Berry Head

The walk up to Berry Head from Brixham is properly steep - no two ways about it. But once you've hauled yourself up those clifftop paths, you're standing on a dramatic headland with views that stretch across Torbay and out toward the English Channel. On a clear day you can see for miles; the sweep of the bay below is genuinely impressive.

It's a working headland, not a manicured viewpoint. There's a Napoleonic fort up there (built in the early 1800s to guard against invasion), and the ruins are worth poking around. The cliffs themselves are a haven for seabirds - razorbills, guillemots, and gannets wheel overhead. In spring and summer it's a proper wildlife spot.

Walkers will get the most out of this. It's not a casual stroll - allow a good hour there and back from Brixham, and wear decent shoes. If you're after a quick photo stop, you might feel the climb isn't worth the effort. Young kids can manage it, but they'll need to be steady on their feet.

Free to visit, and no set hours - you can head up whenever you fancy. For a coastal holiday at one of the nearby parks like South Bay Holiday Park or Waterside Holiday Park, Berry Head makes a cracking half-day excursion. Combine it with Brixham's harbour and fishing boat trips, and you've got a proper seaside afternoon sorted. Best visited in calmer weather - windy days up there can be bruising.