Bow Creek Shepherds Hut

Getting down to the coast is a fine idea here – and there are plenty of different places to see, from the soft sandy stretch at Blackpool Sands (25 minutes’ drive) to the craggy walk around the Dragon’s Tail (40 minutes). Dartmouth (25 minutes) and Brixham (half an hour) are both great places to find a seafood meal, and there are several scenic stretches of the South West Coast Path to choose from too. Outdoorsy folk of all persuasions should find plenty to occupy them in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – including bike rides, walks, canoeing and wild swims. For something a little wilder, it’s about a 20-minute drive to the edge of Dartmoor National Park. Other options? Perhaps you’d like a ride on the South Devon Railway (10 minutes), a wander around the haunted ruins of Berry Pomeroy Castle (15 minutes) or a few samples at Sandridge Barton, the home of Sharpham Wine (20 minutes).