Devon

A part in South Devon has been named the “most relaxing UK location” to visit in autumn – and it’s easy to see why

Bigbury-on-Sea, a coastal village in South Devon, has been lauded for its ‘stunning’ beach and named one of the top UK spots for autumn getaways. Nestled in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this tranquil haven is a hit with walkers, birdwatchers, watersport enthusiasts, and families seeking a peaceful retreat to a sandy sanctuary.

In fact, it’s so highly regarded that it’s been dubbed the “most relaxing UK location” for a visit during the chillier months. The accolade comes courtesy of Parkdean Resorts, which described the “tranquil village” as the perfect spot for a “calming autumn staycation”.

The holiday firm praised the locale, saying: “This coastal gem offers picturesque views, serene walking trails, and tranquil shores.

“Its peaceful atmosphere, combined with its natural beauty, makes it an ideal escape for those looking to unwind and reconnect with nature this autumn.”

Situated within the South Devon National Landscape, Bigbury-On-Sea is renowned for its wildlife and natural splendour.

Just a stone’s throw from the mainland lies the iconic Burgh Island, accessible via a sandy pathway when the tide is low.

However, when the tide rolls in, the sea engulfs the causeway, leaving island visitors with the option of returning to shore by sea tractor or boat, reports the Express.

The beach also draws in sports lovers, offering prime conditions for windsurfing and paddleboarding. With amenities such as a cafe, public toilets, and parking available, it’s no wonder the beach is a family favourite too.

Canines are permitted on the main stretch of sand from October through to May, whilst they can frolic on the beach west of the causeway throughout the entire year.

For those who fancy a stroll, numerous coastal rambles begin near the shoreline and provide breathtaking vistas of the dramatic cliffs and rugged coastline.

One holidaymaker penned on TripAdvisor : “Bigbury-on-Sea is a bit of a jackpot if you’re after a dog-friendly beach with food and drink options within stumbling distance.”

Another commented: “My happy place. When the sun is shining this is great. Good sand, great views, good surf, good walk options, great beach barista coffee, and weirdly now has a sauna.”

A third visitor posted: “It’s a dog friend beach with amazing walks, stunning views and a fantastic coffee van which is much needed after a session in the wonderful waves for surfing!”.

Someone else shared: “Such an amazing beach, great views, went across onto the island and the views were amazing from the top.A great day out and also good for dogs because of the lovely sandy beach.”

The top fish and chip takeaways and restaurants across the UK have been listed, with some surprising entries

As the year draws nearer to a close, it’s time to celebrate the very best of tasty food, as the Fry Awards announce their top spots for fish and chips in the UK.

Fry Magazine has yet again unveiled its ruling of the 50 best fish and chip takeaways, alongside their top 10 restaurants. These results come after months of judges secretly assessing fish and chip shops nationwide, assessing them on key things such as their food quality, cleanliness, staff, and value for money.

It was only those with the highest scores that rightfully earned themselves an award, and the pass mark for both categories had to be an impressive 96% and above. 2025 marks the 13th year of the awards taking place, and its list is evidence that good food is going nowhere in the UK.

The top 10 restaurants show a wide range of locations, from down south by the coast of Devon right up to Glasgow in Scotland, but it’s safe to say the top contenders are mostly based in beloved seaside towns. Sticking out like a sore thumb, however, is the capital’s only entry in the top restaurants list, and that’s Toff’s of Muswell Hill, in London.

10 Best Restaurants

Catch, Giffnock, Glasgow

Eric’s Fish & Chips, Hunstanton, Norfolk

Fish City, Belfast

Harbour Lights, Falmouth, Cornwall

Pier Point Bar & Restaurant, Torquay, Devon

Squires Fish Restaurant, Braunton, Devon

The Elite, Tritton Road, Lincoln, Lincolnshire

The Magpie Cafe, Whitby, North Yorkshire

The Scallop Shell, Bath, Somerset

Toff’s of Muswell Hill, Muswell Hill, London

Included in the sizeable list are plenty of places in Yorkshire, with seven total entries in the exclusive list, including the likes of Lighthouse Fisheries of Flamborough and Two Gates Fisheries. Home to the likes of Southend-on-Sea and Clacton-on-Sea, the county of Essex also came out with a total of four fish and chip takeaways alone, making waves in the world of seafood.

Reece Head, competition organiser, said: “Another year has passed and, once again, these shops have shown resilience, adapting to today’s challenges with remarkable dedication. At a time when inflationary pressures are being felt, these businesses continue to stay positive and prioritise their customers, maintain exceptional standards, and find innovative ways to keep fish and chips affordable.

“Starting the year as award winners is a fantastic way for fish and chip shops to kick off 2025, setting the tone for a successful year ahead. Whether served in a restaurant, a takeaway, or from a mobile unit, the Fry Awards prove that quality fish and chips can be enjoyed anywhere.”

50 Best Takeaways (in alphabetical order)

• Ainsworth’s Fish & Chips, Caernarfon
• Angel Lane Chippie, Penrith, Cumbria
• Angell’s Fisheries, Newark, Nottinghamshire
• Batterfly Fish & Chips, Surbiton, Surrey
• Bredon Village Fish and Chip Shop, Bredon, Worcestershire
• Callaway’s Fish & Chips, Dorchester, Dorset
• Churchill’s Fish & Chips Langney, Eastbourne, East Sussex

• Farnham’s at Fontygary, Rhoose, Vale Of Glamorgan
• Fiddlers Elbow, Leintwardine, Herefordshire
• Fintans Fish & Chip Co. Llanishen, Cardiff
• Fishnchickn, Hutton, Brentwood, Essex
• French’s Fish Shop, Wells next the Sea, Norfolk
• Garioch Fish Bar, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire
• Greg & Lou’s, Redruth, Cornwall
• Henley’s of Wivenhoe, Colchester, Essex
• Hiks, Brynhyfryd, Swansea
• Hirds Family Fisheries, Halifax, West Yorkshire
• Howe & Co 55, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

• Joe’s Traditional Fish and Chips, Strabane , County Tyrone
• Kellaway’s Fish and Chips, Truro, Cornwall
• Kirbys of Horsforth, Horsforth , Leeds
• Kirbys of Meanwood, Meanwood, Leeds
• Lighthouse Fisheries Of Flamborough, Flamborough, East Yorkshire
• Malt and Anchor, Cirencester, Gloucestershire
• Moore’s Fish & Chips, Castle Douglas, Dumfries & Galloway

• Oysters Fish & Chips, Lightwater, Surrey
• Oysters Fish & Chips, Marlow Bottom, Buckinghamshire
• Pennington Plaice, Leigh, Greater Manchester
• Pier Point, Torquay, Devon
• Pisces, Fleetwood, Lancashire
• Portside Fish & Chips, South Elmsall, Leeds
• Portside Fish & Chips, Kirkstall Road, Leeds
• Quintiliani’s Fast Food, Hamilton, Larkhall, South Lanarkshire

• Redcloak Fish Bar , Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire
• Sea Blue Fisheries, Clowne, Derbyshire
• Sea Salt + Sole, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire
• Seafront Chippy, Hornsea, East Yorkshire
• Shappy Wheels, Shap, Cumbria
• Shaws Fish And Chips, Dodworth, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
• Squires, Braunton, Devon
• Sykes Fish and Chips, Manchester

• The Anchor, Bexley, South East London
• The Bearded Sailor, Pudsey, Leeds, West Yorkshire
• The Cafe Royal, Annan, Dumfries and Galloway
• The Chippie Van, Penrith, Cumbria
• The Codfather, Wakefield, West Yorkshire

• The Fish at Goose Green, Wigan, Greater Manchester
• The Fish Bank, Sherburn in Elmet, North Yorkshire
• The Friary, Carrickfergus, Co Antrim
• The Hook of Clacton, Clacton on Sea, Essex
• The Oyster Shell, Bath, Somerset
• The Village Fish & Chips, Petts Wood, Orpington, Kent
• Town Street Fryer, Marple Bridge, Stockport, Cheshire
• Two Gates Fisheries, Shafton, Barnsley, South Yorkshire

Lustleigh is a stunning village that you’ve likely never heard of – unless you live in South Devon, that is. The hidden gem is a perfect destination to visit this autumn

Lustleigh is a breathtaking village you’ve probably never come across – unless you happen to live in South Devon. This tucked-away treasure makes for an ideal autumn getaway, with its charming thatched cottages and meandering lanes creating the sensation of having travelled back through the centuries.

