Kushti Vardos

Exeter (10 minutes’ drive) is a lovely historic city, sitting on the seafront and with free daily guided walks giving you an intro to its delights. The medieval cathedral has a spectacular Gothic facade, while mellow St Nicholas Priory was founded in 1087 and is open for tours of its undercroft and Tudor-era parlour. The Quayside is lined with lively pubs and restaurants for when you’ve had your fill of history. Rambling and cycling in Dartmoor National Park (20 minutes) is another big draw in these parts; head for Grey Wethers stone circle (40 minutes) or the dramatic cascade at Becky Falls Ancient Woodland Park (35 minutes). If you fancy sea views for a change, head to the South West Coast Path (half an hour) for challenging hiking along clifftops. Travelling with the kids? If they have behaved impeccably, reward them with a day on the thrill rides at Crealy Theme Park and Resort (20 minutes), or take toddlers to meet the animals at the Miniature Pony Centre (half an hour). For fun in the sea, there’s a quiet beach at Sandy Bay (40 minutes), or you can take long walks on the shingle at laid-back Budleigh Salterton (35 minutes).