Seaside Gems in The South West of England
There’s no better time to head to the Devonshire coast than autumn and winter. The crowds of tourists are long gone, the car parks are free again and along with the occasional local walking their dog, you have miles of beach and cliff path to yourself. On a clear day, with endless blue sky overhead and pale diamond sunlight glancing off the ocean you’d be hard pushed to find anywhere more beautiful.
Great Beach Finds On The North Coast
The best Devon beaches and most dramatic coastline are found on the north coast of Devon. Make the most of the autumn and winter winds and head to Woolacombe for kite flying and kite surfing. Barricane, Combesgate, Rockham and Grunta are great for delving into rock pools followed by a warming pub lunch at the Chichester Arms in Morthoe. Also worthy of a visit is the gorgeous shingle beach at Woody Bay where the woodland approach to the sea is ablaze with reds and golds in the autumn months and laden with glinting frost in winter.
For a more active day head to any part of the North Devon coast and pick up the South West Coastal Path. The highest point is at Great Hangman in North Devon where the cliffs rise 320 m (1043 ft) above the sea with breathtaking views of Exmoor, the Welsh coast and Lundy. The 30 odd miles of hogback cliffs at Exmoor’s northern edge offer ever changing views and some good stiff walking that should most definitely be rewarded with a good roast dinner and a pint of ale. Long stretches of woodland and gentle upper slopes make for a diverse landscape as you look out across thin, stony strips of beach and high cliffs across the Bristol Channel to the Wales.
Lynton and Lynmouth
There are also stunning walks from Lynmouth and Lynton, with woodland and moorland on either side offering a chance to see Exmoor’s most contrasting faces, west to the dramatic Valley of the Rocks and inland to Watersmeet. On The Esplanade at Lynmouth seek out the Fish Bar and takeaway some excellent fish and chips to munch on while contemplating the ocean waves.
Hartland Point
Hartland Point headland is one of the most dramatic sections of the southwest coast – storm battered and surrounded by beautiful slate cliffs. This is definitely a walk to blow away the cobwebs and get some wind fuelled energy into those darker, shorter days. A solitary lighthouse, 350ft high overlooks jagged black rocks battered by the Atlantic ocean. During the autumn months you are likely to see seals along this part of the coast and on a clear day you can see out to the island of Lundy. Back in Hartland village the friendly Anchor Inn can provide you with cream teas, ales and good old fashioned pub food.
For some local colour… and smells, the Clovelly Herring Festival takes place in late November and celebrates the Silver Darlings of the Sea. The festival is held in support of sustainable fishing by traditional methods and there’ll be herring specialities, beer and cider, traditional shanty singers and street entertainment. There’s also net making, flax processing and free craft activities.
Worried about the fickle weather? Don’t let a spot of rain and wind bother you, pack a wind and water proof jacket and trousers and you’ll be set for anything the British weather can throw at you, just go easy on the cliff edges! Whatever the weather, a short break in Devon could be just the ticket – exploring Devon in autumn and winter is energising and inspirational.