South Hams
The South Hams RNLI district in South Devon is made up of Thurlestone, Bantham, Sedgewell Cove, Burgh Island and Challaborough and with some of the best beaches in the South West plus one of the mildest climates in Britain, South Hams' national status as an area of outstanding beauty is hardly surprising.
Thurlestone Sands is a wide, horse shoe shaped beach, covered with soft sand and shingle. Backed by a nature reserve, rare birds are often spotted around these parts and there are great cliff walks to be had to either side of the beach. During the summer months, sports equipment can be hired here, and wind surfing, canoeing and sea fishing are all popular activities.
Just around the coast to the North is Bantham. At low tide, this is a long stretch of fine sand with lots of rock pools, perfect for youngsters to play in. Bantham is a blue flag beach, which means it has been recognised as one of the best beaches in the world with the cleanest waters and best facilities.
Next along the coast is Sedgewell Cove. Right at the mouth of the picturesque Avon estuary, this beach is brilliant for spotting sea birds and other wildlife. With its own slipway and a large car park, as well as a café, beach shop and toilet facilities, Sedgewell Cove is a lovely place to while away a sunny day.
Burgh Island is a small tidal island just off the coast of Bigbury-on-sea. It can be reached on foot at low tide or by sea tractor when the water is high, and the 360 degree views from the island make the journey absolutely worthwhile. Famous for its art deco palace, the glamorous Burgh Island Hotel, this extraordinary little island has attracted the likes of the Beatles and Agatha Christie to its shores.
Challaborough is another blue flag beach, with beautiful waters and fine sand. A surfing hot spot, this beach often hosts surfing contests, when the waters are full of professional surfers and the sand is busy with eager spectators. It is also a popular location for other watersports, including wakeboarding and kitesurfing, when the conditions are right. But it's not only adrenalin junkies that are drawn to Challaborough. It's also popular with families who come for the great rock pools and walks. The coastal path here runs right along the majestic cliff tops of the South Devon coast and the views are spectacular.
Author: Chelsey Flood © Coastal Britain 2007