Exmouth, Devon
Go and soak up a proper seaside vibe at Exmouth in East Devon, one of those coastal towns that has a nice traditional feel about it, with Regency architecture and stuff going on along the beach, like swing boats and donkey rides. There'll be people out playing on the water, kayaking and windsurfing, and coming and going from the boat trips around the bay; there'll be happy families enjoying themselves where they've set up camp - kids making sandcastles, older folk in deckchairs, folk tucking into fish and chips and ice creams, just as it should be.
If you go for a wander round the town you'll find that the shops are mostly indpendently run, which is always a refreshing change, and if you're hungry, finding somewhere to eat will be easy, with plenty of cafes, pubs and restaurants to choose from; one of our favourites is the River Exe Cafe built on a floating barge in the Exe Estuary, only reached by boat or water taxi - if you love seafood, you should definitely go.
Exmouth has its share of annual events too, which bring a huge buzz to the town; in May there's the Exmouth Music Festival, in September it's Spirit of the Exe and Exmouth Mussel Festival. It's good for a visit anytime of year really, busiest in the summer of course, but there's also something very pleasant about it in the winter when the light changes and the tourists have all gone home. The ambience is gentle and quiet, perfect for leisurely strolls along the sand.
All information correct at the time of writing