Wembury CoastSnap

The rocky beach at Wembury is one of those spots where the geology does the talking. Dramatic volcanic cliffs rise up behind a stretch of pebbly shore, and at low tide you can explore rock pools that teem with starfish, anemones, and the odd crab. It's proper Devon coastline - raw, unspoiled, nothing manicured about it.

The village itself sits just inland, which means you're not fighting crowds of day-trippers. Families with younger kids will find the rock pools endlessly entertaining for an hour or so, though older children might get restless quickly if the tide's in and there's nowhere to explore. Serious walkers should factor in the South West Coast Path, which runs right past here - it's a cracking stretch if you've got the legs for it.

Wembury is free to visit and you can pitch up most of the year, though winter storms can make access a bit dodgy. Budget two to three hours if you're doing the pools and a casual walk, longer if you're tackling the coast path properly. The nearest town is Plymouth, which gives you a realistic base if you're combining this with other attractions in the area.

If you're staying at Hidden Hill Devon glamping site just up the road, this works as an easy morning jaunt. The contrast between that luxury bubble and this raw stretch of coast is rather pleasant, actually. Just wear proper shoes - the rocks are slippery and unforgiving.