5 days in Bude

This five-day plan uses Bude as a base for a wide loop of the South West rather than staying on the doorstep, so expect some long drives. Day 2 opens 66.5 miles from the previous afternoon's stop, and day 4 starts 42.8 miles out. In return you get real variety: owls and donkeys, castles and museums, and a water sports centre to finish. Every lunch stop holds a 5/5 food hygiene rating, from the Pack O'Cards to The Rydon Inn.

Within each day, things stay compact. On day 4 the Braunton and District Museum, Quay Cafe and Museum of British Surfing are just 0.9 miles apart in total. Combe Martin Museum and Cotehele Quay Discovery Centre both state disabled access, and dogs are welcome at Watermouth Castle. For somewhere to stay, Jasmine Lodge and Lamastar in Hartland are 5.8 miles from Hartland Quay beach, whose bathing water is rated Excellent by the Environment Agency. If you're coming by train, Okehampton is the nearest station.