Stuart Line Cruises

The Stuart Line Cruises operate from Dawlish, offering trips along the Devon coastline that actually let you see the town and surrounding cliffs from the water rather than standing in a queue on the shore. You're looking at hour-long coastal cruises, the sort where you can properly spot the red sandstone formations that make this bit of Devon distinctive. They run seasonally, so summer's your best bet for regular sailings.

It's worth doing if you've got a spare afternoon and the kids are starting to flag from beach time. Adults tend to enjoy it more than you'd expect - there's something about seeing the coast from sea level that changes how you read the landscape. The Dawlish seafront looks completely different from a boat. That said, don't expect white-knuckle excitement. This is gentle, steady boating, not a speedboat thrill ride.

Stay at one of the nearby parks - Dawlish Sands, Welcome Family, or Golden Sands are all within walking distance of the embarkation point - and you can slot this in as part of a coastal holiday without disrupting everything else. Pair it with walks along the Dawlish coast path or time on the beach itself. The novelty factor keeps families onboard for the full trip, and the commentary usually covers the local geology and wildlife.

Check ahead for times and prices before you book your accommodation. Summer holidays fill up fast here.