Kingsbridge

Steep lanes tumble down through ancient Devon countryside to where the South Hams meet the sea. Kingsbridge sits snug at the head of a drowned valley, its estuary reaching inland like fingers through rolling farmland. This proper market town has been trading since medieval times, and you can still feel that merchant heritage in the narrow streets above the water.

The real draw here is the coastline within easy reach. Slapton Sands stretches for miles - a shingle barrier beach that's fascinating rather than pretty, backed by the freshwater lagoon of Slapton Ley. The beach holds serious wartime history too, marked by the Slapton Sands Monument commemorating American forces who trained here for D-Day. Further south, Beesands offers a quieter stretch of coast, while Great Mattiscombe Sand provides a more secluded spot for those willing to walk.

From any of the nearby parks, you're perfectly placed for coastal walks and inland exploration. The countryside here is proper Devon - deep lanes threading between high hedgerows, ancient woods like France Wood and Melro de Smithes Wood clothing the hillsides. Widdicombe Ley, a peaceful lake tucked into the landscape, makes for a gentle afternoon's walk.

Kingsbridge itself is about 25 minutes from Dartmouth and an hour from Plymouth. The A381 brings you down from the A38, though those final approaches through South Hams villages can be narrow - take it steady. Staying at one of the local parks puts you right in the heart of this unspoilt corner of South Devon, with both coast and countryside on the doorstep.