North Devon

North Devon does food simply and well, built around what comes off the boats and out of the surrounding farmland. Harbour towns like Ilfracombe and Appledore have long traded on their fishing catches, and you'll find crab, mackerel and other seafood turning up on menus in pubs and small restaurants along the coast. Inland, the farms that roll across this part of Devon supply the cream, cheese and cider that show up just as often, so a meal out here tends to mean something properly local rather than flown in.

Where you stay shapes the trip as much as anything. Self-catering is the way most people do North Devon, and having a kitchen of your own means you can make the most of a market stall find or a bag of fresh-caught fish without having to book a table every night. The Retreat - Cowslip and The Retreat - The Den offer that kind of base, while The Schoolhouse at Instow puts you right by the water, near one of the prettiest little villages on the estuary. Further out, converted farm buildings like The Shippen, The Shippon and The Smithy give a quieter, more rural stay, and The Shepherdess Hut and The Snug suit those wanting something smaller and simpler.

The coastline itself is the main draw beyond the table. This is surf country, with big beaches and Atlantic swell that pull people to spots like Woolacombe and Croyde, and the South West Coast Path runs the length of it for walkers who want the cliffs and coves at a slower pace. Exmoor sits within easy reach too, adding moorland walking and a different kind of scenery to the mix.