Exmouth

Two miles of golden sand stretch along the Jurassic Coast here, making this one of Devon's finest seaside resorts. The beach curves gracefully around the mouth of the River Exe, backed by elegant Georgian and Victorian terraces that give the town a proper seaside grandeur. When the tide's out, families spread across acres of firm sand, while dog walkers and joggers use the promenade that runs the full length of the seafront.

Exmouth sits where the River Exe meets the English Channel, creating a natural harbour that's been drawing visitors since Georgian times. The town's got real character - none of that artificial resort polish you find elsewhere. Budleigh Salterton lies just along the coast, worth the short drive for its famous pebble beach and quieter atmosphere. Back in Exmouth, the Blackmore Theatre puts on decent productions if the weather turns.

Donkey Hill offers cracking views across the estuary to Dawlish Warren, especially at sunset when the water turns copper. The climb's a bit of a trek but well worth it on a clear day. Down by the harbour, fishing boats still work from the small quay, and there's a proper chippy that does excellent takeaways.

Getting here is straightforward - the A376 runs direct from Exeter, or take the branch railway line that terminates right by the seafront. Exeter's only 15 minutes away by train, making Exmouth an easy day trip from the cathedral city. But staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes more sense if you want to explore the World Heritage coastline properly. Haven Devon Cliffs sits right on the clifftops, while Ladram Bay offers direct beach access and those famous red sandstone stacks.