Nestled within Dartmoor National Park’s boundaries, Lustleigh radiates “timeless charm and natural beauty,” the Visit South Devon website states. It’s not difficult to understand why, given the village regularly features on countless lists celebrating Britain’s most picturesque settlements.

The surrounding area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with historians and archaeologists unearthing stone hut circle remnants and evidence of Stone Age occupation.

Some historians suggest the settlement appeared under the name Suðeswyrðe in Alfred the Great’s will, where he bequeathed the town to his youngest son Æthelweard. It subsequently appeared in the Domesday Book as Sutreworde in 1086.

Nevertheless, others contend that Sutreworde wasn’t today’s Lustleigh, but rather existed at a neighbouring location. Regardless, the village’s heritage clearly extends far into the past, reports the Express.

During the 19th century, the neighbouring settlement of Wrayland merged with Lustleigh, and the magnificent Grade-II listed Wreyland Manor has stayed within the village’s boundaries ever since.

Those keen to explore Lustleigh’s heritage should head straight for the beautiful church of St. John the Baptist and the renowned Primrose Tea Rooms.

The tea rooms occupy one of the village’s historic thatched properties and have earned praise from TripAdvisor visitors.

One reviewer remarked: “Beautiful place to visit. Excellent food and service.

“Everything is to such a high standard and so delicious. I can’t wait to visit again. The afternoon tea is fantastic!”.

Another guest commented: “My first visit and I was very pleased with the outstanding service and the wonderful cream tea. The tea room was bright and airy with lovely decor.”

The establishment operates seasonally from spring through late autumn, so visitors are advised to confirm opening times before travelling.

Whilst the tearoom closes during winter months, the area remains an attractive destination year-round. Christmas visitors shouldn’t miss the beloved Boxing Day duck race at Lustleigh Park, which has become a cherished annual tradition.

Earlier in the calendar, the May Day festivities on the first Saturday in May offer another highlight. This time-honoured celebration features a village procession, traditional maypole dancing, and the ceremonial crowning of the May Queen.

The English Riviera is a 22-mile stretch of the South Devon coast with Torquay at its northern end. It’s sometimes compared to the French Riviera, but it’s a very different place

Stand on the promenade of this legendary seaside resort when the weather’s pleasant, and you could easily mistake yourself for being somewhere on the Mediterranean rather than in Britain. Lines of palm trees flutter in the wind, waves gently wash onto an expansive sandy shore and gleaming art-deco structures perch on the hillside overhead.

Take a closer look, though, and there are telltale signs you’re actually on the English coast rather than somewhere along the French Riviera. Reach reporter Milo Boyd is pretty sure traditional fish and chip outlets, seaside souvenir shops and penny arcade machines aren’t common sights along the Côte d’Azur.

And whilst a typical July afternoon in this Devon resort of 50,000 residents reaches around 20C with some cloud cover, the French Riviera basks in 29C temperatures with glorious sunshine and clear blue skies.

Parallels drawn between the Devon shoreline and the glamorous French destination date back to Victorian times, when tourists likened the mild microclimate and stunning landscape of Torbay – a 22-mile section of the South Devon coast with Torquay at its northern tip – to the 186 miles of the original Riviera.

Whilst the French Riviera sometimes faces criticism for being overly warm, rather posh, and costly, Torquay regularly receives brutal assessments of an entirely different nature.

Actually, it appears to attract an unfair share of criticism, reports Devon Live.

Last year, a Which? survey declared Torquay as Brits’ most disliked seaside destination, whilst The Telegraph ranked it as their 13th most disappointing coastal location.

Even one of Milo’s taxi drivers couldn’t resist having a dig, branding the high street as a “dump”. The decision-making process of these competition judges is a mystery to him, and their lack of taste in coastal spots is evident.

After a weekend getaway in Torbay, Milo was captivated and intrigued by Torquay, a seaside town unlike any other he has encountered in the UK.

Food and drink in Torquay

One of the town’s most appealing and tasty features is its food. Sure, you can find the traditional cod and chips every 10m along the seafront as you would in most UK seaside towns, but Torquay has much more to offer.

Milo had the good fortune to get a quick tour of the town’s food scene through an invitation to the 7 Chefs event on 4 October. Over seven hours, guests are treated to seven different seafood dishes, each crafted by a different chef and served in a different independent restaurant.

This annual event is highly sought after, making stops at the Michelin-starred Elephant for some braised octopus, the sibling-run Ollie’s for a generous lobster thermidor, delicately prepared oysters at No. 7 Fish Bistro and Offshore for its unique take on mussels with katsu.

If you fancy indulging in top-quality seafood and British-produced wines, then this event is perfect for you.

It might only happen once annually and set you back £120, but you’ll require a solid 364 days to recover after tackling diver-caught scallops at The Yacht, a generous helping of fish and chips at Pier Point, and cheese with far too much port at Twenty1 Lounge.

“Lightweight,” one of my fellow foodie companions shouted after me as he ordered another couple of reds for good measure, whilst Milo hauled his aching frame into a taxi.

The event also runs in Brixham on the opposite side of the bay.

The vibrant, boutique village houses one of England’s largest fishing markets and restaurants, including Olive, The Prince William, and The Mermaid, where many of the 40 fish and shellfish varieties landed here are consumed.

‘The Queen of the English Riviera’

Torquay is often dubbed ‘the Queen of the English Riviera’, and rightfully so.

On a bright day, the magnificent art deco properties crown the hillside overlooking the bay, sparkling in the sunlight like gems in a tiara.

Torbay lies just beyond the western tip of the Jurassic Coast and comprises Devonian limestones intersected with red ochre deposits.

These form a intricate landscape featuring elements like the wave-carved Berry Head platform and natural caves. On a Sunday afternoon, Milo was given a tour by Nigel Smallbones, the ranger at Berry Head Nature Reserve for 27 years.

He showed Milo the roosting spot of a 1,600-strong guillemot colony, the cave system where his son monitors the 56 resident horseshoe bats, and explained how rock enthusiasts travel from as far as China to appreciate the geology.

A short half-hour drive around the bay led me to Kents Cavern – a prehistoric cave system unearthed by some tough Victorians. It’s an awe-inspiring place that continues to yield significant scientific discoveries, including the jawbone of a Neolithic girl likely devoured by cave hyenas, and a colossal bear skull.

If exploring a cavern filled with stalagmites and stalactites isn’t your cup of tea, just up the road lies a piece of British comedy history – the hotel that inspired John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers. Perhaps due to its somewhat infamous association, the hotel has since been replaced by a block of flats and a commemorative blue plaque.

One stark difference between the Rivieras is their approach to drinking. Milo was genuinely taken aback and impressed by the amount his fellow restaurant-goers consumed, and how some managed to stomach a full English breakfast on a sunrise boat trip the next morning.

Such passion and resilience would be hard to find on the French Riviera.

Locals he spoke with admitted that Torquay’s nightlife isn’t what it used to be, with several mourning the loss of two clubs that once offered unlimited drinks for under a tenner.

Nevertheless, the party atmosphere endures through the 1,200-capacity Arena Torquay, which is hosting an Ibiza throwback evening next week, alongside a string of bars along the quayside.

With roaming packs of stag and hen parties, some donning lederhosen in honour of Oktoberfest, Torquay remains regarded as a cracking spot for a night out.

Devon’s temperate climate and breezy conditions mean its flourishing vineyard industry creates light, refreshing wines that complement seafood perfectly – a fortunate match.

Torquay also boasts several gin distilleries.

Laurance Traverso, director of the Coastal Distillery Co, served me a delightful G&T from his waterside headquarters.

So what’s behind the animosity?

