Watersport Hub

Right on Ilfracombe's doorstep, this water sports centre makes the most of North Devon's dramatic coastline. The facility offers kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and sailing lessons, with instructors who know these waters like the back of their hands. Equipment hire is available for those wanting to go it alone.

Families with teenagers will get the best value here - younger children might find the water sports a bit much, though some centres offer gentler introductory sessions. The setting is properly spectacular, with views across the Bristol Channel that beat any indoor leisure centre hands down.

Timing matters on this stretch of coast. Check the tides before booking, as some activities work better at certain water levels. Summer months obviously offer warmer conditions, but spring and autumn can be surprisingly good with fewer crowds and calmer seas.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense for water sports enthusiasts. Hele Valley Holiday Park sits just half a mile away, while Watermouth Valley Camping Park and the others within a three-mile radius give you easy access without the daily drive. After a morning on the water, you'll appreciate being close enough to get back for a proper cup of tea and a warm shower.