Dart Marina Hotel & Spa

Across the road from Dartmouth’s pretty marina, and a short walk to Dartmouth Castle and the higgledy-piggledy streets of the historic harbour town, Dart Marina occupies one of South Devon’s prime positions. Rooms are lovely: each has a decked balcony, on which complimentary binoculars, bird-watching books and pashminas inspire guests to make the most of their coastal setting. Views are of shimmering waters and bobbing yachts, and the soundtrack of tinkling boats’ bells and the cheery tooting of the Dartmouth steam train puttering along the opposite bank is blissful. Dart Marina’s waterside-facing restaurant is also a relaxing vantage point from which to watch the world go by. Doubles from £200 telegraph.co.uk/dartmarinahotel