The South Hams
The South Hams stretches from south of Torbay to west of Plymouth. The country side is dotted with interesting towns, villages, farmsteads and wooded river valleys. The classic landscapes, small sandy coves, secluded boating creeks, estuaries and the sixty miles of coastline make this area of Devon one of the most popular with tourists.
This part of south Devon shares Torbay`s mild climate yet lacks the English Rivera’s highly developed tourism. Much of the land is unspoilt, protected either by agriculture, the National Trust or its Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty status. The Kingsbridge/ Salcombe Estuary is a site of Special Scientific Interest
There is beautiful scenery, villages of thatched cottages and the old towns of Dartmouth, Totnes, Salcombe, Modbury, and Kingsbridge. The area is known as a boating haven because of its two extensive estuaries with their navigable inlets and picturesque moorings. Some of the county’s best and cleanest beaches are also in this holiday Mecca; these include Blackpool Sands, Salcombe South and Bigbury-on Sea.
Wembury is a city suburb on the left hand side of Plymouth Sound with a safe beach, car park and cafe. Two delightful villages ten miles from Plymouth are Noss Mayo and Newton Ferrers ideal for a quite holiday. There is a water taxi between the villages, and there are pleasure/fishing boat trips. This is a favourite area for pub meals.
Brixton is the gateway to the South Hams from Plymouth, within an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the village has a range of buildings of historic interest. There are various bed & breakfast and this is a popular area for caravans & camping.
BRIXTON CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK is in the village of Brixton and ideally positioned for shopping in Modbury, the beaches on the coast or for discovering Dartmoor.
VENN FARM is a traditional farmhouse Bed and Breakfast conveniently located in the middle of Brixton. This is a perfect base for the spectacular South Hams coast, the rugged wilderness of Dartmoor, miles of unspoilt beautiful countryside, lots of attractions and the waterfront city of Plymouth, which is only five miles away.
Modbury is about ten miles from Plymouth and five miles from the fantastic south Devon beaches. It is a good stopover for touring Dartmoor and the South Hams. In May there is a Music Festival with well known artists and local bands. Essentially this is a base for walking, bird watching & fishing.
PENNYMORE CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK is a delightful and spacious 11.5 acre rural camping and caravan site which enjoys spectacular panoramic views of Dartmoor and the Devon countryside. This long established park is a favourite for families and is within easy reach of Bigbury-on-Sea, numerous other superb beaches, the towns of Salcombe, Totnes, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge, Ivybridge and the city of Plymouth.
Bigbury on Sea has expansive clean beaches and at low tide it is possible to walk out to the very popular Burgh Island or there is sea tractor access at high tide. The island with its art deco hotel is the setting for the annual Agatha Christie Festival. The hotel hosts an ‘in costume’ lunch, and visitors can see the actual spots on the island that were used for the novels. Bantham has a big sandy beach with lifeguards in attendance; the beach is suitable for kite surfing.
Thurlstone has a popular golf course. The beach is sandy and very popular with families, wind or kite surfers. Hope Cove has a smallish sandy beach with rock pools etc making it an attractive fun place for families with quieter holidays in mind.
Kingsbridge is the ‘county seat’ of the South Hams with its own estuary. Just off the harbour the main shopping area of Fore Street leads up through the centre of the town. From vineyards to water- sports, boat trips to seaside villages & or for fishing, coach tours of Dartmoor, and a regular ferry service to nearby Salcombe, there is plenty to do in Kingsbridge.
Coast or countryside Kingsbridge has a choice of scenic walking and hiking routes suitable for every level of ability. There are major
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crowd pulling events in the summer; the Music Festival in June and Fair Week in July, not to be missed for a DAY OUT.
Salcombe with its mild climate is a town for all seasons. Located in the most southerly part of Devon surrounded by picturesque villages, magnificent coastal scenery and stunning beaches. Walking the coastal footpath, sailing in the estuary, or enjoying a leisurely ferry trip there are always plenty of activities in this delightful unspoilt area, making it a beautiful holiday destination for all age groups at any time of the year.
There is a superb range of water and land based activities. You can learn to sail, hire a dinghy to explore the many creeks and beaches around the estuary, go scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, power boating, surfing, fishing and horse riding, to name but a few! For a more leisurely holiday, take a scenic boat trip, walk the coastal paths or enjoy lazing on one of the many beautiful beaches. Not to be missed is Regatta Week & Carnival. If the weather should disappoint to keep the whole family entertained there are interesting tours and fun things to do under-cover.
Salcombe is unique as there is a wonderful selection of privately owned high quality shops and other leisure activities. The Tourist Information Centre is also privately owned and staffed with people experienced in how to help the visitor, so please make use of their services.
Salcombe’s fine golden sand beaches include North Sands, South Sands & Splat Cove all located to the south of the town towards Bolt Head. There are cafes, pubs, and water sports equipment for hire. On the other side of the estuary is East Portlemouth a picturesque village with a sandy beach with parking, shop, café and toilets.
Along the Start Bay coast the villages of East Prawle, Hallsands, Beesands, Torcross and Slapton offer miles of beaches with plenty of water sports such as surfing, windsurfing and canoeing. These villages are ideal for family holidays, especially those on a budget as prices are lower than in the major resorts. For naturalists there is a dedicated section of beach at Slapton Sands, also there is the Slapton Ley Nature Reserve which has animals, plants and something new to see at every visit. Should you wonder why there is a Sherman tank and a commemorative Obelisk on the beach at Slapton, these are memorials to the lives lost during the ill-fated US Army rehearsals for the Normandy invasion in 1944.
Stokenham is one of seven villages/ hamlets in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty of some fifteen square miles and with approximately seven miles of coast line. Theses villages and hamlets hold many sea-side and inland attractions during the summer months. Fishing and diving are especially popular along the coastline.
Stokefleming is a quiet village on the coast near the Dart Estuary. Nearby the sixteen mile Dart Valley Trail runs close to both sides of the River Dart, with stunning views and lots of wildlife. Another place to visit is the Start Point Lighthouse, also nearby is Berry Pomeroy Castle a 16th Century uncompleted mansion set in 15th Century castle defences, complete with ghosts. The privately owned Blackpool Sands is near the village.
Dartmouth is a town of ancient narrow streets, a mad hotchpotch of architectural styles with creatures of myth, filled with a cornucopia of artistic talent, and bursting with English eccentricity. There are boutique shops, art galleries and a cobbled market place featuring colourful stalls and farmers markets supplying local produce.
Dartmouth is a town where history is alive, where shops are unique, charming, quirky and individual, where local produce is used in a host of gourmet restaurants, and where a warm welcome is offered. Dartmouth is a town where folk still take time to stand in
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