Ilfracombe

Victorian seaside swagger meets raw Atlantic drama here, where clifftop walks reward with proper wild coastline views. Ilfracombe doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it is - a working harbour town that happens to have cracking beaches and some of the finest coastal scenery in North Devon.

Verity, Damien Hirst's towering bronze sculpture, dominates the harbour approach and divides opinion like nothing else. Love it or loathe it, the 67-foot pregnant woman certainly gets people talking. The harbour itself remains refreshingly unpretentious, with fishing boats sharing space with pleasure craft and the occasional visiting yacht.

Capstone Hill and Lantern Hill offer different perspectives on the surrounding coastline. The former gives you panoramic views across to Wales on clear days, while Lantern Hill provides a gentler climb with equally rewarding vistas. Hele Beach, just east of the main town, delivers proper sand when the tide's out and remains one of North Devon's better-kept secrets.

Getting here means following the A361 from Barnstaple - about 20 minutes of winding road that's well worth the journey. The town sits at the end of the line, which keeps it relatively unspoiled compared to some of Devon's more accessible coastal spots.

Staying at one of the nearby parks like Hele Valley Holiday Park or Watermouth Valley Camping Park puts you within easy reach of both the town's attractions and the wider North Devon coast. You're perfectly placed for day trips to Lundy Island, coastal walks along the South West Coast Path, or simply exploring the network of hidden coves that punctuate this stretch of coastline.