Clovelly Football Pitch

Football pitches aren't usually what you write home about, but Clovelly's sits in proper Devon countryside just outside Bideford, and that's the thing - it's the kind of place where you can kick a ball about without needing a booking, without paying fees, and without the football club bureaucracy that ruins half the pitches in England. It's a functional open space, accessible round the clock, which means you could theoretically show up at dusk in summer and have a game while the light holds.

Families with restless kids will find it useful. Teenagers wanting a casual match with mates will appreciate the no-hassle access. It's not a destination in itself - be clear about that - but if you're staying at Roeys Retreat Campsite just down the road, or in one of the Coastal Cabins Glamping lodges a few miles over, having a free pitch to use whenever the mood takes you is a genuine bonus. Better than being stuck in a caravan with bored teenagers on a rainy afternoon.

The pitch sits within striking distance of Bideford's actual attractions - the high street's decent enough, the riverside walk is worth doing. If football's your thing and you're based locally, this saves mucking about with club memberships. If you're after scenic village walks and coastal views, Clovelly village itself is the real draw. This is practical infrastructure rather than a tourist experience, but sometimes that's exactly what a holiday needs.