An art argument in a traditional North Devon seaside town? Verily, it happened. The arrival of Verity, a 20-metre Damien Hirst sculpture of a pregnant woman installed at Ilfracombe Harbour in 2012, has had residents raging ever since over whether she’s a beautiful example of modern art or an obscene monstrosity: once you’ve split the family by having them cast their own verdicts on the issue, there are eight Ilfracombe art galleries to continue arguments of taste at, including one at Damien Hirst’s restaurant. Truthfully, it should be fun.
Other chucklesome options from Ilfracombe campsites and holiday parks include getting lost in the maze at Watermouth Castle and instructing the kids in Victorian beach etiquette and How Times Have Changed at Tunnels Beaches, with immense fun to be had for everyone within earshot as you awkwardly answer questions about why the structure of the Landmark Theatre is known locally as ‘Madonna’s Bra’.