Maceley Cove

The walk down to Maceley Cove from Kingsbridge is steep - properly steep - and your calves will remind you of it on the way back up. But that's rather the point. This small Devon beach doesn't get rammed because most people can't be bothered with the climb, which means you'll often have the place practically to yourself.

Once you're down there, it's a cracking spot. The cove is sheltered, backed by high cliffs and dense woodland, with a decent stretch of sand and rock pools that reward a proper poke around at low tide. The water's cold but swimmable in summer, and there's something about the remoteness that makes it feel like you've discovered somewhere the coaches haven't found yet.

It's best suited to walkers and families who don't mind effort for their reward. Young kids can manage the descent but will need a hand back up, and it's not the place to come if you want deckchairs and ice cream vans. Allow at least two hours if you're swimming or exploring the pools.

From either Wilton Farm Camping South Devon or Karrageen Caravan & Camping Park - both rated brilliantly and within easy reach - Maceley makes a proper day out. Go midweek or outside school holidays if you value peace. The route itself is lovely, through farmland and down a wooded path, which counts as exercise for whatever you eat at the pub in Kingsbridge afterwards.