Its neighbour Cornwall may have become the hip destination of the past couple of summers, but Devon has a lot to offer for teachers who want to relax in the autumn half-term.
Hartland Point, on the north coast, is within easy reach of the steep, cobbled lanes of Clovelly, the picturesque village where cars are banned, while the south-west coast path, once used by revenue officers patrolling for smugglers, takes walkers past the dramatic cliffs of the iron coast, which have seen centuries of shipwrecks.
Or make for Bideford or Ilfracombe for a day trip on the ferry to Lundy Island, a speck of granite that is full of history, kittiwakes, fulmars and puffins, and see some grey seals on the way. Most of the island is a site of special scientific interest and the seas surrounding it are England’s only statutory marine nature reserve.
Downe Cottages and Health Spa, one mile from the coast at Hartland Quay, has a gymnasium and health spa, complete with jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and treatment rooms. TES readers who book a one-bedroom cottage for October half-term week (subject to availability) will receive a complimentary aromatherapy massage (one per couple).
Details: 01237 441881; www.downecottages. com. More information: www.lundyisland.co.uk; www.swcp.org.uk