There’s undoubtedly a segment of the British public that simply doesn’t rate Torquay.

If you rock up for a family break and have the bad luck of being drenched for seven days straight, Milo can see their point.

Some townsfolk have grown fed up with the high street and how districts beyond the seafront and tourist hotspots have deteriorated.

Local Sophie Ellis-Marsden revealed: “I avoid that end of town. I don’t have much nice to say, to be honest. The waterfront is lovely, and that’s the only thing that is.

“It’s nice, don’t get me wrong, I moved here from Milton Keynes for the sea, but it needs more work. More shops just seem to be shutting down. Everything’s gone, and I don’t really know why.”

The local authority appears determined to tackle these problems head-on.

Significant investment has already been made, with much more planned for the future.

The Strand at the harbourside has been transformed into a piazza-style promenade, featuring expanded pedestrian zones for dining and seating, plus improved public transport connections.

A former Debenhams department store is earmarked for demolition, to be replaced with new homes, cafés, restaurants, and an upmarket hotel.

Additional proposals are in the works for the town centre, along with further development at The Strand, which the council estimated would create approximately 80 full-time jobs, £32 million in wages, and attract 86,000 new visitors over a 30-year period.

The total cost of the scheme is reported to be £70 million.

Torquay, which sits at the northern end of Torbay in Devon, is a town that attracts as much hate as it does love so one reporter went to find out why

Milo Boyd is a Digital Travel reporter who covers aviation news, the environment, the cruise industry and much else including travel tips, bargain holiday suggestions and inspirational global trips.

Stand on the boardwalk of Torquay when the sun is shining, and it’s easy to forget you’re in the UK and not on the Med.

Rows of palm trees sway in the breeze, the sea laps onto a long sandy beach and white art-deco buildings sit on the hill above. Look a bit harder, however, and there are signs you’re in the English rather than the French Riviera.

I’ve not visited Saint-Tropez before, but I’m fairly confident fish and chip shops, bucket and spade emporiums and 2p arcades aren’t major fixtures on the Côte d’Azur. The average July day in the Devon town of 50,000 is 20C and a bit cloudy, while the French Riviera enjoys 29C days of sunshine and blue skies.

OPINION

Milo Boyd

READ MORE: Holidays to sun-soaked island with £3 beers and 30C October weather just got cheaper

Comparisons between the Devonshire coastline and the glitzy French region originated in the Victorian era, when visitors compared the warm microclimate and beautiful scenery of Torbay, a 22-mile stretch of the South Devon coast with Torquay at its northern end, to the 186 miles of the original Riviera.

While the French Riviera is sometimes criticised for being too hot, a bit snobby, and expensive, Torquay occasionally comes in for harsh words of a different variety. In fact, it seems to get a disproportionate amount of heat. Last year, a Which? survey named Torquay as Brits’ least favourite seaside town, while The Telegraph named it as its 13th worst coastal spot. Even one of my cabbies stuck a boot in, condemning the high street as a “dump”.

How the judges of those competitions came to their conclusion is something of a mystery to me, and their poor taste in coastal spots is obvious. After a weekend break in Torbay, I came away enchanted and intrigued by Torquay — a seaside town that is unlike any other I’ve come across in the UK.

One of the town’s strongest and most delicious qualities is its food. Of course, you can get a classic cod and chips every 10m along the seafront as you can in most UK seaside towns, but Torquay also offers a lot more.

I was lucky enough to get a whistle-stop tour of the town’s culinary scene through an invitation to the 7 Chefs event on October 4. Over the course of seven hours, guests experience seven different seafood dishes, each created by a different chef and served in a different independent restaurant.

The annual event is a hot ticket, stopping off as it does at the Michelin-starred Elephant for a spot of braised octopus, brother-and-sister-run Ollie’s for a very generous lobster thermidor, delicately prepared oysters at No.7 Fish Bistro and Offshore to try its katsu take on mussels.

If you love gorging yourself on the highest-grade seafood and British-produced wines going, then this is the event for you. It may take place just once a year and cost £120, but you’ll need a good 364 days’ break to digest once you’ve taken on diver-caught scallops at The Yacht, a not-so-mini portion of fish and chips at Pier Point, and cheese and too much port at Twenty1 Lounge.

“Lightweight,” one of my new gourmet pals called after me as he got another couple of reds in for good measure, while I heaved my creaking body into a taxi.

The event is also run in Brixham on the other side of the bay. The multi-coloured, boutique village is home to one of England’s biggest fishing markets and eateries, including Olive, The Prince William, and The Mermaid, where many of the 40 fish and shellfish species landed here are eaten.

Torquay is sometimes called ‘the Queen of the English Riviera’, and for good reason. On a sunny day, the grand art deco houses crest the hill overlooking the bay, twinkling in the sunshine like jewels in a crown.

Torbay sits just past the western end of the Jurassic Coast and is made up of Devonian limestones cut through with red ochre deposits. These create a complex landscape with features like the wave-cut Berry Head platform and natural caverns.

On Sunday afternoon, Nigel Smallbones, the ranger at Berry Head Nature Reserve for a 27 year stint, showed me around, pointing out where the 1,600-guillemot-strong colony roosts, the cave system where his son monitors the 56 resident horseshoe bats, and how rock fans come from as far away as China to enjoy the geology.

Half an hour’s drive round the bay found me down within the rock formations at Kents Cavern — a prehistoric cave system excavated by some hard-as-nails Victorians. It’s a dramatic place that keeps delivering major scientific discoveries, including the jawbone of a Neolithic girl probably eaten by cave hyenas, and a massive bear skull.

If a tour of the stalagmite-and-tite-filled cavern isn’t your thing, then just up the road is a piece of British comedy history — the hotel where John Cleese had the inspiration for Fawlty Towers. Perhaps because of the slightly damning association, the hotel is long gone, replaced by a block of flats and a blue plaque.

Another fundamental difference between the Rivieras is their attitude to boozing. I was genuinely shocked and impressed by how much my fellow restaurant crawlers put away, and how some of them had steady enough stomachs for a fry-up on a sunrise boat trip the following morning.

You’d struggle to find people of such passion and stern stuff on the French Riviera.

Locals I chatted to conceded that the nightlife in Torquay isn’t what it once was, a number lamenting how two clubs that offered all-you-can-drink for less than a tenner are now long gone. However, the party spirit lives on in the form of the 1,200-capacity Arena Torquay, which hosts an Ibiza throwback night next week, and a row of bars down on the quayside.

Given the marauding groups of stag and hen dos, some dressed in lederhosen in respect of Oktoberfest, Torquay is still considered a good place to party.

Devon’s mild climate and wind mean its growing vineyard scene produces light, crisp wines that pair well with fish—a happy coincidence. Torquay also has a number of gin distilleries. Laurance Traverso, director of the Coastal Distillery Co, poured me a delicious G&T from his base down by the water.

So why the hate?

There is, undeniably, a section of the British public that doesn’t like Torquay. If you arrive on a family holiday and have the misfortune of getting rained on for a week, I can understand it.

Some residents of the town have grown frustrated with the high street and how areas away from the seaside and the gaze of tourists have become run-down. Local Sophie Ellis-Marsden explained: “I avoid that end of town. I don’t have much nice to say, to be honest. The waterfront is lovely, and that’s the only thing that is.

“It’s nice, don’t get me wrong, I moved here from Milton Keynes for the sea, but it needs more work. More shops just seem to be shutting down. Everything’s gone, and I don’t really know why.”

The council seems committed to sorting out these issues. There has been some serious investment, with plenty more in the pipeline. The Strand at the harbourside has been turned into a piazza-style promenade, with wider pedestrian areas for dining and seating, and better public transport links.

A former Debenhams department store is set to be demolished, replaced with new homes, cafés, restaurants, and an upmarket hotel. There are plans in the town centre too, and further development at The Strand, which the council predicted would provide about 80 full-time jobs, £32 million in wages, and bring 86,000 new visitors over a 30-year period. The entire cost of the scheme is reported to be £70 million.

