Branscombe beach has been named among the 10 best in the South West by
The Times and Sunday Times.

Budleigh Salterton beach also makes it into the top 10 – they are the only two in east Devon. Woolacombe in north Devon is included, along with Mothecombe, Mattiscombe Sands and Soar Mill Cove, all in south Devon. The other four are in Cornwall, with The Towans in Hayle named as the South West’s Beach of the Year.

The annual The Times and Sunday Times Best Beaches guide is published online today (Monday, June 15), listing the top 50 in the UK.

Chris Haslam, chief travel writer at The Times and Sunday Times, has personally visited all the beaches that are included in the guide - along with hundreds of others. They were assessed through an 11-point inspection checklist including water quality, cleanliness, accessibility, car-parking facilities, lifeguard presence, hygiene levels at toilets and showers, and dog-friendliness.

On Branscombe beach he said: "Just west of Beer — where Chapples café serves the best alfresco beach breakfast in the country — you’ll find the shingle beach at Branscombe, cut in two by the eponymous stream. The swimming is good here, but neoprene slippers will make your entry and exit more comfortable. Turn left on the beach and you can walk a mile up to Beer Head. Turn right and it’s a five-mile hike along a sunlit emptiness of pebble and flat water via the Littlecombe Shoot to Sidmouth.

"My Jack Russell, Dave T Dog, and I have journeyed 5,583 miles and explored 543 beaches. The 50 beaches that made our list are graced with outstanding natural beauty, superb infrastructure, and a clear sense of pride from those who live, work, and play there.

"I’m still in awe of the beauty of the UK coast. From Kynance to Caithness, and Brancaster to Benone, the beaches of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are the most magnificent on earth.”

The 2024 guide only features beaches which are rated ‘excellent’ for water quality by the national environment agencies.