Watersmeet Shortlist*

Perched above Combesgate beach, this former Edwardian gentleman’s retreat benefits from ‘wonderful’ clifftop views. Run with ‘friendly, helpful staff’, the ‘comfortable, relaxed’ hotel makes full use of its location. Its lounges, large, glass-fronted terrace and gardens have spectacular seascapes and glorious sunsets; all but three bedrooms look out to Lundy Island and Baggy Point. In the informal bistro and candlelit restaurant (every table with a view over the sea), local produce features on British menus – whole sole, brown shrimps, asparagus; duck breast, dauphinoise potato, duck roll. Breakfast is ‘plentiful’. To stretch the legs, there are walks through National Trust land, or steps down to the sandy beach.