Clovelly Lakes

Three lakes sitting just inland from Clovelly village, about twenty minutes south of Bideford. The walk down to them is gentle enough, though the return journey back up the hill will have you breathing a bit harder. The water's surrounded by woodland - proper peaceful spot, the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think instead of fighting through crowds of tourists.

If you're after a quiet walk with the kids, or you fancy a spot of fishing, this delivers. The lakes themselves aren't massive, but they're deep enough to feel substantial. The whole thing works best if you're staying at one of the nearby campsites - Roeys Retreat is just half a mile away, or Atlantic Horizons and Broad Park Camping both sit within six miles. Treating it as an afternoon ramble rather than a full day's outing keeps expectations realistic. Two hours maximum, unless you're settling in with a packed lunch.

The real appeal is the quietness. You won't find cafes or facilities down there, so bring what you need. Go midweek if you can - weekends draw more people from Bideford and the surrounding area. The woodland does get muddy after rain, so decent boots help. It's not a destination in itself, but as part of a North Devon coastal break, especially if you're basing yourself near Bideford, it's a solid addition to the itinerary. The kind of place that reminds you why you came down here in the first place.