Everyone loves to find hidden gems along the coast, where they can unwind in the sunshine away from crowds. The West Country has some of the UK's most stunning beaches, which means our area is often filled with tourists.
But there are still some golden sands that hardly anyone knows about. Nestled on the North Devon coast, between the teeming resorts of Woolacombe and Ilfracombe, lies a secluded beach, where even in the height of summer it's possible to escape the madding crowds.
Lee Bay is a tiny village situated at the end of a winding road, shrouded by a curtain of trees, reports Devon Live. But if you want to visit this destination, you'll have to plan your trip carefully.
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The beach only appears for a short time each day. Most of the time, the sand is swallowed by the sea. But at low tide, the water retreats to unveil a pale, sandy beach, surrounded by a necklace of rock pools.
Walkers can trek to Lee Bay along the Coast Path from either Woolacombe or Ilfracombe, it's a fairly arduous route so most people choose to drive. If you're visiting Lee by car, it's best to park opposite the church in the centre of the village, then follow the footpath down to the sea.
There is another car park closer to the sea, but this one has even fewer spaces. And you'll need some robust driving skills if you encounter something coming the other way and need to reverse.
Often deserted except for a paddleboarder out on the water, this spot is definitely worth the effort. With green-capped cliffs, lapped by turquoise water, it reminds tourists of Thailand.
Reviewers on TripAdvisor were very impressed with the beach. One person wrote: "Visiting the area and wanted a nice walk, and something to do. Found this little place by accident, and then kept discovering more and more while walking. Ended up finding a smaller beach, and curiosity got the better of us!
"Little hidden beach with bonkers people swimming in the sea! Braver than I am! Saw some wooden steps a little further and ended up hiking for 2 hours! Perfect to have a leisurely few hours. Would have been nice to had some refreshments, however a minor detail. Will be visiting again and walking further when visiting again."
Another wrote: "This secluded little cove is well worth the visit as it has rock pools, safe enough for a paddle and some beautiful views."
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