In a recent article from the team at Which.co.uk, Devon was the victorious heavyweight champions of British beach holidays against Cornwall.

After all, we are the only English county with two coastlines. That’s double the drama, double the diversity, and double the opportunities to get sand between your toes.

Below is a round up of the team’s verdict:

Round 1: Prettiest Beaches – Bantham (Devon) vs Kynance Cove (Cornwall)

Sure, Kynance Cove made a TV debut in House of the Dragon, and it does deliver that postcard-perfect “wow” moment. But it’s also often packed, accessed by steep trails, and isn’t the easiest beach for families or casual visitors.

Meanwhile, Bantham Beach in South Devon is an unspoiled expanse of golden sand framed by rolling dunes and the iconic outline of Burgh Island, Agatha Christie’s literary haunt. It’s a beach that combines cinematic beauty with easy accessibility and good facilities – and plenty of room to breathe.

Winner: Devon – Bantham Beach is stunning and practical.

Round 2: Wild Beaches – Soar Mill Cove (Devon) vs Lantic Bay (Cornwall)

Lantic Bay feels ancient and untamed — a smugglers’ paradise you reach via zigzagging cliffs and National Trust paths. It’s gorgeous, no doubt, but also a bit… remote. There’s beauty in solitude, but no loos, no lifeguards, and not much else.

Soar Mill Cove, tucked between Salcombe and Hope Cove, offers a similarly secluded vibe but with a touch of comfort. It’s accessible by a spectacular cliffside hike or via a nearby boutique hotel. Birds, waves, dramatic rocks — it’s all here, without quite so much sacrifice.

Winner: Devon – wild doesn’t have to mean inconvenient.

Round 3: Village Beaches – Combesgate (Devon) vs Mawgan Porth (Cornwall)

Mawgan Porth is charming, with a solid surf scene and good pasties. But Combesgate Beach in North Devon feels like stepping into a 1950s postcard — quiet, beautiful, and brimming with character. Linked to the timeless village of Mortehoe, where pubs, a Norman church, and a little museum complete the scene, it’s England at its nostalgic best.

Winner: Devon, again. Combesgate offers more soul and less bustle.

Why Devon Wins for Beach Holidays in 2025

  • Two coastlines: The wild Atlantic in the north; the gentler English Channel in the south.
  • More variety: Surf spots, fossil-hunting beaches, sandy coves, and red cliffs – all within a few hours' drive.
  • Top-rated towns: Dartmouth outscored Cornwall’s St Mawes in the Which? Best Seaside Towns survey.
  • Easier access: Skip the A30 gridlock – North Devon’s beaches are often just an hour from the M5.
  • Underrated gems: Beaches like Saunton Sands, Croyde, and Woolacombe offer epic waves, space to stretch out, and some of the most unspoiled scenery in southern England.

The Verdict: Devon Is the Best Choice for UK Beach Breaks in 2025

Cornwall will always be a favourite for its rugged charm and Celtic romance. But Devon delivers more bang for your beach break – more coast, more contrast, and just as much cream tea (jam on top, thank you very much).

If you're chasing surf, sand, scenery, or somewhere to watch the sunset over fish and chips, Devon ticks every box – with less hype and more heart.