Brownsham

The ruins of Brownsham sit on the North Devon coast near Bideford, a smattering of stone walls and foundations that once formed a medieval fortified manor house. It's not much to look at now - more archaeological site than dramatic ruin - but the setting tells the real story. You're standing on a headland with proper coastal views, and the walk to get there is half the appeal. There's a rough path down from the cliff top, which takes maybe fifteen minutes depending on your fitness and how much you dawdle.

This is very much a spot for history types and walkers rather than families with young kids. There's no visitor centre, no interpretive panels, no tea shop. Just you, the stones, and the wind. If that sounds tedious, skip it. If you like piecing together fragments of the past and imagining Tudor-era life on this exposed stretch of coast, you'll find it rewarding.

Free to access, naturally - it's open countryside. Give yourself forty minutes to an hour if you're going to do the walk and spend time poking about the ruins. Early morning is best; the wind tends to pick up by mid-afternoon. It works well as a morning detour from either Coastal Cabins Glamping or Roeys Retreat Campsite, both within easy reach of Bideford. The nearby town itself is worth a proper explore, with a working harbour and decent pubs along the quay.