Exeter

Red Devon sandstone glows warm against grey skies here, where cathedral spires pierce the horizon and the River Exe curves lazily toward the coast. This is proper West Country territory - ancient streets wind past medieval churches, while the modern university keeps the energy young and the coffee shops busy.

Powderham Castle dominates the landscape south of the city, its Gothic towers rising from deer-filled parkland that's been home to the Earls of Devon for over 600 years. It's a magnificent pile, well worth the short drive from central Exeter. The nearby village of Topsham offers a different charm entirely - Georgian merchants' houses line quaint streets that lead down to the estuary, where Topsham Museum tells tales of the town's trading past.

Nature lovers should make time for RSPB Bowling Green Marsh, where avocets and curlews pick their way through the mudflats. Dawlish Countryside Park provides gentler walking, perfect for families wanting to stretch their legs without tackling Dartmoor's more demanding terrain.

Exeter sits at Devon's heart, with the cathedral city perfectly positioned for exploring both coast and moor. The M5 brings you straight here, while regular trains connect to London Paddington in under three hours. Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks means you can duck into the city for culture and dining, then retreat to countryside calm - Cofton Holidays and the various coastal parks near Dawlish put you within striking distance of both Exeter's delights and the English Riviera's beaches.