Globe Hotel

The Globe Hotel sits right in the heart of Dawlish, a Georgian coaching inn that's been standing since the 18th century. It's one of those buildings that actually looks the part - proper period features, the kind of place where you can almost hear the clatter of horses and the shouts of stable hands. The hotel itself remains operational, so you can duck inside for a drink or a meal and soak up the atmosphere without needing to book a tour.

Historically minded visitors will appreciate what this place represents. It's a genuine link to the days when Dawlish was a proper coaching stop on the route between Exeter and the coast. The architecture alone tells you something about the town's past importance. You won't find fancy interpretation panels or museum-style displays - this is just an old hotel doing what old hotels do, which is half the charm.

If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks - and there are plenty within walking distance, from Dawlish Sands up to Golden Sands and beyond - the Globe makes an easy afternoon wander into town. It's free to look at from outside, and popping in for a pint costs nothing but the drink itself. Give yourself twenty minutes to have a proper look around, or longer if you fancy settling in for food. The real value is in using it as an anchor point while exploring Dawlish's seafront and Georgian terraces. On a decent day, you're better off combining it with a coastal walk than spending hours staring at old walls.