Steep cobbled streets, pretty white-washed houses and a lovely quiet harbour make Clovelly a gorgeous day out whatever the weather.

The Oyster Catcher has opened at Sandleigh Tea Rooms full of gorgeous gifts and homewares. Now stocking Annie Sloan paint.

Love it or hate it, Damien Hirst certainly knows how to cause a stir. The Quay restaurant is packed and the harbour is buzzing. Another great reason to head to Ilfracombe this weekend. You can find out more information about Damien Hirst on Artsy.

We set off from Ilfracombe in the morning for a 12 mile walk along the coastal path taking in all of our favourite places; Ilfracombe Tunnels, Lee Bay, Bull Point, Morthoe, Barricane, Woolacombe and Putsborough beaches and finally Baggy Point. We arrived mid afternoon in Croyde in time for tea at Sandleigh.
The Broomhill Sculpture Garden is a lovely place to go for an afternoon stroll in the woods and head back to the hotel afterwards for tea and cake. We all loved these tiny figures by Carol Peace.

The Museum of British Surfing in Braunton is a great place to visit in the holidays. It has lots of surfboards and memorabilia and has lovely activities for the kids.
We made the most of the brief spell of sunshine and headed out for one of our favourite walks around Morte Point. You can start in National Trust car park in Mortehoe, walk around the point ready for a cream tea at the end. Look out for seals on the north side, we saw seven, our largest number of sightings yet.

It's a bit of a guilty pleasure in these parts because for a long time Ilfracombe has had a less than glowing reputation. But it does have a good deal of charm; we love the faded architecture, the harbour and its cliff backdrop, The Quay restaurant, St Nicolas' Chapel on the hill, Tunnels beaches, the Playhut, the Landmark Theatre and Bicclescombe Park. A great place to go when it's sunny but too cold for the beach, definitely not when it's raining.

RHS Rosemoor just outside Great Torrington is a 40 minute drive away but worth a visit at this time of the year. Bulbs are popping up everywhere and it's starting to feel like spring.
The drive to Heddon's Mouth is a treat in itself with stunning views over Exmoor and mossy tree-lined lanes taking you to Hunter's Inn where we started our walk. A path along the river leads through a steep wooded valley to a spectacular pebble beach where you can rest and explore before heading back for hot chocolate at the Inn.
Halzephron House is the perfect getaway for the half term break, bracing cliff top walks, hot soup and cake at the Barefoot Cafe and a cosy cabin. Cold enough for woolly jumpers and wellies but still just about warm enough for a paddle.