BEACHES

The English Riviera has a fantastic coastline made up of sweeping sandy beaches, and hidden coves - in total around 20 beaches with clear water and safe bathing.

Goodrington beach with its fine flat sand and rocky pools is ideal for families of all ages. It has beach huts for hire, beach side cafeteria, fish and chip shop, the Brewer's Fayre Inn on the Quay pub restaurant always popular with children, amusements and shops. There are lots of beach activities too with pedaloes, watersking, volleyball, sand sculpting and childrens amusements. In Youngs Park you can find crazy golf, go-karts and boating, all with ample parking. Right behind the beach is the famous Quaywest water park, with its slides and pools,always a main attraction for families in summer.

For a comprehensive guide to local beaches visit The Torbay website.

The prestigious Blue Flag beach awards are administered by Encams and given to beaches which have achieved the highest quality in water, facilities, safety, environmental education and management. The following local beaches have been awarded the status of Blue Flag.

• Preston Sands and Broadsands, Paignton.

• Breakwater Beach, Brixham.

• Meadfoot Beach, Oddiccombe Beach, Torquay.

Dawlish Warren and nature reserve, voted one of the top 5 beaches in the UK, is around 15 miles away and well worth a visit.