Devon

The popular beauty spot with Victorian-era bathing area was left damaged after huge waves battered the area.

Swimmers in Plymouth have been warned to stay out of the water at one of Britain’s most beloved beauty spots in the self-proclaimed Ocean City — a caution that follows the battering the south west endured from Storm Ingrid in January 2026. The Victorian-era steps at Plymouth Hoe’s Tinside Beach were left severely damaged by towering waves in January, though the outdoor Tinside Lido, which underwent renovation last year, has escaped unscathed.

Local year-round swimmers, however, are now speaking out, arguing that the destruction has laid bare “what an eyesore” the small beach and its surroundings have become — and they’re calling on authorities to invest in restoring Tinside Beach as a “fabulous asset” for Plymouth once more.

A visit to the much-loved spot on Saturday, February 14, uncovered “no swimming ” signs installed by Plymouth City Council, alerting visitors to “sharp spikes and debris” as well as “dangerous and uneven surfaces”.

The beach has long been a cherished gathering place for locals who brave the elements throughout the year, with many citing its significant contribution to their mental wellbeing alongside the wider benefits of wild swimming.

Yet in the wake of the storms that obliterated the concrete steps and several railings, swimmers have reported that getting into the water “safely” has become incredibly difficult. Numerous locals have also expressed worries that, even before the storm wreaked havoc, the vicinity had already become “rundown”, despite still attracting holidaymakers throughout the summer season, , reports the Express.

Melanie Green shared with me: “There’s a lot of all-year-round swimmers that know what should be used to do a ‘quality’ job with regards to repairs now needed.

“Plymouth City Council, please have a meeting with us all and make the Hoe steps and seafront look great again. This is where tourists come to visit. Invest in it.”

The dawn swimmers at Tinside Beach form a friendly community. Chuckles, cheerful banter and even homemade cakes are exchanged amongst the group whenever birthdays or milestone moments occur.

However, the Victorian-era steps at Tinside are in “desperate need of repair”, making it difficult to congregate – and one habitual swimmer observed that regular maintenance “would save money in the long run”.

The council has confirmed it “cares about the Hoe and foreshore” and is “sad to see the damage the recent storms have caused.”

A Plymouth City Council spokesperson further explained that “our surveyors and contractors are reviewing repair options for the Tinside steps and we will look to mobilise repairs as soon as practically possible”.

Last summer witnessed the reopening of the restored outdoor Tinside Lido beside Tinside Beach. The redevelopment was funded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Youth Investment Fund, Levelling Up Fund, and Plymouth City Council.

With this in mind, local swimmer Rena Truscott remarked: “I wish the council would have a complete rehaul and properly fix the waterfront, starting with Tinside (beach and steps).

“I feel investment is desperately needed now, not just to make the best of a fabulous asset for Plymouth but to ensure it remains safe and an ongoing legacy for the benefit of all.

“The Tinside Lido (renovation completed in 2025) now looks amazing and I’m sure it draws attention and hopefully tourists and revenue back to the Hoe. However, this now highlights what an eyesore the surrounding area is. Despite this, it remains popular all year round.”

Debra Romagnuolo voiced similar worries, stating: “Tinside steps are in desperate need of repair. Not just a quick fix. It needs good quality workmanship, not something that literally lasts a few weeks like the railings. It is in a sorry state.”

During my visit, chunks of concrete from the storm damage were visible strewn across the shoreline and seabed near the steps.

Warning notices have been put up advising people not to enter the water in this location, as large concrete blocks remain underwater and, depending on the tide, may not always be easily spotted.

A Plymouth City Council spokesperson commented: “We care about the Hoe and foreshore and are sad to see the damage the recent storms have caused, not just here in Plymouth but in so many other coastal villages, towns and cities.

“We are very much at the mercy of the elements but work hard to direct as much resource as possible towards protecting and reinforcing our historic waterfront so it can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

“Recent and ongoing works include repairs to West Hoe Pier and the Admirals Hard slipway, as well as the steps into the water at Commercial Wharf.”

Plymouth City Council added in their statement: “Our surveyors and contractors are reviewing repair options for the Tinside steps and we will look to mobilise repairs as soon as practically possible, once the weather is more in our favour.

“We are also working with marine and foreshore technical advisors and contractors on condition surveys of the wider foreshore. The findings from these surveys will be used to produce an action plan of monitoring, further investigations and prioritised repair works, for which we can then seek funding.

“Refurbishment works at Tinside Lido last year transformed underused areas of the Grade II-listed Art Deco building, safeguarding it for future generations whilst creating new opportunities for people to connect with Plymouth Sound.

“Its careful preservation and transformation will ensure Tinside continues to be a much-loved feature of Plymouth’s waterfront whilst supporting the health, wellbeing and aspirations of young people in Britain’s Ocean City.”

Appledore is a beautiful village in north Devon. It is hoping to showcase all it has to offer to even more visitors when its Clean Maritime Innovation Centre opens later this year

A small coastal village steeped in history and a rich shipbuilding heritage, with a vibrant seafood scene and colourful cottages, is hoping a futuristic, million-pound project will put it firmly on the map.

