Popular holiday destinations in the UK are certainly the perfect places to relax and unwind away from home, while not needing to deal with the often stressful trials and tribulations of travelling abroad - especially at the moment. However, being popular means that our favourite places can become packed full of people also trying to enjoy a holiday - which can end up meaning that you don't get as much peace and quiet as you'd hoped.
One such popular destination is Newquay down in Cornwall. Just a few hours drive from Bristol, it's known and loved for its sandy beaches and an abundance of things to do for the whole family.
What's more, it's a haven for surfers and has plenty of nightlife activities for groups of friends, stag and hen parties alike. Fortunately, less than six miles from the iconic Fistral Beach, there sits a peaceful hidden haven where dogs can roam all year round and there's rarely massive crowds of holidaymakers - Porth Joke.
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For most of the year this beach, which is known locally Poly Joke, is an 'oasis of calm' and is nestled between rocky headlands - Crantock Beach can be found to the north and Holywell Bay to the south. There are caves and rock pools to explore and you'll no doubt spot a beautiful array of wildflowers on your way down, however the path which leads from the beach to a car park is over rather rough terrain and takes about 15 minutes on foot - the price you have to pay for a bit of peace and quiet this close to Newquay.
It's dog friendly all year round, meaning your pooch can join the fun and, with a number of dog-friendly accommodation around the area, you can make it a holiday for your whole family. What's more, as this beach faces west, you'll be able to enjoy breathtaking sunset hues in the sky, too.
It backs onto a shallow valley with a stream and at low tide there's enough sand even for when things do get a bit busier. Be wary though - there is no lifeguard cover on the beach.
One reviewer of this sandy haven, who visited recently during the sunny weather, said: "The cove is a fabulous place to visit and even better if you want to relive your childhood playing in the surf, an added bonus are the fields on the way down. They are a riot of colour from the wild flowers, and accompanied by the songs of Skylarks… Amazing."
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