National Trust - Sidmouth countryside

The National Trust manages a fair stretch of countryside around Sidmouth, and it's proper worth exploring if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks. You get rolling farmland, coastal paths that actually deliver on their promises, and the kind of quiet spots where you might see a red kite circling overhead. The walks vary - some are strolls suitable for families with young kids, others climb steeply enough to get your heart working.

What makes this worthwhile is the access. Rather than one main attraction, you're getting a decent chunk of the East Devon landscape to roam through, with decent signposting and maintained paths. The sea views from the higher sections are proper lovely, and you can walk down to the beach at Sidmouth itself if you fancy a change of scenery. On a clear day the cliffs catch the light beautifully.

Really best for walkers and anyone who likes space to themselves. If your kids need constant entertainment or you're after a specific "sight" to tick off, you might find it a bit vague - it's not a visitor attraction with a car park and a café in the traditional sense. Spring and early summer are ideal when the paths aren't muddy and the light hangs around longer. Free to roam once you're in, which is the National Trust way.

Staying at Oakdown or Ladram Bay puts you within spitting distance, so you can easily do a morning or afternoon walk without hassle. Beats paying for attractions when you've got this much decent countryside on your doorstep.