While you’re there: A drive up the Hartland coast, with its clifftop walks, beautiful beaches and spots such the Speke’s Mill Mouth waterfall, is a must, perhaps going as far as the similarly spectacular Tunnels Beaches tidal pool in Ilfracombe. Also recommended is coming back for shepherd’s pie stuffed with local hogget at The Farmers Arms, a gastro-pub in tiny Woolfardisworthy owned by tech entrepreneur Michael Birch. To the east, Praktyka is an art-driven retreat of cabins, domes and barns run by artists Henry Trew and Ania Wawrzkowicz.
Shoalstone Pool, Devon
In pretty Brixham the Shoalstone seawater pool is built into a natural rock pool that’s been popular since Victorian times. In 1896 two walls were erected to retain the incoming tidal water. When the local council proposed closing the pool to save money, the community took over its management, holding fundraisers for -maintenance work. That care is evident in the painted blue steps and restored swinging changing room doors. Bracing swims are often followed by Brixham mussels and seafood chowders at Shoals on the Lido, the family-run restaurant overlooking the pool.
While you’re there: This is one of the best corners in England for seafood, and chef–restaurateur Mitch Tonks’s Rockfish does a great local salt-and-pepper calamari and chargrilled sea bream. Even The Wine Loft serves tinned fish, alongside more than 300 labels.
Clevedon Marine LakeEmily Endean
Clevedon Marine Lake, Somerset
With its sweeping views across the Bristol Channel and out to Clevedon’s seaside pier, there isn’t a more beautiful spot to watch the sunrise from than this tidal infinity pool. The marine lake, which dates from 1929, is open all day almost every day of the year, but is subject to “overtopping” tides that spill over the wall. The lake buzzes with all-weather swimmers, paddleboarders and canoers, and beyond it are cafés packed with cyclists and joggers. In the heyday of this Severn Estuary seaside town, the pool had diving boards, deckchairs, beach huts and a bandstand. Now, it’s more of a packed lunch and picnic blanket affair.
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