Rock Pool

There's something properly satisfying about swimming in a pool that's been carved straight out of the rock face, filled by the sea itself. Rock Pool at Westward Ho!, just outside Bideford, is exactly that - a natural bathing spot where the Atlantic does most of the work for you. It's free to use, which makes it even better.

The pool sits right on the beach and fills with each tide, so you're essentially getting a seawater swim without the open water hassle. It's shallow enough for kids to splash about safely, but deep enough that adults won't be bored after five minutes. The whole experience takes as long as you want it to - an hour if you're serious about a proper swim, twenty minutes if you just fancy a dip.

Best visited at high tide when the pool is actually full, which sounds obvious but catches people out. Low tide and you're looking at puddles. Summer months are ideal, though locals will tell you the water's never exactly warm. Families staying at Braddicks Holiday Park - just down the road - practically live here in July and August.

If you're based at Broad Park Camping or Owl Valley Glamping, this is an easy morning stop before heading to bigger attractions nearby. Don't expect fancy facilities - there's a cafe close by, but bring a towel and change of clothes. It's the kind of place that feels like a proper local secret, even though it's not secret at all. Just refreshingly uncommercialized.