You’ve conquered the waves, built a questionable sandcastle masterpiece, and somehow managed to bring half the beach home in your shoes. But now what?
Just because you’ve packed away the towels and admitted defeat in the battle against the sand doesn’t mean the fun has to end. In fact, some of the best holiday memories are made after you’ve left the beach behind. Whether you’re chasing a picture-perfect sunset, treating yourself to an ice cream (because you’ve definitely earned it), or simply looking for somewhere to put all that beach-day energy, we’ve got plenty of ideas.
So, shake out the sand (good luck getting it all), grab a well-deserved drink, and let’s dive into 9 brilliant ways to keep the good times rolling after a day at the beach!
1. Evening Entertainment
Once you’ve showered off the sand, it’s time to head over for an evening of entertainment at Lady’s Mile. Swap flip-flops for dancing shoes and get ready for a night of laughs, music and plenty of holiday fun.
Whether you’re singing along to live music, trying your luck at bingo, getting competitive during game night, or simply sitting back with a drink and soaking up the atmosphere, there’s always something happening. Best of all, there’s entertainment every single day, so the only tricky decision is what to do first!
After all, holidays are for making memories, and ours don’t stop when the beach day ends.
2. Sunset Walks
There’s something a little bit magical about the beach at sunset. The crowds start to disappear, the sky puts on a spectacular show of oranges, pinks and fiery reds, and suddenly everything feels a little calmer (even if the kids have been running at full speed all day!).
Take a leisurely stroll along the coast, breathe in the fresh evening air, and enjoy the sound of the waves without having to dodge beach balls or step over sandcastles. It’s the perfect chance to slow the pace, stretch your legs, and soak up those “I wish this holiday could last forever” moments.
And if you happen to catch the perfect sunset photo? Well, that’s just a bonus. Just don’t blame us if your camera roll ends up with 47 nearly identical pictures of the sky!
3. Oceans Bar & Restaurant
You’ve washed the sand out of your hair (mostly), finally stopped finding it in places you didn’t know sand could reach, and now there’s just one important question… What’s for dinner?
The good news? You don’t have to lift a finger. Head over to Oceans Bar & Restaurant, where the only thing you’ll need to decide is what to order!
Whether you’re craving a juicy burger, a freshly made pizza, a comforting curry, or something else entirely, there’s something to satisfy every appetite. Even your four-legged holiday companion won’t miss out, thanks to our special dog menu. Because let’s be honest, they’ve had a busy day at the beach too!
So, put the cooking plans on hold, grab a table, and tuck into a delicious meal. After all, calories don’t count when you’re on holiday, right?
4. Family Games Night
After a full day of splashing in the sea, building sandcastles, and carrying enough beach gear to qualify as a weightlifting champion, you’ve earned a cosy night in.
Pop on your comfiest PJs, grab the snacks (essential!), and gather everyone around for a family games night. Whether you’re bluffing your way through a card game, fiercely defending your Monopoly empire, or laughing so hard during Charades that you can barely breathe, it’s the perfect way to keep the holiday fun going.
The best part? No sun cream to reapply, no sandy towels to shake out, and absolutely no rush. Just plenty of laughs, a little friendly competition, and memories that’ll have everyone saying, “Remember when…?”
Not sure where to start? Here are a few family favourites to get the games night rolling:
- Monopoly – Just don’t be surprised if someone flips the board before bedtime!
- UNO – Quick, easy to learn, and guaranteed to spark a few playful rivalries.
- Charades – The sillier the acting, the better.
- Pictionary – Discover who in the family is secretly an artist, and who definitely isn’t.
- Cluedo – Can you solve the mystery before everyone else?
- Guess Who? – A classic that’s always good for a few giggles.
- Snakes and Ladders – Perfect for younger children.
- A simple pack of cards – Play Snap, Rummy, Go Fish, Crazy Eights, or even teach each other a new game.
- Jigsaw puzzle challenge – Work together to see how much you can finish before bedtime.
5. DIY Spa Night
After a day battling the beach’s three biggest culprits – sun, sand and salt – it’s time to show yourself a little TLC. Think of it as an apology to your skin and your hair.
Turn your bathroom into a spa, or at least pretend it is. Pop on a hair mask, treat your face to a refreshing face mask, and if you’re feeling extra fancy, add a couple of cucumber slices over your eyes. Bonus points if you dramatically announce, “I’m at the spa!” every five minutes.
Light a candle, put on your favourite playlist, and spend a little longer in the shower washing away every last grain of sand. Trust us, future you will thank you when you’re not finding sand in the bed three days later!
You’ve spent the day making unforgettable holiday memories; now it’s time to recharge, relax, and give yourself the pampering you deserve. Go on, you’ve earned it.
6. Explore a Nearby Town
As gorgeous as South Devon’s beaches are, there’s a whole lot more waiting to be discovered beyond the sand! If you’re ready to swap beach towels for bustling high streets, why not spend the evening exploring one of the area’s charming towns or picturesque villages?
