Bideford

Half a million pots of jam once left this harbour each year, bound for London markets via sailing ship. That industrial heritage still whispers through Bideford's cobbled quay, where the River Torridge meets the tidal bore twice daily with proper drama.

Today's town centre feels refreshingly unspoilt. Pop into Burton at Bideford museum and you'll discover why locals call this the 'Little White Town' - those lime-washed houses climbing from the medieval bridge have been doing so for 800 years. The old quay buzzes quietly with fishing boats and pleasure craft, while Country Life Brewery keeps the drinking traditions alive with proper Devon ales.

Kenwith Valley nature reserve sprawls just minutes from the high street, offering woodland walks that lead to Kenwith Lakes. It's a lovely spot for families, especially when combined with the town's outdoor Paddling Pool during summer months. The Tarka the Otter gallery celebrates Henry Williamson's famous novel, set in these very waters.

Westward Ho! beach sits three miles away - that exclamation mark is actually part of the name, making it England's only settlement with punctuation. The pebble ridge here stretches for miles, backed by the Northam Burrows country park. It's a bit blowy most days, but the surfing's decent.

Getting here couldn't be easier from the A39, with Barnstaple just eight miles east for bigger shops and the railway. Holiday parks dot the surrounding countryside from Braddicks Holiday Park to Hidden Valley Touring and Camping Park, putting you within striking distance of both Exmoor's southern edge and the wild Atlantic coast. Perfect for exploring Devon's less trampled corners.