Branscombe has been named among the UK’s ‘best places to live by the sea’ by the Sunday Times.

The report published last Sunday (July 9) highlights some of the UK’s less well-known seaside towns and villages, and gives a guide to average property prices in each location.

It describes Branscombe as ‘a peaceful, picturesque spot — but one that has remained a little bit under the radar’.

The article quotes Richard Speedy, a senior director at Strutt & Parker estate agency in Exeter, saying: “It’s not the first place that comes to mind when you’re looking for a waterside location, but it’s got so much charm, good facilities and it’s a little bit cheaper than many of the better known West Country locations.”

The article speculates that maybe Branscombe’s pebbly beach puts some people off – but adds that ‘the lack of sand does keep boozy daytrippers at bay’.

The report says: “You’ll never feel short of space in Branscombe. The village street is reputedly the longest in England and there’s always room to swing cats, kites and fishing lines on a beach that nestles between the fossil-rich cliffs of the Jurassic Coast.”

It goes on to describe the ‘rose-covered thatched cottages leading down to the sea’ and says Branscombe has ‘two good pubs, a tearoom and a primary school, and ever-popular Colyton Grammar — ninth best in the country according to The Sunday Times Parent Power guide — within easy reach’.

The report says Branscombe is ‘a bit out of the way though within easy commuting distance of Exeter (45 minutes)’, with Sidmouth 'a 20-minute ride away on the super-scenic 899 bus.’

Property-wise, it says: “Expect to pay about £330,000 for one of those pretty thatched cottages. Average property price: £515,000."

The Sunday Times report does point out that many coastal towns are among the most deprived locations in the country, and are often ‘so hollowed out by second homes that the lights are off all winter and pubs and shops face a struggle to survive’.

It says the towns chosen for its report ‘have something to offer in every season, with the kind of communities, connections and practicalities that will keep the holiday feeling alive all year round’.