Love digging on Devon beaches

Going to Devon on holiday was definitely chosen for the beach opportunities.  We didn’t have warm weather, and the first day we spent out and about started off a bit drizzly too, but there was no way that was stopping N from days out on Devon beaches.

I make my apologies now for a photo heavy post, but I really did make the most of having a really good camera and practising on manual.  If you’ve got a camera that has manual settings, but you always shoot auto, I definitely recommend finding some tutorials and changing to manual as much as possible (my only time I now use auto is when N is moving around too much – I just get too much blur, so auto works better for me then).

We stayed in Torquay, where the beach is virtually non-existent, and not sand at any case.  N wanted sand, so the hotel recommended a couple of beaches nearby for us to check out.  The tides were playing ball as well, because they were high just after lunchtime, and we’re usually out first thing in the morning or afternoon, so plenty of sand space vs sea.

Our first full day I’d planned to go to Paignton Zoo, but N spotted the sea front and wanted to go on the beach.  Brr, it was absolutely freezing although he didn’t seem too worried when snugged up in his winter coat.

I on the other hand, had only packed lighter jackets after the warmer week we’d have before our holiday.  Luckily I’d packed a woolly hat though, otherwise I wouldn’t have been happy at all.

N was more happy with the beach though.  He’d brought his rake from home, so we had to write our names, and just generally dig and move sand around.

I was more interested in the pier and practising my photography.  I do love metalwork and architectural structures, and Paignton pier certainly made for some gorgeous photos.

While Paignton beach was a little murky, the next day we went a short way along the coast to Goodrington Sands.  Sitting next to a large water park is a small beach, but great for digging in the sand.  Again it was really chilly but at least dry, if not that sunny.  It was clear enough that in the evening I looked in the mirror to find I was burnt across my nose and cheeks – obviously my spf make up back up protection hadn’t done its job!

N loved this beach.  It was slightly less red sand than at Paignton (less cloud cover obviously helped that), and N got stuck in with his rake.  Unfortunately so much stuck in that he broke the rake right off the handle.

So we headed to the basic café on the front to replace his rake with a spade.  One hot cheese and ham toastie later and he was ready for digging again.  Most of the people on the beach were dog walkers – I’d love to know where they walk their dogs when it’s peak season and they’re not allowed on the beach?  The car park was next to the beach, although only small, it was free parking for 4 hours.  A short walk was the pay and display parking for the water park, and at the other end of the beach was a car park also pay and display.  So we were lucky to find the free one.  I’m sure in the summer it’d be hard to find a space.

N loved Goodrington beach so much that the next day he wanted to return again.  We rarely go anywhere towards the end of the day, but on this occasion he assured me he wasn’t tired and that we had to go back to the same beach.  So late afternoon on a beautiful day we found ourselves enjoying the warmth and making the most of a final afternoon on the sands.

After looking back at all my photos, I now know what people mean by the afternoon sun magic for taking photos.

It really does make the light special, so in future I’ll definitely be making sure we have some late afternoon/early evening trips out to places to make the most of the light.  Here’s a few of my favourites.

We did have some excitement with the steam train going past.  It looked like it was on top of the beach huts.

Of course, the only problem is walking back up the ‘hill’ to the car afterwards.  Luckily the lure of tea helps get N moving.

It mightn’t have been the best of weather throughout our 5 days away, but we did make the most of being on some Devon beaches.  Let’s face it, a holiday near the coast, isn’t a holiday if you’ve not been on the beach at least once!

What’s your favourite beach to visit?

Why not take a look at these similar posts.

• Rockpooling and beachcombing at Watersmeet and Barricane
• Tips on booking a campsite
• Best seaside towns and beaches in the UK