How to visit

The official English Riviera site has plenty of suggestions on where to stay and what to do.

The train from London takes three hours from Paddington to Torquay.

Milo Boyd from the Mirror’s travel desk headed down to Brixham in Torbay, Devon to check out the town’s pub, restaurant, fishing and music scene over a long October weekend

Milo Boyd is a Digital Travel reporter who covers aviation news, the environment, the cruise industry and much else including travel tips, bargain holiday suggestions and inspirational global trips.

Brixham is a small town on the Devon coast that may be the perfect place to go on holiday.

That’s because it is not your typical UK seaside destination. It is a whole lot more interesting, prettier and unexpected than that.

Historians will tell you that William of Orange first put Brixham on the map when he landed his army there in 1688, before marching off to London to claim the throne and mark the Glorious Revolution as a “big success”.

A short 111 years later, Parliament approved the construction of its fish market, which grew to be the biggest in England. Back then, 270 sail-operated decked trawlers and 1,600 seamen battled the elements to land thousands of tonnes of fish, which steam trains chugged up the railways to the Capital.

Today, a post-Covid online auction system means buyers across the world order some of the £25 million of catch landed annually at England’s most valuable fish market.

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But for me, and I suspect most holidaymakers who visit Brixham, it isn’t the royal connection or fishing that make the town an excellent place to visit. It’s Brixham’s beauty, and how much locals love to party.

On the beauty front, the good looks of Brixham are undeniable. My wife and I stayed in the Petite Maison apartments above the quayside, meaning we awoke each morning to the bucolic scene of fishing boats bobbing on water lit up by the rising sun like a rainbow oil slick.

Brixham climbs up 100m on both of the quay, with rows of cottages perched on the hillside. Traditionally, these were painted different colours so sailors could find their way home on poor visibility days at sea (or so a cabby told us). In recent years, the Light Up Brixham community group has encouraged homeowners to turn their properties pastel. The effect is an exceptionally pretty place that looks more than a little like Balamory.

While most will visit during the summer when Brixham’s quayside chippies, rock shops and arcades are fully staffed and bustling, a winter stay is an intriguing option.

Thanks to Light Up Brixham, the town is bejewelled in Christmas lights throughout the festive season, turning it into a blinking beacon of fairy lights and waving Santas that returning fishermen would struggle to miss even on the stormiest of nights.

In November, the town gathers to remember those who have died on the waves, paying their respects to the sound of Abide With Me, which was written by local Reverend Henry Francis Lyte weeks before his death.

“One of the most moving moments of the year for me is Remembrance Sunday when the town band plays Abide With Me and it coincides with the lifeboat going out to sea to lay a wreath for the merchant navy seamen lost at sea,” explains local Paul Jolly on the Brixham Today podcast.

Trips to Brixham have changed quite a lot in recent years. The town was home to three holiday parks, including a Pontins, which closed in 2014 and was subsequently destroyed by an arson attack. Today, long caravanning breaks have been swapped for weekend stays in Airbnbs and guest houses.

But that doesn’t mean that the lively heart of Brixham won’t be opened to you. Community is found in plentiful supply in the town’s pubs, which are some of the booziest and most raucous I’ve visited in a long time.

On Friday night, local funk duo The Schofields brought The Bullers alive, coaxing punters into makeshift Cossack dancing with a slap-bass version of Rasputin. A day later, guitarist Oli Syrett inspired those in the Golden Anchor to provide backing vocals to AC/DC’s Thunderstruck. After he finished off the set with an acoustic cover of Insomnia, we headed to Liberty – a cocktail bar where they’ll emboss a picture of your wife’s face onto her drink for just £1.50.

The merrymaking continued in less obvious spots. To coincide with the Tory Party Conference in Manchester, my wife and I decided to break the habit of a lifetime when in Rome and visit the Brixham Conservative Club.

There, the 80- and 90-year-old players of Odds and Ends brass band delivered a mix of 60s and 70s classics as punters necked £3.50 pints and disco lights swirled.

Our trip into the foreign political lands came to a sudden end when two friendly men from Herefordshire sandwiched us on the banquette, asked if we were “young Tories” and then explained why Keir Starmer was “rotten to the core”.

My wife and I escaped for dinner at the charming Olive on the seafront. The small plates restaurant has a lively atmosphere, a very extensive wine list, and perhaps the best fried halloumi I’ve ever had.

The next morning we shook off our hangovers and headed out to sea at 6.50 am aboard the Dolphin Explorer, for a fry-up and some porpoise spotting – all for £12.50. We’d been invited along by a charming local we met during an incredibly boozy bar and restaurant crawl in Torquay the day before.

“It’s my birthday in two weeks,” she explained while filling up four glasses with fizz as the sun rose above the horizon. “What people need to know about Brixham is it’s a drinking town with a fishing problem.”

Ladram Bay, which is part of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and sits on the Jurassic Coast, is made up of dramatic red rocks. Sadly, not everyone can visit

A secluded cove with dramatic red rocks sits in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty — but not everyone can visit.

Unlike in Mediterranean countries such as Italy, where the vast majority of beaches are privately run and dominated by expensive-to-hire sunloungers, most of the UK coast is open to the public and completely free.

There are, however, a few exceptions — one of which is Ladram Bay, which is part of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The South West Coast Path runs directly through the resort, along the Jurassic Coast.

Like the rest of the coastline — known for its dramatic rock formations and fossil-rich terrain — Ladram Bay is a striking spot. The beach itself is guarded at each end by massive red sandstone stacks, offering protection from the sea.

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The red cliffs are formed of Otter Sandstone and Mudstone, dating back to the Triassic period, around 230 million years ago. They are part of the 95-mile-long stretch of Jurassic coastline running across Dorset and East Devon.

It’s a popular fishing spot too, either from the shore or from one of the hire boats. At the far end of the beach, there are teeming rock pools to investigate. As charming as this all sounds, a visit to the bay may not be as easy as you’d expect.

The beach is owned by Ladram Bay Holiday Park, and everyone who isn’t staying at the venue is banned from accessing its pebbles. How the beach came to be in the park’s hands is explained on Ladram’s website:

“Back in the 1940s, our park was tenanted farmland that was worked by Frank William Sydenham Carter, or FWS for short. During the summer, he would occasionally let campers pitch up in a field that overlooked the bay, providing fresh milk and eggs as well. Pretty soon, FWS realised that his land could provide extra income in the lean post-World War II years, and so he began to develop a proper campsite.

“With the help of his wife, FWS grew Ladram Bay to incorporate static caravans and a shop. Come the late 1950s, the park was becoming so popular that the workload was overwhelming. To make Ladram Bay a park to be proud of, a manager and extra staff were hired. FWS carried on leading the park until his retirement in 2006, by which time we had become one of the largest privately owned holiday parks in the country.

“With FWS’s son and daughter, Robin and Zoe, now guiding the park, we are more successful than ever, with hundreds of owners and thousands of guests visiting Ladram Bay each year.”

The Mirror’s Johnny Goldsmith visited the holiday park was his family earlier this year and enjoyed having access to the spectacular beach. “The beach was just a few minutes’ walk from our sea-view caravan. Each morning we woke to wonderful views, with our own private decked area – the perfect spot to sit, soak it all in and really unwind,” he wrote.

“On our final morning the weather was clear enough to venture down to the beach once again, and on the way we stopped at the shop and bought an ice cream. Within seconds, a marauding seagull swooped down and tried to snatch one of the kids’ cones. The shop staff advised us to stay under the covered seated area to eat them as the greedy gulls are ­notorious for trying to steal ­holidaymakers’ food.

“Ice creams finished, we strode back on to the beach still laughing about our seagull encounter and talking about all the fun we’d managed to fit in over our four days. What a Jurassic lark!”

Clovelly is a village in Devon that has been largely untouched by time, and has a very surprising royal connection

There’s a unique charm to some of the British coastal towns and villages that seem as though they’ve been preserved in time.

These are places where cobbled lanes have been trodden for centuries, life moves at a leisurely pace, and you’re not constantly jostled on the tube.

