Lantern Hill

Standing 145 metres above Ilfracombe, this modest hill rewards the short climb with proper views across the Bristol Channel to Wales. The path up from the town centre is well-marked but gets steep in places - took me about 20 minutes at a steady pace.

From the top, you'll see Lundy Island on clear days and the dramatic North Devon coastline stretching east and west. It's not a challenging walk, making it ideal for families with older children who can manage the gradient. The views are lovely, though I wouldn't call them spectacular - you're essentially looking at sea and coastline rather than dramatic inland scenery.

Best visited in the morning when the light is better for photos and before the afternoon haze sets in. Allow an hour including the walk up and time to enjoy the views. The hill is free to access and open all year, though winter visits can be properly windy.

If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks around Ilfracombe like Hele Valley or Watermouth Valley, Lantern Hill makes a decent morning excursion before hitting the beach. It's the sort of walk that gives kids a sense of achievement without being a proper hike, and the views provide good context for understanding this stretch of the Devon coast.