Nearby Towns & Places

Dartmouth

A mesh of narrow lanes, stairways and corridors, with plenty of medieval and Elizabethan streetscapes, make Dartmouth a must-see for anyone visiting this part of Devon. The town has a reputation for good food - with many fine restaurants, as well as arts, antiques and craft shops just about everywhere. If the shopping doesn't keep you fit, the leisure centre will.

Totnes

Totnes, an ancient borough sitting on a steep promontory next to the river Dart, devotes itself in almost equal measures to arts and crafts, to history and architecture, and to eccentric lifestyles. Totnes is an absolute gem of a town - a must-do for your holiday itinerary.

The main shopping area is Fore Street, which runs from The Plains up past 16th and 17th Century merchants' houses to the East Gate Arch, and the High Street, which continues up the hill. Here you'll find a fine assortment of alternative health and organic food shops, local arts and crafts, and shops selling old and new books.

Kingsbridge

At the head of an estuary named after it, Kingsbridge is reckoned as the capital of the South Hams - the most southerly part of the South Devon area. Kingsbridge and the lands around it passed into the possession of the Buckfast Abbey some time after the Norman Conquest and in 1219 the Abbot was granted the right to hold a market in Kingsbridge, his monks selling their produce of honey, fruit, vegetables and thick cream. There are still regular markets on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and a Farmers Market on the first Saturday of each month.

Salcombe

Sheltered inside the Kingsbridge Estuary, Salcombe retains its peace and quiet by favouring the pedestrian over the motorist. There is plenty of parking around the edges of the town and the wisdom of using it becomes clear when you see the narrow streets in the town centre. Salcombe was, and still is, a seafaring town.

Blackpool Sands
Dartmouth Boat Park
Kingswear, Nr Dartmouth
Dartmouth Bandstand
Bowcombe Bridge
Kingsbridge Quay
Salcombe

The Local Beaches

Blackpool Sands

Pleasant little sand and shingle cove at the end of Start Bay, located between Dartmouth and Slapton. The beach is around two-thirds of a mile long with steep wooded cliffs to either side.

The beach is popular with families as it has plenty of facilities including cafe/restaurant, toilets, disabled access to the beach, and a slipway. The clean water and safe bathing have earned Blackpool Sands a Blue Flag award.

Beesands

Beesands has a mile long stretch of fine shingle beach, backed by grassland and Widdcombe Ley freshwater lake. These areas are important sites for wildlife. The small village sits behind a long shingle ridge that protects it from the sea. There is a free car park sands and other facilities at the nearby village. There is good access to beach and dogs are allowed here.

Bantham

A long stretch of fine sand, especially at low tide, backed by impressive dunes. There are plenty of rock pools, making it an ideal family beach. The beach forms a promontory into estuary of the River Avon and has magnificient panoramic views. Bantham is a popular beach with surfers and gets busy at times owing to its proximity to Plymouth.

There is a safe bathing area with a lifeguard in attendance during the summer. Dogs are not permitted on main beach May to September. However around the corner to the estuary side, where there are fewer people, dogs are allowed all year round. There is a car park and other facilities within walking distance.

Hope Cove

Hope Cove is a sandy cove between rocky headlands with disabled access. There is parking, a beach shop, a cafe, a restaurant and pets are allowed. This is an ideal location for sailing and other water sports with an open beach and a slipway at Inner Hope.

The water is very clear and divers are attracted by the many shipwrecks in the area. Dolphins and seals can occasionally be seen swimming and diving in the cove. There is plenty of sand and rock pools for the family to enjoy.

Winnards Perch, Coles Cross, East Allington, Kingsbridge, South Devon, TQ9 7RH
Tel: 01548 521393 Email: info@winnards-perch.co.uk