Top Locations To Inspire Coastal Art In Devon & Cornwall

A warm summer's day, the scent of sun cream and sea salt blowing on the soft breeze and the ocean waves crashing lazily onto the shore. Is there a better way to spend a day finding inspiration? Come with me as I share my top locations to inspire coastal art in Devon & Cornwall...

Landcombe Cove, South Devon

Nestled between the busy beaches of Blackpool Sands and Slapton Sands is this little piece of heaven tucked away in an almost secret spot. Because it's a bit of a walk (and a steep one that leaves me a bit puffed out!) it tends to put most people off, so very often it'll just be me, the seabirds and if I'm lucky, a seal or two. Get there early as there are just a couple of parking spots in a layby on the bend of the A379 just above the cove. Or park in Strete and follow the coast path along for about 30 minutes. The path down to the beach is steep but I believe it's totally worth it for the magical views across Start Bay and the feeling of having your own hidden gem. This is a summer spot for sure! Bring a sketch pad, camera and picnic for the perfect day packed full of inspiration from coastal views to sea life, wildflowers and sea shells.

Port Quin, Cornwall

This spot always feels wildly romantic to me - the dramatic north coast cliffs, the remote location and the picture perfect cottages tucked away from the storms. I always want to get cosy in one of the cottages in front of the fire and while away a winters day! I like to grab a coffee (or hot choccy if I'm feeling indulgent!) from the little café in the car park and head up onto the clifftops near Doyden Castle. The views are breath-taking all along the coast to the dramatic headland and Iron Age fort of The Rumps. This is a great spot for those stormy, moody days when you want to watch the waves crash up and over the cliffs.

Hartland Point, Devon

What I love about this spot is how it showcases all that Mother Nature and her power can bring. From the incredible folded rocks in the cliffs to the power of the sea and all that it provides us with and all that it can take away. It might be a bit of a sober spot, but sometimes we all need to feel the vast power and energy that surrounds us. For art inspiration you have everything from the ocean and cliffs to the brilliant white lighthouse, the clouds, the plant life and the wildlife. So much to choose from and so much beauty around us.

Nanjizal Bay, Cornwall

I think this is one of the most beautiful, and one of the most special parts of the coast in the country. The craggy golden hued cliffs rise above the crashing Atlantic, the almost white sand makes the sea the most incredible turquoise and the light is stunning. Above Nanjizal Bay you have the Carn Les Boel headland which is an ancient cliff castle and where the St Michael ley line first comes ashore in the UK before it travels on through St Michael's Mount, Glastonbury and other sacred spots. Follow the path down to the beach to discover the astonishing Song Of The Sea cave. If you haven't seen it yet I won't spoil it, just trust me and go and discover it for yourself. Take plenty of paper for sketching, you'll be blown away by the beauty.

Beer, Devon

So far I've shared some coastal spots with you that are all about dramatic landscapes. But perhaps you prefer to sketch, paint or photograph other aspects of coastal life - people, boats, buildings or the local fishing community. Beer is the perfect place for that. Aside from the name, which always makes me smile, Beer is a quaint little village that I love to visit, with a beach where the fishing boats pull right up onto the shingle. From stacks of lobster pots to brightly coloured fishing boats and fishermen going about their day, there is plenty going on for a different take on coastal art. Just off the beach is Beer Fisheries, a little fishmonger hut selling the daily catch - I always grab something for dinner before I head home and it's always delicious!

Botallack Mines, Cornwall

Another spot where the man made and the natural combine in dramatic ways. I love this spot in the winter, when there is no one around and the sea mist is rolling in. It feels slightly spooky, the old mine workings around the top of the cliff have a mournful energy, and the mine buildings on the cliffside fade in and out of view with the fog. Incredibly atmospheric and the perfect blend of the Cornish landscape and the heritage of tin mining. A great spot for photography.

Take a peek at some of my coastal prints here, available in a variety of sizes from just £10. My original coastal artwork is also available here.