Old Priory

The ruins of Old Priory sit quietly on the outskirts of Bideford, a place that rewards a bit of wandering to find. What remains are the skeletal stone walls of a medieval religious house, enough to give you a real sense of what monastic life demanded - the scale of the buildings, the thought that went into the layout. You're looking at genuine history here, not a reconstructed version.

It's the sort of spot that appeals most to history enthusiasts and keen walkers rather than families after a day of activities. There's no visitor centre, no interpretation boards that I could see, which means you'll need to do a bit of detective work yourself. That's actually rather nice - it forces you to pay attention. Allow 20 minutes to an hour depending on how much you want to explore and photograph.

The surrounding countryside is genuinely lovely for a stroll, and Bideford itself is close enough for a proper lunch if you've worked up an appetite. Both Owl Valley Glamping and Broad Park Camping and Glamping sit within a few miles, making Old Priory an easy addition to a longer park-based holiday in Devon. If you're already in the area exploring the North Devon coast, it's worth the detour. Just don't expect crowds or facilities - it's very much a solitary sort of visit.