Treat yourself to an ice cream (because holidays have no dessert limits), tuck into some proper fish and chips, browse quirky independent shops, or simply wander the pretty streets and see where they lead. You never know, you might stumble across a hidden café, a cosy pub, or the perfect spot for an evening photo.
Whether you’re after seaside charm, colourful harbours or a relaxed evening stroll, there’s a nearby town with your name on it.
Need a little inspiration? Here are some of our favourite towns and villages close to Lady’s Mile to add to your holiday adventure:
- Dawlish – Stroll along the seafront, visit the famous black swans, browse independent shops, or enjoy an ice cream by the Lawn.
- Dawlish Warren – Home to a Blue Flag beach, nature reserve, amusement arcades, mini golf and plenty of places to grab fish and chips.
- Teignmouth – A traditional seaside town with a bustling pier, colourful promenade, independent cafés and a lovely harbour.
- Shaldon – A charming village with thatched cottages, boutique shops, cosy pubs and the beautiful Ness Cove Beach.
- Exmouth – One of Devon’s oldest seaside resorts, perfect for shopping, watersports, or a marina stroll.
- Cockwood – A peaceful harbourside village known for its picturesque waterfront, sailing boats and welcoming pubs.
- Starcross – A quiet waterside village on the Exe Estuary, ideal for a scenic walk while watching boats and wildlife.
7. Have a BBQ or Picnic Under The Stars
Not quite ready to head indoors? We don’t blame you! When the sun goes down and the stars come out, it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy one more meal in the great outdoors.
Fire up the BBQ or pack a picnic, gather everyone together, and enjoy an evening of good food, great company and fresh Devon air. Whether you’re flipping burgers like a BBQ pro or simply unwrapping a picnic you’ve picked up earlier, everything somehow tastes even better outside. That’s holiday science!
If you’re staying at Lady’s Mile and planning a BBQ, we just have a few simple rules to help keep everyone safe:
- BBQs must be on a stand and at least 50cm off the ground.
- BBQs can’t be used on decking areas.
- Fire pits and wood-fuelled open fires aren’t permitted.
Follow those simple guidelines, and you’re all set for a fantastic evening. Just don’t forget the marshmallows, and maybe keep an eye out for anyone trying to sneak the last sausage!
8. Take a Dip in The Pool
Thought you’d had enough water for one day? Think again! If you’re still in holiday mode (or the kids somehow have even more energy to burn), why not swap the sea for the pool?
Whether you fancy making a splash in our indoor pool or soaking up the sunshine in the outdoor pool, it’s the perfect way to cool off after a day at the beach. The best part? No unexpected waves, no sandy toes, and absolutely no seagulls eyeing up your snacks!
Just a little heads-up before you grab your towel – both our indoor and outdoor pools close at 6pm, and our outdoor pool is only open during the summer season. Be sure to check the opening times so you don’t turn up ready for a swim only to find the lifeguards have beaten you to the finish line!
9. Simply Sit Back And Enjoy The View
Let’s be honest, after a full day of swimming, sunbathing, sandcastle engineering and chasing the kids (or the dog!), you might have reached the point where doing absolutely nothing sounds like the best plan ever.
And you know what? That’s perfectly okay.
Find a comfy chair, pour yourself a favourite drink, and simply sit back and soak up the view. Watch the sun disappear, listen to the birds, breathe in the fresh Devon air, and enjoy a rare moment where your only job is… well, nothing at all.
Want to take relaxation to the next level? If you’re staying in one of our accommodations with a private hot tub, this is your sign to jump in. Sink into the warm bubbles, let your muscles recover from all that beach-day fun, and let your worries float away. It’s the perfect way to end an unforgettable day on the coast.
After all, holidays aren’t about doing everything; they’re about enjoying every moment. Sometimes, the best memory you’ll make is simply taking the time to relax.
The Beach Day Doesn’t Have to End
So, there you have it! Just because you’ve packed away the bucket and spade (and shaken approximately 3kg of sand out of your belongings) doesn’t mean the day’s adventures have to come to an end.
Whether you’re dancing the night away, enjoying a sunset stroll, tucking into a delicious meal at Oceans Bar & Restaurant, getting fiercely competitive over a game of UNO, or simply relaxing in a bubbling hot tub, there are countless ways to make every beach day last that little bit longer.
At Lady’s Mile, we believe the best holidays aren’t just about the time you spend on the beach; they’re about everything that happens before, during and after it. The unexpected laughs, the family traditions, the spectacular sunsets, and yes, even the endless battle against finding sand absolutely everywhere!
So next time you’re wondering what to do after a day by the sea, don’t call it a day just yet. Make the most of every moment, try something new, and create even more unforgettable holiday memories.
After all, the beach might close your towel for the day… but the fun is only just getting started!
If you enjoyed our Sun, Sea… Then What? 9 Ways to End the Perfect Beach Day blog, you might like our other blogs. Find them here.
If you’re planning your next getaway, book your stay with us at Lady’s Mile today. Click here to secure your spot and create unforgettable memories!
