Valley of Rocks

The cliffs here are properly dramatic - towering red sandstone formations that rise sheer from the beach like something out of a Western film, except you're in North Devon and the sea's a frozen grey. Valley of the Rocks sits just above Lynton, a short walk from the town centre, and it's one of those places where the landscape does most of the talking for you.

You get the full theatre: jagged peaks, deep ravines cut into the rock face, and on a clear day views that stretch along the coast toward Exmoor. The valley floor is accessible and makes for a proper walk - nothing too taxing, but you need decent boots because it's rocky underfoot and can get muddy. Allow a good hour to poke about and climb up to the better vantage points. It's free to visit, which is worth knowing.

This works best for walkers and geology enthusiasts who appreciate raw landscape without the softness. Kids will find the scrambling about among the rocks engaging for a bit, but it's not a sit-down attraction - if they're after amusement rather than adventure, they'll be restless. The light changes throughout the day here, so avoid midday glare if you're after photographs.

If you're staying at Lynmouth Holiday Retreat just down the road, this is absolutely a morning or late afternoon mission before or after other coastal walks. Pair it with Lynton's cliff railway - that's the proper seaside day sorted. Go in spring or autumn when the weather's cooperative and you won't be fighting crowds.