Heron

This holiday in Heron in 2021 was my second time staying in a Branscombe chalet following a week in Gannet in summer 2019. I loved it so much that I decided to return, but I was a bit concerned that it wouldn’t be as good the second time round…… However I’m glad to say it was just as fantastic, if not better. It is hard to describe how simply lovely it is to stay in the chalets - it is such a special place and it feels like such privilege to spend time there. Falling asleep to the sound of the waves is bliss, and the view from the balcony in the early morning is wonderful. At 9am on Monday, the beach was deserted apart from a few seagulls and me. It is a perfect place to wind down if you have a busy life and although the beach is popular in the daytime, it feels like your own private beach in the mornings and evenings. We had glorious weather in September so we swam in the sea every day, watched tuna jumping in the waves, as well as doing walks into the village and also to Beer and Sidmouth (it’s a tough walk, not for the faint-hearted in case you are tempted!) We picked blackberries from the cliff tops and had homemade crumble by the beach fire. It really is that idyllic. The chalet itself is exactly what you’d expect from a beach chalet - quite small, reasonably basic and a bit dated in decor. But the location more than makes up for that. I’d advise you to travel as light as possible, as it’s quite a long walk from the car park across a pebbly beach and there’s no other way to get your stuff there apart from carrying it all. Be prepared to make several journeys and note that anyone with mobility issues would really struggle. I’ve already booked to return in the Spring and can’t wait to be back there again, enjoying the peace and quiet and breathing in the sea air. It’s clear to see why the chalets book up so quickly.