Marldon Play Park

Perched on a hill just outside Paignton, this park has proper views that make the trip worth it even before the kids hit the equipment. Three levels of play keep things interesting — castle, swings, climbing frames — so younger ones and older ones can all find something to do without fighting over the same bit of kit. It’s kept in genuinely good nick, which you notice straight away, and the shade trees make the benches actually usable on a warm day. One of those spots locals know about but doesn’t always show up on the tourist radar.