out impurities from your blood through your pores. There are also plenty of autumn-friendly beach activities, such as playing beach games, like volleyball or badminton, or, for another active option, go for an exhilarating coastal run. On some beaches, you may be able to have a bonfire or camp out! You can bring out your inner child by building sand castles or kite flying. If you’re an artistic soul, bring your watercolours and paint a beautiful coastal landscape or sit and strum your acoustic guitar. Of course, there is always the classic option of having a picnic with friends. Perks of partaking in these activities in the autumn include less risk of becoming dehydrated or burned by the sunshine, and not having to endure scolding hot sand. Exeter itself may not be right on the coast, but there are a lot of beaches close by. Lovely seaside towns can be found further afield within Devon, such as Ilfracombe and Woolacombe, if you’re willing to make the trek, but here are a few examples of beaches that are easily accessible by public transport from Exeter. A train to each of these places will cost you just £5.30, or £3.45 with a 16-25 railcard, and they all take about half an hour or less to get to.
Teignmouth Beach Teignmouth is located where Devon's River Teign meets up with the ocean. It offers attractive coastline, a lengthy, sandy beach, a working port and alluring scenery. Devon's English Riviera is also close by. Teignmouth is a very pleasant seaside town with a lot of personality and it is well worth visiting. The Town Beach offers a huge area of golden sand with a great deal of space for building sand-castles, amusing yourself with beach games or just sitting in the sunlight and finding pleasure in the outlook. Saunter down the Victorian Promenade and Pier, observe the fishing vessels in action, or spend time at the miniature golf course. The clean sea is home to a large amount of fish and marine life. Dolphins have even sometimes been spotted offshore - make sure to bring your binoculars!
Image: Tom Jolliffe
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