Sir John Colleton

You'll find Sir John Colleton's remains tucked away near Exmouth, a modest but genuinely interesting piece of Devon history that most holiday park visitors walk right past. He was a 17th-century privateer and colonial entrepreneur - the sort of figure who embodied the murky overlap between seafaring adventure and outright opportunism. What you're actually looking at is his grave and memorial, a reminder of the wealth and connections that brought him here to this corner of Devon.

The site itself won't take more than twenty minutes to explore, but that's rather the point. It's straightforward, unfussy, and free to visit - no visitor centre, no gift shop nonsense. History buffs will appreciate the tangible link to the colonial period, and if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Haven Devon Cliffs or Cofton Holidays, it's a legitimate reason to venture beyond the caravan park for an afternoon.

Walkers get the most from this. The location puts you within striking distance of the South West Coast Path, and the immediate area around Exmouth has proper walking routes that would justify a morning or afternoon trip. Families with older children interested in maritime history will find it worthwhile; younger kids might find it a bit thin on the ground in terms of things to do.

The real advantage here is that you're combining a genuine historical stop with everything else the Exmouth seafront offers - beaches, arcades, fish and chips. Don't expect drama, but do expect authenticity.