Deer's Leap Retreat

Get your dose of sand and fresh sea air… but first, you’ll have to decide between several beaches. Super surf and some good spots for sandcastle building at Croyde beach (an hour) perhaps? Fishing and rockpooling at Lynmouth beach (55 minutes)? Tucking into your fish and chips on the boulders at Lynton beach (55 minutes) instead? Saunton Sands beach (55 minutes) is another hot spot for surfing or swimming, but those of you who are looking to track down some good spots inland may want to have a nosey around the Exmoor villages of Dulverton, Winsford, Withypool and Exford (under 30 minutes), where there are some splendid shops and that sort of thing. Of course, while you’re so close to Exmoor, a hike to the highest point, Dunkery Beacon (40 minutes), may very well be on the cards. The Tarr Steps nature reserve (20 minutes) is another hiker’s haven, with more strenuous or easygoing routes for every family member. While you’re around those parts, call by Landacre Bridge (30 minutes) to see an ancient monument along the river Barle and the Two Moors Way trail.