Nestled within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a secluded bay adorned with striking red rocks offers a picturesque setting, but public access is limited. Unlike many Mediterranean beaches that are privately managed and filled with costly sun loungers, most UK coastal areas are open to all visitors at no charge.
Ladram Bay, found in the East Devon AONB, features impressive red sandstone cliffs and forms part of the renowned South West Coast Path along the Jurassic Coast. The bay boasts unique geological formations, including towering red sandstone stacks that provide natural sea protection.
These cliffs, composed of Otter Sandstone and Mudstone from the Triassic era, are integral to the 95-mile Jurassic coastline spanning Dorset and East Devon. Ladram Bay is a hotspot for fishing, with opportunities from the shore or hire boats, and offers abundant rock pools for exploration.
However, access to the beach is restricted to guests of Ladram Bay Holiday Park, as the land was acquired and developed by the park’s founder, Frank William Sydenham Carter, in the mid-20th century. Over the years, the park expanded to include static caravans and amenities, becoming one of the largest privately owned holiday parks in the country.
A recent visitor to the park, Johnny Goldsmith, praised the stunning beach accessible from the park, highlighting the convenience of staying in a sea-view caravan. Goldsmith recounted delightful moments at the beach, including encounters with seagulls, making the most of the coastal getaway experience.