ANYONE who believes Cornwall has the monopoly on dramatic coastline in England’s southwest counties obviously hasn’t paid a visit to this breathtaking corner of North Devon, writes Vicky Phillips.

From the surfers’ paradise of Croyde and Woolacombe, through the Victorian splendour of Ilfracombe and around to the unspoilt twin jewels of Lynton and Lynmouth, this strip of Devonshire coast provides a ruggedly beautiful frame of towering cliffs wrapped around lush green rolling hills and valleys inland..

We stayed in the newly-refurbished two bedroom Carriage House on Higher Cowley Farm, tucked away in a hidden valley in tranquil Parracombe.

The peaceful 12-acre farm was a perfect home-from-home - so much so our two little girls couldn’t wait to get back there to feed the pigs and chickens.

The owners are on hand to ensure visitors have a relaxing, laid-back stay starting with a home-made cream tea for every guest on arrival.

It’s an ideal base for a beach holiday, with the coast just a 15-minute drive in three directions.

News Shopper: Steve Flanagan/North Devon Holiday Homes

And there are so many beaches to choose from – we loved the beautiful and relatively unspoilt Woolacombe, but those in the know head down the coast to the quieter Saunton Sands which remains something of a hidden gem. For just £5 parking we escaped the masses and spent a perfect day relaxing on honeycomb-coloured sand, fishing for baby crabs in rockpools and hanging out at the stylish beach bar. You can even rent your own beach hut for just £12 a day.

On the way back from Saunton a stop off in Braunton for fish and chips at the award-winning Squires restaurant was a must. The food is wonderful – but be prepared to queue!

A day spent exploring the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth was fascinating –– Lynton at the top of the cliff and Lynmouth at the bottom make up what must be one of the prettiest and most unspoilt coastal locations in England.

A tortuously-winding road links the two towns but much more fun and a way of seeing some amazing views is a ride on the funicular cliff railway which has been running since 1890.

And don’t leave without paying a visit to Lynmouth’s Memorial Hall, home to a permanent exhibition on the 1952 Lynmouth Floods which devastated the area and claimed 34 lives.

After a week exploring some of Britain’s best coastline we found we’d only achieved half of what we set out to do; we crammed in theme park The Big Sheep which the children loved but missed seeing Clovelly and Ilfracombe’s famous Victorian tunnels and bathing pool – so enjoy your holiday but be prepared to come back again and again!

The Carriage House is available to book through North Devon Holiday Homes and costs between £265 - £725 per week. Tel: 01272 376322. www.northdevonholidays.co.uk