Hollerday House

Perched above Lynton, Hollerday House is a Victorian villa that stops you dead when you first spot it. The building itself is striking - all that period architecture clinging to the hillside with views across the valley that justify every step of the climb. What you're really here for is the sense of place: this is where you get a proper feel for how Victorian gentry lived in this corner of Devon, away from the London hustle.

The house works best for history buffs and anyone who finds themselves drawn to the architecture and domestic life of the 1800s. It's not a theme park, so don't expect crowds or heavy-handed interpretation. You'll spend an hour here, maybe a bit longer if you're the type to linger over the views from the garden. The walk up from Lynton adds character but will knacker you if you're not steady on your feet.

If you're staying at Lynmouth Holiday Retreat down the coast, this makes a solid morning or afternoon outing - pair it with a wander round Lynton itself or a descent to Lynmouth along the cliff path. The area's all about Victorian seaside charm, so Hollerday fits the mood perfectly. Worth checking locally about opening hours and whether there's an admission fee before you trek up there, but the views alone make the climb worthwhile even if the house itself is closed.