Staycation destination loved by Britons has ‘amazing’ views and ‘tropical’ water

Devon is one of the largest counties in the UK and can be found in southwest England between Cornwall and Somerset.

The desirable staycation destination encompasses sandy beaches, fossil cliffs, medieval towns and moorland national parks and is even home to The English Riviera.

While the picturesque stretch of land, which is home to harbour towns including Torquay, Paignton and Brixham is known for its unique landscape, South Devon is also a famed holiday destination.

And within the “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” (AONB), visitors will find a small seaside settlement named Hope Cove.

The coastal spot has many layers to it which have stunned those lucky enough to explore the village.

Taking to Instagram to share the hidden gem, travel editor Emma Cooke (@petite.blondine) said: “Can you believe this is in the UK?

“There’s a small seaside town in England where the water looks tropical. It was once known for smuggling but is now a holiday hotspot.”

According to the official guide for the region, Hope Cove is made up of two sandy beaches in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Salcombe.

Mouthwell Sands to the north is the nearest beach to the local car park while the longer Harbour beach sits to the south.

Both are accessible and the beaches boast seasonal lifeguards as well as “excellent” water quality, so the spot is well suited to families.

While the beaches are the main attraction during the summer, Emma notes that the “amazing viewpoint” between the two is not to be missed, nor is the village that sits in close proximity.

She claimed that those planning to spend the day at Hope Cove should wander down to the Post Office which sells “great pasties”, and also pay a visit to one of the local pubs.

The Hope & Anchor is set in the heart of the village, though Tripadvisor reviews ranked The Lobster Pod Bistro as the best restaurant in the area.

As well as exploring the local hospitality scene in the quaint village, Emma urged people to take a walk along the pathways to soak up the panoramic views of the South Devon coastline.

Her video prompted many other staycation lovers to take to social media to share their fondness of Hope Cove, with one person claiming that it is a “really special place”. Others branded the Devon village “gorgeous” and “awesome” having been there themselves.

While the coastal destination is not to be missed, it is tricky to access without a car. Located in the South Hams District of the county, the region has limited transport routes by bus and train.

From Brixham Harbour to Hope Cove, the bus journey takes approximately one hour and five minutes, though it is easily accessible in just 22 minutes by bus from Paignton.