Devon

Could there be a more glamorous island? The tiny and privately owned Burgh Island is famous for its connections with Agatha Christie, who wrote Evil Under the Sun and And Then There Were None whilst staying in the hotel. It still has a vibe that is pure 1920s Art Deco and every night is black tie night in the hotel's Grand Ballroom. Non-residents are not allowed in unless they have booked lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. Anyone can, however visit the 14th centry Pilchard Inn, and take a walk with a view.

Getting to the island is…. interesting. When the tide is low, walk across the sand from Bigbury-on-Sea – it's around 250 metres. Hotel guests get transported in a hotel Land Rover or, if the sea has closed in, on the extraordinary ‘sea tractor'.

Bigbury-on-Sea is a glorious beach, with a great little eatery – the Venus Beach Café - and a water sports centre. Paddle boarding, water surfing and kite surfing are all on offer,or it's a great place to just pootle around rock pools.