Plymouth

Two railway viaducts stretch across the River Erme like stone ribbons, marking where Ivybridge earned its name and its place on the main London to Cornwall line. This compact market town sits on the southern edge of Dartmoor, making it a proper gateway to both the moor's wild heather and the South Devon coast's sheltered coves.

Kitley Show Cave draws visitors underground into Devon's limestone heart - one of the few commercial caves in the county and well worth the detour. Above ground, Weatherdon Hill and Western Beacon offer cracking views across the moor without the full commitment of a Dartmoor expedition.

The coast beckons just fifteen minutes south. Westcombe Beach feels wonderfully remote despite being easily accessible, while Hoist Beach offers rockpools and relative quiet even in summer. Both beat the crowds you'll find further west.

Ivybridge itself revolves around the Viaduct - the newer concrete one carries today's trains while the Ruined Bridge nearby tells the story of the original crossing. The town centre feels lived-in rather than tourist-focused, which means proper local pubs and cafes that don't close the moment October arrives.

Getting here couldn't be simpler - trains from London Paddington take under four hours, while the A38 sweeps you off the M5 in minutes. Plymouth lies just ten miles southeast for bigger shopping and ferry connections to France or the Isles of Scilly.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to nip into town for supplies or a meal out, yet surrounded by countryside that ranges from Yarninknowle Wood's ancient oaks to the open moorland beyond. It's that rare combination - proper Devon without the remoteness.