National Trust - Coleton Fishacre

The drive down to Coleton Fishacre from Brixham winds through proper Devon - narrow lanes, high hedges, the works - and suddenly you're at a 1920s Art Deco house perched above a valley garden sloping down to a private beach cove. It's the kind of place that makes you understand why people got obsessed with building retreats in Devon during the inter-war years.

You're looking at a house tour combined with a substantial garden - the house itself is where you'll spend time marvelling at the interior design and artwork, but honestly, the garden is the draw here. Paths wind through woodland and past ponds toward the valley, with planting that changes through the seasons. It's not manicured in that polished National Trust way you might expect. There's actual wildness to it, which makes it refreshing.

Walkers will get a solid hour or two out of this, families can stretch it longer if kids fancy exploring, and anyone interested in 1920s design and period interiors should definitely make the trip. The beach cove at the bottom is a lovely spot, though expect it to be quiet - that's rather the point.

Allows a good half-day visit easily. The garden's best in spring and early summer when things are flowering. Combine it with other Devon park visits around Brixham - South Bay Holiday Park sits just 2.7 miles away if you're staying locally. The National Trust charges admission, and you'll want to check opening hours before heading down as it's not open year-round.