Such spots are rare, and many of these charming villages were discovered long ago, becoming the unwitting targets of busloads of tourists.

Travel writers often wax lyrical about “hidden gems,” but this is something else. Its cliff-side location and winding, narrow streets appear to have shielded it from throngs of holidaymakers who can’t navigate its tight lanes.

With motor vehicles banned from many of its roads, just like in the olden days, donkeys do much of the heavy lifting, helping locals transport their goods and even offering traditional beach rides, reports the Express.

This village is Clovelly, a picture-perfect spot on the north Devon coast. With its whitewashed cottages, flower-adorned balconies, and panoramic sea views, it has long been a favourite among those fortunate enough to know of its existence.

But beyond its unique mode of transport, Clovelly boasts an impressive claim to fame, having once been owned by a Queen – not our current monarch, but England’s first ever crowned Queen, Matilda of Flanders.

Initially, the estate belonged to William the Conqueror, who presented it to his wife, where it remained a private Royal settlement for centuries, until the Giffard family took ownership and it stayed relatively obscure for the following 800 years.

Currently it is owned by the Hon. John Rous, whose mother shared blood ties with the late Queen Elizabeth II, providing the village with a Royal connection that’s both surprising and remarkable.

The scenic Devon location has also sparked some of the finest creative masterpieces of its era. J. M. W. Turner captured the village’s shoreline on canvas, whilst Charles Dickens featured it in his 1860 short tale “A Message from the Sea.”

One delighted visitor sharing feedback on TripAdvisor said: “Clovelly is a beautiful village to visit, and I have been visiting with my family for the last 30 years. Yes, you pay to enter (like most historical landmarks), and yes, it’s steep! Both of which are well-advertised on the website before visiting.

“There really is no other village quite like it in the UK. The beauty of Clovelly is how it remains unchanged and hopefully will remain this way for many years to come.”

Meanwhile another added: “We were very lucky that when we first arrived at the car park it was lunch time and it was raining cats and dogs (mid-July) so we decided to have our packed lunch in the car.”

Boasting historic streets, iconic donkeys, and breathtaking views, Clovelly is a hidden gem in England that’s worth visiting on a trip to Devon – even if it does set you back £9.50.

A HUGE search operation has tragically recovered the body of an 80-year-old man from a popular UK beach.

Police, Coastguard, Lifeboat crews, and South West Ambulance Service responded to Sidmouth beach in Devon yesterday after a person was spotted on the rocks.

A lifeboat was sent to the rocky shore near Jacobs Ladder to save the person and bring them back to the beach.

Sadly, the man was pronounced dead after being recovered by emergency crews.

His family have been informed of the tragedy.

The beach was closed off while emergency services raced to save the man from the rocks.

In a statement, Exmouth Police said: “This morning officers from Exmouth patrol and Rural East Devon patrol supported Exmouth and Beer Coastguard Search & Rescue Teams, Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat, the Coastguard helicopter and South West Ambulance Service, attended an incident at Big Picket Rock under High Peak between Ladram Bay and Jacobs Ladder beach at Sidmouth.

“A person was recovered by Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat’s ‘Speedy Sid’ inshore lifeboat, and was conveyed to Sidmouth beach but unfortunately had passed away.

“The family have been informed and our collective thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

“Whilst eventually it finalised in Sidmouth, thank you for your patience and understanding around short closures and emergency vehicle obstructions on Sidmouth seafront as well as the CG helicopter landing on the seafront.”

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The wide Exe estuary glides past the window. Leaning back in my seat, I watch birds on the mudflats: swans, gulls, oystercatchers and scampering red-legged turnstones. Worn down by a busy, admin-heavy summer, I’m taking the train through Devon for a peaceful break that hasn’t needed too much planning.

Exmouth is a compact, walkable seaside town, easily reached by train on the scenic Avocet Line from Exeter. No need for stressful motorway driving and, once you’re there, everything is on tap: beaches, hotels, pubs, shops and cafes, alongside gentle green spaces and ever-changing seascapes.

A MAN in his 70s and woman in her 60s have been found dead with “serious injuries” – sparking an urgent police probe.

Emergency services rushed to the property in Cornwall on Wednesday night after a report to authorities concerning the pair’s welfare, cops said.

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Authorities arrived at the home in Treclago View, Camelford at 10pm.

The elderly man and woman, who were known to each other, had “sustained serious injuries” and were tragically pronounced dead at the scene after

Local Detective Inspector Peter Gee said: “We are supporting the next of kin of the people who have died in this very sad incident.

“Officers are carrying out enquiries to establish exactly what has happened but we are not seeking anyone else in relation to this matter.”

He added: “A cordon remains in place at the address while officers continue with their enquiries and a thorough examination of the scene is conducted.

“There will be a heightened police presence in the area, and we encourage anyone with concerns to speak with officers.”

Devon and Cornwall Police appealed for anyone with information to contact them online or by telephone on 101, quoting reference number 50250248436.

A probe has been launched to establish the exact circumstances of the two deaths.

Cops also confirmed: “A man in his 70s and a woman in her 60s had sustained serious injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.

“They were known to each other and their next of kin have been informed.”

Earlier this week, two people were found dead in a home sparking an urgent probe over their “unexplained” deaths.

Neighbours were left shocked after the bodies were discovered at a property in the village of Ormesby, North Yorkshire, on Wednesday, police said.

Cleveland Police are treating the deaths as “unexplained” at present with detectives carrying out investigations.

A property on Millbeck Way was cordoned off on Thursday morning after police made the grim discovery on Wednesday afternoon.

One local resident told TeessideLive that they hadn’t seen the people living at the property in “almost three weeks”.

They said: “I had a funny feeling after a week that something wasn’t right.”

Another resident said: “I was gutted when I heard, it was sad really.

“They were lovely people to speak to, they were to me, they were polite.”

There were also reports of the windows of the property being smashed or boarded up.

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: “At approximately 2.45pm on Wednesday, September 24, police attended to a property on Millbeck Way and located two bodies inside.

“The deaths are currently being treated as unexplained as detectives begin an investigation into the circumstances.

“A scene is in place at the property.”

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The quaint fishing harbour is located in a very famous part of the UK, but is a lot less popular than its surrounding area.

If you’re looking for the perfect seaside spot to visit this autumn that isn’t flooded with tourists, then there’s one place that ticks every box. Residents of a UK coastal town that’s frequently overshadowed by its more famous neighbours have celebrated its strong community spirit and passion for independent shops and eateries.

Seaton is a charming fishing harbour situated along East Devon’s Jurassic Coast – a World Heritage Site that draws approximately five million visitors annually. Although boasting year-round attractions including the tramway, museum, and beach, visitors often choose nearby Lyme Regis over Seaton.

One standout feature of the coastal community is its dedication to independent businesses, with local shop owners describing it as “the best place” to establish a company.

Amy Bonser helped launch Seaton Chamber Independent Market last year, which has since expanded to feature products from more than 60 traders, reports the Express.

She explained Seaton was the ideal location to create the market owing to its breathtaking local surroundings and established network of flourishing independent enterprises.

Amy told the Express: “Seaton was the best place to start a market. We have an amazing coastline on the Jurassic Coast, amazing gardens, which we use one for our market, and some amazing shops.

“As we mainly have independent businesses, this makes it an amazing place for local small traders to show off their independent business without the threat of the big companies.”

This view was shared by Carly Dean-Tribble, who runs Pebbles Coffee House and the Hideaway – two beloved cafés in the town. While admitting that running two independent cafes is “super hard work” due to people having less disposable income, she feels “very well supported by the local community and tourists alike”.

Carly confessed she hadn’t heard of Seaton before deciding to open her businesses there, but quickly realised it was the ideal location.

She said: “Seaton has a particular charm to it. I made my mind up that Seaton would be our home before we even viewed the business. It’s full of independent traders, which is a unicorn for sure. No big names here.

“Having independent businesses on our high street is a huge plus point. You simply don’t get that level of service and dedication from bigger corporations. People put their heart and soul into everything they do.”

