1 Execliff

Execliff sits above the Devon coastline, a proper slice of local history that most holiday-makers racing down the A379 completely miss. It's a historic site that rewards a bit of curiosity - the kind of place you stumble upon while exploring the cliffs between Dawlish and Teignmouth rather than a destination you'd plan around alone.

The real appeal here is the walking. The South West Coast Path runs right past it, and from Execliff itself you get proper views across the Exe Estuary. On a clear day it's worth stopping for, and the nearby towns give you context - Dawlish is just down the road, all Victorian seafront and promenading types. The coastal walks in this stretch are genuinely good, and unlike the busier bits further west, they don't heave with people in summer.

This works brilliantly as part of a wider coastal holiday if you're staying at Dawlish Sands, Haven Devon Cliffs, or any of the cluster of parks within a couple of miles. It's a fifteen-minute drive from most of them. History buffs might get more from reading up beforehand - it's not the kind of site with interpretation boards or a cafe, so go in knowing what you're looking at. Families with young kids might find it a bit of a stretch, but if you've got capable walkers and you're already rambling the coast path, it slots in naturally.

Best visited outside peak summer when the paths are quieter. Allow an hour if you're making it a proper stop rather than a quick look-see.