Burnham-on-Sea

That lighthouse standing on the beach instead of a cliff tells you everything about Somerset's coastline. Burnham-on-Sea sits where the River Brue meets the Bristol Channel, and the tides here are properly dramatic - second highest in the world, locals will tell you. When the water retreats, it leaves behind acres of firm sand that stretch toward Wales on a clear day.

The town centre feels like it's still deciding what it wants to be. Victorian terraces line the seafront, some converted to guest houses, others looking a bit tired. But there's character here, especially around the pier - though 'pier' is generous for what's essentially a concrete walkway. The real draw is that beach, stretching seven miles from Burnham to Brean Down.

Sunshine Farm provides the family entertainment, while the surrounding Somerset Levels offer a completely different landscape. These drained wetlands are criss-crossed by rhynes - local dialect for drainage channels - and feel almost Dutch in places. The M5 runs just inland, making Burnham surprisingly accessible from Bristol or Exeter.

Staying at one of the holiday parks along this stretch makes perfect sense. You're within walking distance of that enormous beach, close enough to Weston-super-Mare for a proper day out, yet far enough from crowds to actually park your car. The Somerset Levels are right on your doorstep too - brilliant for cycling if you don't mind it flat.