It’s no longer open to objective opinion. Devon has the best coastline in the UK. FULL STOP.
Yes, according to research from Stay In Cornwall (part of the Travel Chapter Group), Devon has the UK’s best beaches and the best coastline in general. You already knew that, didn’t you? But now that it’s official you can blow raspberries across the border to Somerset and Cornwall safe in the knowledge that Devon is the beach boss.
The ranking criteria included:
- Number of national parks
- Coastline length (miles)
- Amount of Blue Flag beaches
- Presence of World Heritage Sites
- Coast path length (miles)
- Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
- National Nature Reserve (NNR)
- Coastline and path Instagram hashtags (by volume)
- Biospheres
- Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)
- Ramsar Sites
- Heritage coast
Torquay in particular is singled out for her quality Blue Flag beaches, mild climate and picturesque waterfronts.
So if you’re looking for a break in the UK, and in particular you’re looking for the UK’s best beaches – it’s gotta be Devon.
Shannon Keary, PR & Communications Manager at Stay In Cornwall, commented: “We have had our hearts and minds opened up to the amazing places to visit we have right here in the UK. We thought this research could help those in search of some coastal inspiration for a UK holiday in 2022.
The data has been really fascinating to analyse, and it’s great to see much-loved Cornwall has made the top 10 alongside so many other gorgeous places.”
Although Devon has the UK’s best coastline, neighbour Cornwall was a strong runner up in second place. Hampshire rounds out the top three.
Our own take is that Devon’s beaches are beautiful but Devon and Somerset have some incredible destinations too. Obviously, our home county has such stunning beaches as:
- Bigbury
- Mothercombe
- Saunton Sands
- Woolacombe
- Croyde Bay
In short, there is more than enough fabulous beach for anyone visiting Devon.
