Babbacombe Downs

The clifftop grassland at Babbacombe Downs gives you proper views across Tor Bay - the kind of panorama that makes the short walk from Torquay absolutely worthwhile. It's a nature reserve rather than a manicured attraction, which means you get windswept turf, coastal wildflowers in season, and the real deal of Devon's coastline without queues or entry fees.

What you're actually doing here is walking. There are gentle paths that run along the cliff edge, and on a clear day you can see right along the coast toward Paignton. The geology nerds will appreciate the red sandstone cliffs; the rest of us just appreciate not having to pay for the view. Allow 45 minutes to two hours depending on how long you linger or how far you venture.

Families will get decent mileage from this, though younger children need supervising near the cliff edge - it's not fenced. Walkers and anyone who wants to escape Torquay's seafront bustle will find it refreshing. There's no café, no visitor centre, no facilities, so come prepared with water and snacks.

It sits perfectly within a wider coastal walk or as a half-day break from the holiday parks clustered nearby - Parkdean Resorts Torquay Holiday Park is barely two miles away. If you're staying at any of the caravan sites around Torquay or further inland, this is an easy morning outing before heading elsewhere. It's not dramatic or rare, but it's undeniably pleasant and it costs nothing.