We stayed for 9 whole days in July and in spite of fairly miserable weather we had a lovely time ; having stayed in the area a few times and having relatives in Branscombe itself we know the area pretty well and can thoroughly recommend it for all ages and our visit coincided with the Branscombe airshow which was a really lovely day out. The Great Seaside is really well located even for those without cars as you can walk a few hundred yards to the beach and its excellent beach cafe/general store (although the opening hours are a little limiting) Branscombe has two really excellent dining pubs with great beers and cider,our favourite the Fountains head and the slightly less rustic and a little more pretentious Masons Arms as well as the National trust Tea rooms also run by the Bentleys. I can also recommend the bracing but beautiful walk over the cliffs to Beer which is only a couple of miles and where some more great pubs await you.
We took all the rooms in the house and found them, the housekeeping,breakfasts and in particular the hospitality of the owners to be absolutely outstanding in every way and we would be very happy to recommend Great Seaside to anyone

Oct 2009. Had very pleasant, relaxing stay. Highlights:
1.The beach, near enough to get to with deckchairs, picnics, books etc or for the less energetic you can drive down, there is a public car park with WCs and also a cafe with quite a good menu. Beach is pebbly, so no castle-building, but still a very pleasant spot
2. The breakfasts, of which we never tired!
3. The stroll to the National Trust Tea Shop
4. The thatched cottages
5. Visiting the nearby Donkey Sanctuary

Amanda is a very bubbly hostess who makes you feel right at home and is very good with children. My wife and I shared the two upstairs rooms with our four year old son and my mother. Bathroom is immense and well fitted and stocked. Bedrooms are very comfortable and warmly decorated. Guest lounge / breakfast room is well appointed and has a huge fireplace which would be great in colder months. Breakfast was tasty with plenty to go around.

Location is second to none. We didn't use our car again until we had to leave. Three minute walk to the rocky beach plus direct access to a two mile hike to nearby Beer through fields and along coastal cliffs. Our four year old son did the walk both ways just fine; the initial climb is steep but it's the hardest bit.

In the other direction, a 10 minute walk into 'town' drops you at the Mason's Arms which is recommended for dinner and tasty ales. Five more minutes walking through fields and farms finds the three National Trust properties in Branscombe - mill, bakery and forge. Plenty of cows, sheep and dogs around to amuse the younger kids.

All-in-all, very family friendly, great location, great hostess. We will go back!

Just got back from this lovely B&B, if you want a peaceful getaway this is ideal, great beach 2 minutes walk down the road........will visit again without a doubt!