Elm Lodge

Walk into Elm Lodge and you're immediately in an open-plan living space that runs the length of the ground floor. A smart TV with Firestick and remote-controlled electric fire face out towards patio doors that open onto a wraparound decked terrace—the main gathering point. The kitchen is fitted for actual cooking: gas hob and oven, dishwasher, fridge-freezer and microwave. Bedrooms are straightforward: one with a king bed and ensuite bathroom (bath with shower attachment, heated towel rail), the other with two single beds. A separate shower room serves the second bedroom. Wifi, heating, electricity, bed linen and towels are all included.

The lodge sits within a maintained holiday park roughly two minutes' drive from the beach at Hele, and about two miles from Ilfracombe, where the Victorian harbour still operates as a working port and the seafront has chip shops, ice cream stands and galleries mixed in with independent shops. The park itself has a kids' play area, laundry facilities and a dog washing station. Outside the lodge, the enclosed decking wraps around with garden furniture for eating outdoors. There's parking on site. One small to medium dog can stay free. The garden has four steps. Non-smoking throughout.