Jack Crook's Hole

You won't find signs pointing to Jack Crook's Hole. It's the sort of place locals know about and tourists stumble across by accident while wandering the Devon countryside near Kingsbridge. The cave itself is modest - a natural opening in the rock that's been there far longer than any of us, with enough space to actually go inside and poke about, which is half the appeal when you're with kids who fancy a bit of mild adventure.

The entrance is proper atmospheric on a grey day, a bit eerie even. You get decent views across the surrounding landscape once you're up there, and it's the kind of spot that rewards a bit of scrambling if you're willing to get your boots muddy. History types will appreciate that it's been used by humans for centuries - there's real archaeology here, not just a pretty hole in a rock.

This works best if you're already walking in the area. Don't drive two hours out of your way for it, but if you're based at Karrageen Caravan Park or South Devon Camping just down the road, it's absolutely worth half an hour's exploration. Go when it's not bucketing with rain - the mud becomes a proper liability otherwise. Access is free, which is just as well since you won't find a ticket office.

It's not a destination that'll occupy a full afternoon, but that's fine. Pair it with walks around Kingsbridge and the surrounding South Hams, and you've got something genuinely interesting.