Chapel of St Nicholas

The Chapel of St Nicholas sits right on Ilfracombe's seafront, and honestly, you can't miss it. This 14th-century stone building is one of Devon's tiniest places of worship, perched on a rocky outcrop where the town tumbles down to the water. Step inside and you're transported - whitewashed walls, narrow windows framing the sea beyond, and an atmosphere so calm it feels almost illegal to speak above a whisper.

It's less a destination in itself and more a proper gem for anyone wandering Ilfracombe's seafront. History buffs will appreciate its age and the stories embedded in its walls. Kids won't linger long - five minutes max - but they'll find it wonderfully atmospheric. The real draw is that you've got the sea on three sides, so the light changes constantly throughout the day, and sunrise or late afternoon gives you something genuinely special.

Admission is typically free, though donations support upkeep. Allow maybe ten minutes to have a proper look around, longer if you're the type to sit quiet and soak it in. The walk there is gentle enough, with benches if you need to rest partway.

If you're staying at Sandaway Beach Holiday Park just down the coast, this is an easy ramble. Longlands, further inland, works too - it's a short drive in and a lovely addition to a seaside morning. Pair it with Ilfracombe's stronger attractions - the pier, the seafront walks - and you've got a proper half-day sorted.