Smeaton's Tower

The red and white striped tower standing on the Hoe at Plymouth is unmissable, and for good reason. Smeaton's Tower is the original Eddystone Lighthouse, brought ashore in 1877 after 120 years guarding rocks fourteen miles out to sea. Climbing the narrow spiral staircase rewards you with proper views across Plymouth Sound and out towards the Channel - on a clear day it's brilliant.

The tower itself tells the story of John Smeaton's engineering feat. You get a real sense of what lighthouse keepers endured, perched on a beam of rock with nothing but sea around them. The cramped quarters and Spartan living conditions make you appreciate modern comforts. Kids tend to engage with it better than you'd expect - there's something about clambering up a real working lighthouse that beats a plaque on a wall.

It's free to explore the outside, though climbing costs a few quid. Allow an hour if you're going to the top, less if you're just taking photos from the Hoe itself. The Hoe is lovely for a wander anyway - beaches, gardens, the Naval Monument. If you're based at Dartmoor Domes, it's straightforward to reach Plymouth in under an hour, making this an easy half-day trip before or after exploring Dartmoor proper. Go on a windless day if possible - the climb's steep enough without the tower swaying.