Angela Mendham, another independent cafe owner who has run Passiflora for four years, echoed Carly’s sentiments. Despite facing challenges as more chain coffee shops emerge, she said Seaton locals have continued to show their support.

She expressed: “I do have a lot of locals who are very loyal, and I’m very grateful for their support. My locals have been as supportive as they can, but I’ve noticed that they are not spending as much so it’s hard, but I am very grateful.”

Looking ahead, Angela believes Seaton could benefit from increased funding that would only help its independent shops to flourish further.

She added: “I think Seaton needs more money from councils. Compared to Sidmouth, we really are the poor relative. But as the community goes, we are right on top.”

It has a name that’s hard to forget, and the quaint village tucked away in the South West of England certainly lives up to it.

Hidden away in the heart of South Devon sits the enchanting village of South Pool, a genuine gem boasting idyllic rural beauty, ancient architecture, and easy access to the area’s spectacular coastline. CN Traveller named it Britain’s most stunning village in 2023, noting its serenity feels like ‘another world’ compared to the hustle and bustle of Salcombe just a few miles downstream.

The settlement has seen a surge in digital fame, mainly thanks to the jaw-dropping beaches on its doorstep. Within just thirty minutes by car, Bantham Beach has been praised by one holidaymaker as the “most beautiful beach without leaving the UK”, for example.

Yet some locals would rather maintain South Pool’s secret status, with one resident cheekily remarking: “Shhh, don’t tell anyone! We locals want to keep it a secret!”

South Pool captures quintessentially English appeal: time seems suspended along its winding, slender roads whilst its period stone houses create a perfect postcard vista, reports the Express.

Amongst its most treasured features stands the Church of St Cyriac and St Julietta, a Grade I listed building dating from the 13th century.

This place of worship is celebrated for its stunning medieval architecture, boasting an exquisite Norman font and an elaborately designed rood screen.

Local watering hole The Millbrook Inn also lies at the heart of South Pool’s charm, providing cosy welcome and an outstanding selection of regional ales and ciders.

The pub’s cosy interior, complete with open fires and wooden beams, offers a warm atmosphere where locals and tourists alike can enjoy a hearty meal or a pint.

Perched at the head of South Pool creek, which extends all the way to Salcombe Estuary, the village is a hub for outdoor activities such as sailing, kayaking and fishing.

Its picturesque surroundings of rolling hills and lush fields also make it a paradise for walkers and nature enthusiasts.

South Pool’s prime position makes it an ideal base for exploring other attractions in the South Devon region.

Nearby towns like Salcombe, Kingsbridge, and Dartmouth offer a range of shops, eateries, and cultural experiences that are a hit with holidaymakers.

Whether you’re after a peaceful retreat, outdoor adventures, or a slice of traditional English village life, South Pool has something to suit everyone.

Totnes in Devon is known for its independent shops, art galleries, antiques and its vibrant high street that’s lined with an array of colourful buildings and a market

A Devon town boasting its own castle and a wealth of independent retailers is a hidden gem for tourists.

Art galleries, antique stores and fantastic gift shops are flourishing along the high street of Totnes – whilst the charming little town sits amid beautiful countryside.

If you’re seeking a break from Devon’s bustling coastal resorts or fancy some distinctive shopping then a trip to Totnes is an excellent choice.

There’s a market operating most days in the heart of this vibrant town’s high street, which radiates positive energy.

This location is famous for its independent enterprises – and you’re guaranteed to discover quirky treasures in shops that are worlds apart from the typical British high street, reports the Express.

This southwest England town is celebrated for its alternative atmosphere, artistic residents and mystical ambience – it sits upon a ley line, unseen ancient spiritual pathways believed to connect important locations throughout Britain.

This has attracted hippies and new-age enthusiasts to the town since the 1960s and 70s, with the otherworldly reputation persisting today – and residents even managed to oust Costa Coffee.

One tourist wrote about the town online: “The high street throbs with trails of diverse colourful locals and tourists commingling.

“People are so friendly that everyone calls you love or darling, there’s something down to earth and authentic about Totnes that makes you want to go back again to return to the trail.”

Visitors can also explore Totnes Castle – a well-preserved ancient Norman motte and bailey castle, home to an old tower that dates back to the 12th century.

The town boasts a unique shop, the Magical Earth Emporium, known for its crystals and ‘witchy’ items, alongside traditional Devon bakeries offering an abundance of traditional pasties.

There are several pubs scattered around the town, along with numerous cafes and restaurants where you can indulge in a Devon cream tea if you fancy it.

It’s easy to venture out into the countryside too, with river walks at the nearby Dartington Estate where wildlife and stunning views are plentiful.

The Dartington Estate website paints a picture of what you can enjoy not far from the town of Totnes: “Boasting over 800 acres of verdant forests, abundant wildlife and clear rivers, the Dartington estate offers the perfect backdrop to walks of all lengths and difficulties.

“Experience a sense of tranquillity at our impressive Grade II listed gardens, which have been shaped and inspired by the remarkable custodians of this special place for over 1,000 years.

“On your visit to the 26 acres of tended grounds, you’ll find a range of stunning features with beautiful vistas and creative sculptures, including ancient trees and impressive plant species.”

This picturesque seaside town in England dates back to Victorian times, and whilst it might be more low-key than other resorts, it has one of the UK’s best beaches

For some people, a trip to the seaside isn’t complete without a crowded pier, exciting rollercoasters, or a trip to the arcade – and the UK has seaside resorts like this across the country.

But this kind of scene is just not everyone’s cup of tea, and if you have been longing for a trip to the coast, minus the loud attractions – then this picturesque town in Devon that is rich with history is well worth considering for your next family holiday.

Especially if the quality of the beach is your number one priority, then this idyllic seaside town is definitely somewhere you need to check out. It’s also a firm favourite with some very famous faces.

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Sidmouth’s beach has been dubbed one of the cleanest in the UK, so it’s a great choice for people who insist on taking a dip in the sea when they are on their holidays.

On the stunning and historic Jurassic Coast, Sidmouth is picturesque, and its pebble beach has been awarded a Blue Flag for an impressive six years in a row.

From hiking in the unbelievable landscapes to relaxing on the beach itself, you’ll never forget the scenery on this beautiful stretch of coastline – Jacob’s Ladder beach is also well worth a visit.

But there is plenty to do beyond the beach itself, including visiting the town’s museum or the local donkey sanctuary.

For the youngsters, there is the Model Toy Museum, and for anyone looking to browse in the shops, they will find themselves supremely well catered to with independent retailers.

Connaught Gardens is a beautifully landscaped place to relax – but if you’re after a bit more action, consider going out on the water in a canoe, paddleboard, or kayak.

The Sun reports that TV star Stephen Fry loves Sidmouth after staying near the idyllic town while filming Jeeves and Wooster. Meanwhile, Jeremy Vine has also been open about his affection for the seaside town.

“What I love most about Sidmouth is that it feels like a town going places. It’s chintzy in places, drab in others, but it feels real. “And real by the sea is a different kind of beauty,” Vine said.

There’s so many famous people who have holidayed or spent time in Sidmouth that there is even a Blue Plaque Trail you can walk to explore all the places notable figures loved most, from literary icons to the Royal Family.

Queen Victoria, when she was still a baby Princess, came to stay in Sidmouth, and it was the sight of a major historical moment. She was staying in the Woolbrook Cottage in 1819 when her father suddenly became ill and died.

Woolbrook Cottage is now the Royal Glen Hotel, and while it wasn’t a happy moment in the young royal’s life, it shows just how rich with history the area is, and also how longstanding Sidmouth’s popularity has been.

Literary legends like Beatrix Potter, JRR Tolkein – who is said to have written the first sections of Lord of the Rings in the town – and Jane Austen, all used to holiday in Sidmouth, going back as far as 1801.

The spa waters, good climate, and chilled out atmosphere have long been part of the appeal.

In Clovelly in North Devon, life moves at a slower pace, with goods hauled on wooden sledges and donkeys still making occasional appearances on the cobbled streets

Cars are banned in a UK village where locals have decided to do things the old-fashioned way.

