Ned's Meadow

The spectacular South Devon coast (10 minutes’ drive) alternates sandy stretches like Bigbury beach and sheltered inlets like Ayrmer Cove. And all along the ragged shore is the South West Coast Path. So whether you’re into surfing, canoeing or hiking, there’s plenty for you to do here. Dartmouth (40 minutes) is known for the 15th-century defensive structures either side of the River Dart estuary: Dartmouth Castle and Kingswear Castle. In town, the Dartmouth Museum has maritime displays in a half-timbered building. If you feel like a relaxing train ride, the Dartmouth Steam Railway travels to Torquay, Paignton and Totnes. A vast clifftop green area with a lighthouse, Hoe Park in Plymouth (45 minutes) overlooks the Tinside Lido, an elegant open-air pool. Other attractions in the city include the National Marine Aquarium (the largest in the UK), the 17th-century Royal Citadel and the Mayflower Museum, with displays on the voyage of the Pilgrim Fathers.