Eden Camping

As it's surrounded by the sea on several sides, this part of the south Devon countryside has a fair few show-stopping beaches you'll want to get out to. East Portlemouth beach (20 minutes' drive) is a super sandy spot, with clear blue water and views over the seaside town of Salcombe (25 minutes from site); for bonus points, there's a ferry that connects both sides of the water. Or would you rather lounge at Gara Rock beach (20 minutes), a slightly more rugged spot surrounded by dramatic cliffs and coast path trails? If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you could also head out to remote Moor Sand (a mile from Gara Rock), which is only accessible by footpath. More family-friendly attractions in the area include Dartmouth Castle (35 minutes), whose medieval walls make a nice contrast with the 1920s architecture on display at Coleton Fishacre House (an hour and 10 minutes). Fancy peering into Cornwall? Get yourself to Plymouth (an hour) and spy out boats bobbing along the Cornish coast from atop its Royal Citadel. On your way downhill into the city centre, you might also feel like stopping at the city's aquarium to see what's swimming in its huge glass tanks.