Harbour View

The walk up to Harbour View from Bideford takes you past the old quay where fishing boats still bob about, then steeply up narrow lanes lined with cottage gardens. Worth the climb though. You get the whole sweep of the harbour spread out below - the curve of the estuary, the boats, Appledore across the water, and on a clear day the coastline stretches for miles. The view really does justify the effort, especially if you time it for late afternoon when the light turns golden and the shadows get dramatic.

It's the sort of spot that appeals to walkers and photographers rather than families after a quick snap. You'll need a good thirty minutes to get up there comfortably, and most people spend another twenty just looking. The paths can be muddy after rain, and the gradient is genuine - not for pram-pushing, let's be honest.

Getting a campsite base nearby makes sense. Roeys Retreat is barely half a mile away, so you could easily pop up for sunset. It's a proper local vantage point rather than a tourist-trap viewpoint, which means it stays peaceful even during summer holidays. If the weather turns, there's not much shelter, so check the forecast before you go.