Hartland Point

The drive out to Hartland Point from Bideford takes you through proper Devon lanes - narrow, high-hedged, and a bit of a white-knuckle ride if you're not used to them. But it's worth every pothole. You arrive at a windswept headland where the land simply drops away, and if the weather's on your side, you'll understand why people make the effort.

It's a viewpoint, basically. A lighthouse stands here (Hartland Point Light), and the cliffs plunge down to a seascape that stretches endlessly. On clear days you're looking at the coast curving away towards Wales. The rocks below are jagged and dramatic - this is proper Atlantic-facing coastline, not the sheltered sort. Walkers get the most from it, though families with kids can manage the short walks around the headland without breaking a sweat. The wind can be relentless even on calm days elsewhere, so pack a jacket.

There's a small car park and basic facilities, and it costs nothing to visit. Allow an hour if you're just grabbing the view, longer if you're doing the clifftop walks. Early morning or late afternoon light transforms it - the midday glare can flatten the drama a bit.

Stay at Coastal Cabins Glamping (just 2 miles away) or Roeys Retreat Campsite if you want the coast properly under your belt. Hartland Point isn't a destination that demands hours, but as a half-morning outing from your holiday base near Bideford, it delivers exactly what you came for - wild, unsentimental coastline with a real sense of exposure.