Brixington Park

The coastal path from Exmouth leads you straight to Brixington Park, a proper working nature reserve that feels refreshingly unsignposted and unhyped. What you get here is a genuine stretch of Devon coastline - shale cliffs, scrubby vegetation, and the sort of quiet that makes you wonder why everyone's queuing at the seafront a mile away instead.

It's best suited to walkers and anyone who actually enjoys a bit of wild nature rather than manicured gardens. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars; the cliffs are good for spotting seabirds and the grassland attracts plenty of interest. You can easily spend an hour here without feeling rushed, though it's not the place if your kids need attractions and ice cream shops.

The main appeal is straightforward: decent walking routes with views across the bay, access to the shale shore if the tide's right, and that rare thing - a coastal spot that hasn't been entirely smoothed over for tourism. Free access as far as I can tell, and it's open year-round, though autumn and winter bring the best light and fewest crowds.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks like Devon Cliffs or Welcome Family Holiday Park, this makes an excellent morning walk before heading back for lunch. It's the sort of place that properly complements a seaside holiday without demanding much planning - just turn up with decent shoes and expect to enjoy yourself quietly. Worth the short trip from Exmouth.