Exeter Quay Beacon

You'll spot the red and white striped lighthouse tower long before you reach Exeter Quay - it's impossible to miss, standing guard over the water like some cheerful sentinel. The Beacon itself is a proper working lighthouse, and inside there's a small museum that tells the story of Exeter's maritime heritage and the river that made the city matter in the first place.

It's not a massive attraction - most people spend forty minutes to an hour here - but it's worth the climb up those narrow stairs if you've got decent knees. The views from the top across the Exe Estuary are genuinely lovely, and on a clear day you can see right across the valley. The museum bit downstairs covers the port's history, the ships that came through, and why this stretch of water was so crucial to Devon's economy.

Families with kids aged seven and up will get something out of it. Younger ones might find the stairs tedious and the exhibits a bit dry. History buffs and anyone with a soft spot for maritime England will find it more engaging than the casual visitor.

If you're staying at Devon Heaven Hideaways nearby - just three miles or so up the road - this is an easy afternoon stop before heading back to your hot tub. Free or cheap admission, though you'll need to check ahead on opening hours as they can be a bit variable. The location right on the quay means there are decent cafes and pubs within spitting distance if you need a break.