Seaton Tramway

The vintage electric tram cars that run along this narrow-gauge railway feel like stepping back into the 1950s, though they've only been operating since 1970. You board at Seaton and rattle three miles along the Axe Valley toward Colyford and Colyton, with the River Axe meandering alongside and proper rural Devon unfolding on either side. The journey takes about twenty minutes each way, which is long enough to feel like you've actually gone somewhere without the full commitment of a steam railway expedition. On a clear day the views toward the coastal hills are decent, and the open-air upper decks give you the wind in your hair.

This works best for families with younger kids and railway enthusiasts who'll appreciate the restored 1930s cars and the volunteer crew's obvious affection for the place. Teenagers will likely find it a bit slow. The tramway operates seasonally from Easter through October, with limited winter services, so check ahead before banking on it. Allow an hour and a half if you're planning a return journey with time to stretch your legs at one of the valley villages.

Parked up at Beer Head Holiday Park or Oakdown, you're only minutes away, making it a perfect backup plan for a drizzly afternoon when the beaches aren't appealing. It's not going to change your life, but it's a proper piece of local nostalgia and beats sitting in a café waiting for the rain to pass.