Donkey Hill

Standing 200 feet above the red sandstone cliffs east of Exmouth, this grassy promontory delivers proper views across Lyme Bay - on clear days you can spot Portland Bill some 30 miles away. The walk up from Sandy Bay takes about 20 minutes through woodland, though it's a fair slog in places.

Families with older children will enjoy the scramble, but it's not pushchair territory by any stretch. The reward at the top is worth the effort: sweeping coastal views, plenty of space for a picnic, and enough room for kids to run about safely away from the cliff edge. Dog walkers love it here too.

Come early morning or late afternoon for the best light - midday can be a bit harsh for photography. The path can get muddy after rain, so proper walking boots are wise. There's no charge to visit and it's open all hours, being common land.

If you're staying at Devon Cliffs or one of the other holiday parks around Dawlish, it makes a lovely half-day excursion. The contrast between the busy resort beaches below and this quiet hilltop spot is rather striking. Allow two hours for the round trip including time to soak up those views - you'll want to linger up there.