Be crowd-free as much as carefree in the expanse of unspoilt coast and countryside that is North Devon.

This spacious chunk of the West Country offers shores lined with broad, far-reaching beaches, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve dune system of Braunton Burrows.

The Taw and Torridge estuaries stretch inland towards the greenery of Tarka Country while Exmoor National Park provides a wilderness rich in both natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Dotted around and within these areas are traditional market towns, rural hamlets, fishing villages and secluded properties in which to base yourself for a break.

Classic Cottages, a British-based cottage holiday company, has more than 600 properties in the West Country and over 50 in North Devon.

"The West Country is one of the most popular parts of the country in which to holiday and yet North Devon is still relatively undiscovered," said Simon Tregoning, managing director of Classic Cottages.

He added: "The area's natural attractions are outstanding and developments such as Damien Hirst's restaurant in Illfracombe are helping to put North Devon on the map."

For a copy of the Classic Cottages brochure or for more information on North Devon and other West Country getaways, contact 01326 555 555, or visit www.classic.co.uk.