Across the West Country we are blessed with many stunning coastlines. But for people who like to take their furry friends for a day out, options are limited.
During the summer months, a number of destinations along the Bristol Channel and beyond ban dogs from the sand. However, some incredibly stunning spots do still allow pets, reports Somerset Live.
And a hidden Devon gem not only welcomes dogs but also serves up the best fish and chip shops in the UK.
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Beesands, which is in between popular seaside destinations Slapton and Dartmouth, takes around two and half hours to reach from Bristol. Situated between Hallsands and Torcross, this small village in South Devon provides the perfect backdrop for a traditional Devon break on the coast.
There are plenty of natural beauty spots to admire in Beesands. From gazing at the stunning freshwater lake, Widdicombe Ley, to walking along the picturesque mile-long beach, a trip will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the scenic Devon countryside.
If you're craving adventure, there are plenty of activities to do down at Beesands. Surfing and bodyboarding are popular tourist activities, as are canoeing, sailing, and windsurfing.
Beesands has a dog-friendly beach, with canine companions welcomed throughout the year. There are plenty of places to explore with your beloved pooch, from the shingle beach, to the rolling countryside and wild woodland.
In recent years, Beesands Beach has scooped two awards, including a 'Blue Flag'. The Marine Conservation Society has also awarded Beesands a recommendation, which lets tourists know that Beesands Beach is one of the best around.
There are two dining options in Beesands, just a stone's throw from the water. The Cricket Inn includes the fruits of Start Bay on its locally derived menu, and even has a claim to fame as the place where Mick Jagger and Keith Richards first performed together in public, when they were teenage holidaymakers.
Meanwhile, Britannia @ The Beach, which is known as 'The Shack' to locals, is a strong daytime dining option. Specialising in seafood, The Shack is not just a cafe, but a takeaway, fishmonger, and local shop, too. It is a 'bring your own' cafe which allows diners to bring their favourite booze with them to enjoy with their meal, and is said to be one of the best places for fish and chips in the UK.
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The Hutchings Family serve up quality fish options on the shingle beach, including crab salads, moules and frites, scampi, and homemade fish goujons. Customers can choose to enjoy to sit down with their fish and chips inside, or take them away to enjoy on the beach. The Shack also serves up sharing platters for two, for those looking for a romantic yet filling seaside feast.
The seafood restaurant has received rave reviews from customers on TripAdvisor, with one dubbing it the 'perfect spot'. Jon Taylor wrote: "Quite possibly one of the best take away fish and chips I have ever had. Freshly made, piping hot and incredibly tasty.
"I see some other people saying this is a bit overpriced, but the quality was very high and the portions were huge. Very happy."
P Thomas said: "There are lots of good food choices in the Torcross / Slapton / Beesands area, but this edges it. I remember when it was a small shack, selling a few small dishes. It's completely changed, but hasn't become pretentious! Very friendly service, the perfect spot, and a great range of seafood dishes.
"Some good meat and veggie options too. This was our last meal on our trip in the area, and it was a great send off!"
Sally B wrote: "Amazing fresh seafood. We had lunch here 3 times during our week long stay in the area. We had the takeaway option on the benches overlooking the sea.
"The food was served promptly even when they were clearly busy. Everything we ordered was spot on, including meals for our 1yo son. Particularly highlights were the melt in the mouth calamari and local scallops."