The tiny village of Appledore isn’t one of the most well-known places in Devon, but can certainly be characterised among the most beautiful, with narrow, winding lanes, a bustling quayside to explore, and pastel-coloured houses and coastal views. Its estuary shore is suitable for beachcombing and exploring rock pools.

Located in north Devon at the meeting of the Rivers Torridge and Taw, the village is built on the centuries-old traditions of shipbuilding and fishing.

Renowned for its maritime heritage and vibrant seafood scene, Appledore is also celebrated for its art and creativity, hosting regular arts festivals and resident craftspeople showcasing ceramics, photography, jewellery and more in independent shops and markets.

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But while the village has a multitude of offerings for those already in the know, Appledore is hoping to boost its popularity among people outside the local area with the opening of its Clean Maritime Innovation Centre later this year.

The global innovation centre has received £15.6million in government funding and aims to support research in clean propulsion, autonomous vessels and marine sustainability.

Due to open in late 2026, the centre will also provide a base for floating offshore wind activity in northern Devon, with the electricity generated able to power approximately three million homes and create 3,000 jobs.

The maritime sector has played such a significant role in Appledore’s history and this project will be a real opportunity for the village to move into a national maritime future. The project is being delivered with funding support from the UK government through the Levelling Up Fund, the Community Regeneration Partnership, and the Devon and Torbay devolution deal. Devon County Council is overseeing the financial management.

Initial construction involves enhancements to the wall along New Quay Street, with full-scale building work set to start in the autumn. Preliminary works began in April, including the creation of a new quay to improve estuary access.

Councillor Ken James, leader of Torridge District Council, said: “This is a very exciting step in the journey of this project, not just for Appledore, but for the wider district. We hope that the delivery of this centre will put Appledore and Torridge at the forefront of innovation and investment in clean maritime energy. By getting as many local tradespeople involved in the build as possible, we hope that this will be just the start of future job creation and investment in the area.”

Reviews of Appledore praise the villages colourful look and picturesque charm.

One reviewer wrote: “Appledore is a lovely place with lots of interesting nooks and crannies with brightly-coloured houses. It’s a lot less busy and touristy than some of its bier neighbours.”

Another said: “Appledore is great – very pretty with small craft shops, cafes, restaurants and is incredibly dog-friendly. Would definitely visit again.”

A pretty English village looks like a postcard, but it’s also one of the UK’s most expensive

Tucked away in a tranquil corner of the Salcombe-Kingsbridge estuary lies a charming village that’s earned a reputation as one of Britain’s “poshest villages”. South Pool in Devon boasts picture-perfect cottages with thatched roofs, set against a backdrop of lush, verdant hillsides.

Those who’ve visited describe “glorious Devon countryside” as well as praising the unique free house pub located here. This diminutive village is home to around 150 residents, guaranteeing plenty of peace and tranquillity.

Yet property prices in this idyllic spot average around £410,000 based on the past year’s sales figures, according to Zoopla. The village recently secured its place among Britain’s 48 “poshest villages” in The Telegraph’s rankings. South Pool also featured in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2022 list of the UK’s 20 most stunning villages.

Despite its modest size, the village boasts rich heritage, with its historic buildings and meandering lanes “would befit any chocolate box or postcard”, according to local holiday lettings company Toad Hall Cottages. They’ve also dubbed the village one of the area’s “hidden gems”, reports the Express.

At the village’s highest point stands a Grade-I listed church, believed to have been built in 1318. There’s also the Millbrook Inn, a celebrated gastropub that’s accessible on foot, by car and, unusually, by boat.

Tucked away where land meets water, perched at the head of a tidal inlet on the Salcombe estuary, the Millbrook Inn bills itself as a “hidden haven” where visitors arriving by canoe, boat and even paddle board can stop off for a pint of local brew or a freshly prepared pub favourite.

A recent visitor to the much-loved pub reviewed their experience on TripAdvisor, writing: “A return visit for a spot of lunch at this wonderful freehouse village pub. Situated by the stream in the centre of South Pool, probably one of the prettiest villages deep in the glorious Devon countryside.

“A hearty soup of the day with crusty fresh bread and a decent amount of butter. Quality paper napkins. It’s the little things that count. Log fire, doggy friendly cosy bar area. “

The surrounding picturesque English countryside provides the perfect setting for this charming village and pub, with rolling fields and lush greenery stretching to the horizon. The panoramic vistas are especially breath-taking during summer when sunshine bathes the nearby hills in golden light.

Given its proximity to the tranquil backwaters of the South Hams, aquatic pursuits prove hugely popular locally, from guided canoe excursions to stand-up paddle boarding adventures. The settlement also offers convenient access to nearby coastal spots, such as Lancombe Beach, South Sands Beach and Salcombe North Sands.

Naturally, rural life comes with a hefty price tag. The Telegraph reports that some of the area’s priciest homes have changed hands for as much as “£844,429”.

Village life in this sought-after location commands a premium when buying a home in the vicinity, with the equally pricey Devon town of Salcombe neighbouring South Pool.

Several of the properties in these locations, once family homes not so long ago, are now listed as “secret getaways” on short lettings sites such as Airbnb.