Heddon's Mouth

The walk down to Heddon's Mouth takes you through a proper Devon valley - steep woodland on both sides, a stream running alongside, and not another soul in sight for most of it. Once you reach the beach, it opens up into this wide shingle cove with dramatic red cliffs towering above. It's the kind of place that makes you understand why people move to the South West.

The mouth itself is where the River Heddon meets the sea, so you get fresh water tumbling down alongside the salt water. The beach is mostly shingle and rocks rather than sand, which keeps it quieter than some of the busier Devon beaches. Walkers absolutely love it - the valley walk is roughly a mile each way, manageable for most fitness levels but the return climb is no joke. Families with very young children or anyone after a quick seaside fix might find the walk off-putting, though older kids who enjoy scrambling about on rocks will be in their element.

Ilfracombe is your nearest town, about 4 miles away, and there are several holiday parks within striking distance - Longlands and Sandaway Beach Park are the closest options if you're based locally. Spring and early summer are best; it avoids the school holidays crowds and the weather's usually cooperative. Bring decent shoes because the valley floor gets properly muddy after rain, and don't expect facilities - there's nothing at the beach itself, so pack what you need from Ilfracombe beforehand.