Perched on the cliffs of North Devon lies Clovelly, a village where it can feel as if time simply stopped. Here, cars aren’t just discouraged — they’re completely banned. Instead, life moves at a slower pace, with goods hauled on wooden sledges and donkeys still making occasional appearances on the cobbled streets.

Visitors to Clovelly quickly discover that modern transport is left firmly at the top of the hill. The only way into the village is on foot, down steep cobbled lanes that wind between whitewashed cottages and burst open into a postcard-worthy harbour. It comes after a British man claimed ‘I moved from UK to Benidorm – price of a pint and Full English left me floored’.

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The absence of cars isn’t the result of modern environmental policies but centuries of practicality — the roads are too steep and narrow for vehicles. Deliveries are made on sledges dragged by hand, inching goods down the cobbles to shops and homes. Rubbish is hauled back up in the same way, keeping the village running as it has for generations.

For hundreds of years, donkeys were the workhorses of Clovelly. They carried fish from the harbour, hauled building supplies, and transported luggage for visitors. Today, they’ve retired from hard labour, but you can still meet them in the stables at the top of the village.

Meanwhile, the wooden sledge has taken over most of the donkey’s workload. Each one is handmade by locals, often adapted to carry everything from crates of food to furniture.

Clovell was once owned by the Queen of England, the estate having originally been owned by William the Conqueror, King of England, and then gifted to his wife.It had many royal associations until 1242 when first acquired by the Giffard family. Until the middle of the 19th century Clovelly was all-but-unknown to the outside world, such was the private way in which the village was run.

Motoring experts at Show Plates World say Clovelly is a fascinating contrast to the UK’s car-obsessed culture.

“Britain has always been a nation on the move, but Clovelly shows us what happens when the car is taken out of the picture. The village thrives on tradition and community, proving that life without traffic isn’t just possible — it can be beautiful. While cars dominate almost every aspect of modern life, Clovelly’s charm comes from rejecting them altogether,” a representative of the company said in a statement.

“It’s also a reminder of how much cars shape our environment. Walking through Clovelly, you notice the peace, the clean air, and the sounds of people and nature instead of engines. That’s an experience you don’t forget.”

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Clovelly’s history stretches back to the Domesday Book. For centuries, it’s been privately owned and carefully maintained, ensuring its streets, cottages, and harbour retain their unique character. Visitors pay a small entrance fee of around £9.50 for adults and £5.50 for children, which helps maintain the village, its museums and gardens — keeping the cobbles and cottages in pristine condition.

Throughout the year, Clovelly also hosts festivals celebrating its maritime roots, including herring, lobster and crab fairs. These events fill the car-free streets with music, food and laughter, reinforcing its strong ties to the sea and its heritage.

With its cobbled lanes, flower-draped cottages and sweeping sea views, Clovelly is often described as one of the most beautiful villages in Britain. What sets it apart is not just its looks, but its atmosphere — a sense of stepping out of the modern world into something slower, calmer and more magical.

Outside the train window, there’s a flickering reel of flowering fruit trees, lambs and swans nesting on the marshy levels. Following the Exe estuary towards Dawlish, where the railway runs along the beach, flocks of waders are gathering on the sandbanks, backed by boats and glinting water.

I’m heading for the Dart valley and the English Riviera, AKA Torbay, to explore by foot and ferry, river boat, bus and steam railway. The area promises wine, walking, seafood and an eclectic history from prehistoric cave-dwellers to Agatha Christie. It’s easy to assume a Devon holiday must involve driving, but it can be even better without. On previous trips, I’ve stayed in Exeter and toured by train, or based myself in Torquay to walk the coast path and take the boat to Brixham. This time, I’m testing the limits of what can comfortably be done without a car by staying in an old farmhouse in the countryside, half a mile from the nearest bus stop.

Bus 125 runs every couple of hours from Paignton, and the road from Four Cross Lanes bus stop to Sandridge Barton winery is laced with stitchwort and pink campion, growing under hedges wreathed in honeysuckle. Robins are singing in the apple trees and skylarks over the fields. Hard to believe I was in rainy Essex this morning and am now in a sunny Devon vineyard, ready for the midday tour. A whiff of wood smoke from the fire in the tasting cabin mixes with soft bubbles from the Sharpham sparkling wine, made on site and tasting of oak and tart apple crumble. The last taster, a young, fruity red, comes with Sharpham cheeses and local chilli jam.

Afterwards, I stroll for a mile down to Stoke Gabriel for provisions. The route is almost impossibly idyllic: a narrow track under banks of ferns and wildflowers. The only sounds are birdsong and a waterfall near the old mill. It’s a path I might never have found if I’d come by car. Along the stony beach of the big Millpool, I reach the River Shack and sit right by the water with bowls of sesame-seaweed salad and honeyed anchovies. Dozens of green and orange crabs are marching sideways over the dam nearby, caught and released by children fishing there with sacks of bacon. A heron is fishing too, far out in the pool.

Back at Sandridge Barton, the new restaurant has closed for the day, and there are only sheep in the orchard and swallows spiralling overhead. My brother joins me from Somerset on the last bus and we have a whole floor each in the pale pink, wisteria-decked Lower Well Farmhouse next to the winery. It would comfortably sleep eight in three doubles and a twin, all en suite, and downstairs there’s a slate-floored farmhouse kitchen, beamed, log-fire-warmed sitting room and a walled courtyard strung with lights (from £278 a night, three nights minimum).

Agatha Christie’s house at Greenway is roughly three miles south, beside the River Dart, so we decide to walk there the next morning. After a mile or so along a lane, paths lead down to the quay at Galmpton Creek and we pick up the well-signed Greenway trail, along a stony beach, through woods and over hills, to the gate. There are lockers to store bags and free hot drinks for visitors who reach Greenway without a car. We have simnel scones with pots of tea before wandering through the gardens. Woodpeckers yaffle above banks of primroses and strawberry flowers, lipstick-bright camellias and cascading rhododendrons. We sit in Christie’s old sitting room, where 1930s songs are playing, and stroll into woods, past mossy fountains, river views and hillsides white with wild garlic. This year, the National Trust has introduced a new half-price admission for non-members after 2.30pm (full price £17 adults, £8.50 under-18s).

The Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company runs different routes across the River Dart and sells combi and Round Robin tickets. From the little quay below Greenway, we catch the boat to Dartmouth (£12) along the wide, tree-lined river to explore palm-studded gardens and half-timbered houses. A quick ferry trip (£1) to Kingswear brings us to one end of the steam railway (£23.50) and, from the glass-walled observation carriage (£3 extra), the views are unbeatable.

The train passes wooded riverside cliffs and crosses viaducts, then climbs through oaks and neon-yellow broom flowers to reach the sandy beaches of Torbay. We end the day eating River Teign mussels on a sunny, pub-style terrace at The Boathouse in Paignton, with the foaming sea just feet away. The only problem is, once we’ve finished, the last bus has left and our options are a four-mile sunset walk or a £12 taxi. We take the taxi.

Heading to the bus stop in Stoke Gabriel the next morning, paths lead us up from the water, through a blossoming community orchard and the village churchyard, where a 1,000-year-old yew tree rests its sagging branches on wooden posts. A PlusBus ticket for the whole Torbay area costs £3.70 for a day or £13 for a week and gives you unlimited bus travel as an add-on to a train ticket.

From Paignton, we catch bus 22 to Torquay harbour. Red-legged turnstones are scampering under oyster-crusted pillars, and a new statue of Christie with her favourite dog, Peter, was unveiled in April. She was born in Torquay in 1890 and several novels feature local settings. She would have been more familiar with yesterday’s boat and steam train trips than today’s Rib ride (£37). A breezy, hour-long coastal tour takes in caves, coves and rocky arches, cormorants and harbourside seals, before flying us back across the bay with the salt spray spattering our laughing faces.

