My favourite thing has to be my beach hut next to Steamer Steps on Budleigh Salterton beach. Painted pale pink and sitting on the pebbles with a view directly out to sea, there is no better place to be. Something about being there instantly makes me feel calm.

Pebbly beaches are often dismissed over sandy ones but Budleigh is a hidden treasure. For me, it is one of the most special beaches in England. Quiet and tranquil, even at the height of the season, it boasts wonderful deep swimming, fishing and beachcombing. The cliffs at the east end of the beach, known as Otter Head, are perfect for bird watching and the views are amazing. Bat watching is also popular and you can find bat hides scattered in amongst the trees.

Eating on the beach is great as there’s no sand to contend with, and at night it comes into its own. It’s the perfect place to barbeque and, as the sun goes down over the sea, you are aware of little fires all along the beach as locals and visitors eat, drink and relax. We have a very old, wind-up gramophone and love to play 30s records to help bring the perfect day to a fitting close.

Image courtesy of William StVigo on Flickr