Cornwall

The rugged coastline here tells stories of storms and shipwrecks, none more famous than the tale told at the Marconi Monument where wireless history was made. Cornwall's wild Atlantic edge feels properly untamed - waves crash against granite cliffs while ravens wheel overhead and salt spray catches the wind.

Poldhu Cove draws surfers and families alike with its sweep of golden sand, though Church Cove offers a quieter alternative when you fancy something more secluded. The dramatic cliffs at Meres Cliff provide cracking views across Mount's Bay on clear days. It's a proper bit of coastline this, with none of the touristy nonsense you get further east.

Inland, Helston makes a decent base for exploring. The town's got character - check out Helston Museum for local history, or if you're feeling energetic, The Tide Climbing Centre offers indoor routes when the weather turns. Golf enthusiasts will find Mullion Golf Course a challenging links test with coastal winds that'll humble any handicap.

Several parish churches dot the landscape, including the wonderfully named St. Winwaloe - The Church of the Storms, which rather sums up this coastline's relationship with the elements. The Marconi Centre tells the fascinating story of early wireless communication from this remote corner of Cornwall.

Helston's the nearest proper town, about 20 minutes by car from most coastal spots. Staying at one of the local holiday parks puts you right in the thick of this dramatic landscape - you can wake to the sound of waves and be exploring ancient monuments before breakfast.