Torquay is peppered with Christie-related landmarks, including Beacon Cove, where she nearly drowned; the Grand Hotel, where she honeymooned; and Kents Cavern, which inspired her mystery novel The Man in the Brown Suit. The tour of Kents Cavern leads through a wooden door into dripping tunnels and dens of ancient cave bears, past stalactites, calcite bands and pickaxe marks. The guide lights moss-and-beeswax-filled scallop shells and holds up neolithic skulls like a cheery, enthusiastic Hamlet (£16.95 adults, £14.25 under-16s, if booked in advance).

Torquay Museum, in an elegant gothic building five minutes by bus from Kents Cavern, displays the fossilised jawbone of a 41,000-year-old human, one of Britain’s earliest Homo sapiens. You can also find stuffed birds and farmhouse kitchens, delicate Egyptian sarcophagi and pictures crafted in Torquay marble. In the UK’s only gallery dedicated to Christie, there’s also one of her fur coats and the walking stick David Suchet used to play Poirot (£10 adults, £5 under-18s for an annual pass).

There’s time before our train for a meal at No Seven, a seafood bistro with a sea-view wine bar upstairs. From the Tickled Pink Torquay gin, flavoured with raspberry and rose petals from Torre Abbey garden, through the gurnard with basil and tomato, the tempura plaice and skate wing, to the coffee with local fudge, it’s pretty much perfect.

Accommodation was provided by Sandridge Barton and travel by GWR (advance tickets from London Paddington to Torquay or Paignton from around £50 each way, or from Taunton from £6 each way), with additional help from English Riviera

Brixham is a charming seaside town that seems to have sprung straight from a postcard – here’s everything you need to know about the stunning coastal retreat

There’s a picturesque seaside town in Devon that could easily be mistaken for a scene from a postcard, known for its vibrant houses that tumble down the hillside towards the bustling harbour.

If you’re looking for a last-minute holiday plan, Brixham may have you covered. This quintessential British seaside experience captivates visitors from the moment they step foot in the town. The heart of Brixham is its lively harbour, where fishing boats, yachts and pleasure crafts bob gently on the water.

With a rich maritime history, Brixham has been one of the UK’s most significant fishing ports for centuries. In similar travel stories, here’s a small fishing village with some of UK’s best seafood but hardly any tourists.

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Visitors can still witness fishermen hauling in their daily catch, with Brixham’s fish market providing some of the country’s finest seafood, reports the Express. This fresh bounty is celebrated in the town’s numerous seafood restaurants, where you can savour everything from traditional fish and chips to gourmet dishes.

A stroll through Brixham’s narrow, winding streets feels like stepping back in time. The beautifully maintained pastel-coloured cottages and shops add to the town’s picture-perfect charm.

Many of these buildings are adorned with hanging baskets brimming with flowers, enhancing the town’s already considerable appeal. For those seeking panoramic views of the harbour and surrounding coastline, a trek up to the Berry Head Nature Reserve is a must.

This dramatic headland offers breathtaking views across Tor Bay, and on a clear day, the vista stretches for miles. The area is teeming with wildlife, offering the opportunity to spot dolphins, seals and a variety of seabirds.

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Brixham forms part of the breathtaking English Riviera, a stretch of South Devon coastline famed for its mild climate, stunning beaches, and quaint towns.

From Brixham, you can easily venture to nearby towns such as Paignton and Torquay, each boasting their own unique attractions. Whether you’re after a tranquil retreat, a maritime adventure, or simply a place to savour some of the UK’s finest seafood, Brixham caters to all tastes.

So, if you’re looking for a short staycation away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Brixham is the perfect place. Ideal for couples, families and even as a solo retreat. Not too far away from home, yet it still feels like a holiday abroad.

The pretty town is loved by locals and popular with holiday makers for several reasons including its market being crowned ‘Britain’s best’

A Devon ‘rebel’ town lined with independent shops is a place I visit often – and tourists flock there too.

It’s a picturesque place offering a true taste of local life with cream teas served along with lots of other delicious food to try.

Tavistock in Devon is closer to Cornwall than you may think – and being inland there are numerous other places to visit around the charming town, reports the Express.

Fringed by Dartmoor and within driving distance to the beach, staying a while in Tavistock offers a retreat from the crowds that typically end up in seaside spots.

The town has much to see, museums, independent shops and a fantastic pannier market with an array of stalls selling all sorts of things.

For ramblers it’s great, as there are so many short or long walks to set off upon from here with many trails taking you along the riverside.

Tavistock’s Pannier Market dates back hundreds of years to the year 1105, stall holders are friendly and chatty and will talk you through their wares.

I love to visit the market which was crowned Britain’s best this year in the Great British Market Awards 2025 – one of my favourite stalls is a quirky one called Talking Rubbish.

Richard Westacott-Jones runs this business which sells numerous beautiful old bottles, many of which he has dug from the earth himself.

Brimming with unique shops, the town really offers an ‘experience’ when it comes to shopping and Richard from Talking Rubbish, believes retail has become ‘soulless’ in cities, which is why so many people visit Tavistock to shop.

If you’re in a nearby seaside spot and it’s a rainy day in Devon (or nearby Cornwall) a little escape to Tavistock could be a good tip.

Even if the sun shines, it’s a nice place to come for some relaxation, with Lydford Gorge nearby too with its stunning waterfall – you can even walk here from the town if you’re keen on a ‘moderate’ one hour ramble.

Running through Tavistock town is the beautiful River Tavy, where kingfishers and much other wildlife can be spotted – and other walking routes will lead you to many other delightful spots.

The Tavistock Canal Towpath winds through woodlands, leading you to the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Tavistock is known as a ‘rebel town’ for famously shunning fast food outlet McDonald’s, although one briefly opened, no-one used it, locals didn’t want it there, so it closed down (in 2006).

Now it’s these kinds of actions that make me proud to be Devonian – and it’s this kind of stronghold local action that has enabled the town to keep its charming character.

Tavistock is a bit different – and what’s more you can shop for something a bit different too, this gives the place a nice relaxing vibe and a feeling of escape (from the norm of other towns and cities) for a while.

THE MOST expensive seaside town in Britain has been “abandoned” by tourists with the implementation of an outrageous new parking fee.

It means visitors have to pay a daily parking price of £10.

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The coastal town of Salcombe in Devon has had a new parking charge of £10 introduced for day-trippers.

Locals also are required to pay £8 per day for parking, if they have the annual £5 permit.

This has triggered outrage, a notable drop in visitors according to residents.

One local business owner, Beck Gordon who owns a cafe and fishmonger’s, said: “In terms of day-trippers, if you talk about more local people, they definitely don’t come any more.”

Beck added: “It’s quieter generally.

“The parking’s definitely an issue.”

She pointed to the “absolutely ridiculous” fact that it is cheaper to get a weekly parking ticket that costs £25 or £50 than pay the car park fees, which would add up to £70.

Another cafe manager in the area revealed spending £120 of her earnings just on parking.

Salcombe was recently dubbed the most expensive seaside town in the UK, with average house prices of around £1.2 million in 2022.

Lloyds, however, revealed they did tumble by 22 per cent in the Devon hotspot to £970,657 in 2022.

It is known for its high concentration of second homes, which constitute 60 per cent of its housing stock, which are being hit by double council tax.

Despite having some of the UK’s best seafood, and being a small fishing village, it receives hardly any tourists anymore.

Councillor Julian Brazil, who is in charge of community services at the local council, stated: “We’d like to do everything to help the tourism trade and we have kept our car parking charges as competitive as possible.

“Residents of the South Hams can benefit from our discounted resident parking scheme.”

 “Many workers in Salcombe have benefited from our competitive parking permits, which offer significantly lower long-term parking compared to our pay-on-the-day rates.”

He added: “Be under no illusion, we don’t want to increase prices, but this is the best choice for us under the circumstances we find ourselves in.”

According to Brazil, the prices have been frozen for four years, and visitors are just being asked to contribute to public services.

Anti-tourist measures have been seen to be sweeping hotspots across the UK and Europe.

Officials have attempted to reduce the impact of holidaymakers by implementing additional taxes on tourists, or banning new hotels.

Earlier in the year, the Greater Manchester Mayor suggested that an existing optional fee in some Manchester city centre hotels should be replaced with a compulsory charge for visitors.