- Stunning countryside
- Amazing golden beaches
- Scenic cruises along the River Dart
From Totnes and Ivybridge to Dartmouth and Salcombe, The South Hams sits between the moors and the sea providing you with the best of South Devon’s rolling countryside and 60 miles of dramatic and ever-changing coastline.
There are six historic towns that collectively form The South Hams each with their own individual charm and unique characteristics; Dartmouth, Salcombe, Ivybridge, Totnes, Kingsbridge and Modbury. Meander along the pretty narrow streets and historic harbours and you will find a welcoming selection of gift shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants and bars.
Head towards the coast and you will be greeted with an amazing selection of golden beaches and hidden coves. For the adventurous among us, water sports are available at many of the larger beaches while the smaller coves offer a peaceful retreat and are perfect for relaxing with a good book and a picnic.
Food and Drink
There is an excellent range of eating and drinking choices in the South Hams, with many restaurants having won awards for their culinary expertise. Dartmouth in particular holds a reputation for delicious and exciting cuisine from fantastic breakfast and cappuccino bars to indulgent and delectable riverfront restaurants headed up by celebrity chefs Mitch Tonks and John Burton Race.
Travel further down the coast and you can enjoy some of the best fish and chips at The Start Bay Inn on Slapton Sands, while a little further round the coast takes you to Salcombe where you’ll find the fabulous Winking Prawn and the Oyster Shack at Bigbury-on-Sea.
Not to be forgotten and a must when in the South West is the Devon cream tea, clotted cream & ice cream, pasties and of course fish and chips.
The Sharpham Vineyard and Creamery is a must visit for anyone who likes wine or cheese. Situated in a superb location you can tour the Sharpham Estate, taste some of the fabulous wines and cheese and then relax in the al-fresco restaurant and enjoy the stunning views over the River Dart.
If you prefer to cook at home then why not visit one of the local farmers markets or have some locally grown organic produced delivered to your door? Riverford Farm is an award-winning provider of locally grown organic seasonal veg, fruit & meat and will deliver to your holiday home upon arrival in South Devon.
Family Attractions
There are plenty of ways to spend your days while on holiday in The South Hams come rain or shine; in fact you’ll be greeted with so many that you’ll need a return visit to fit everything in!
Starting with the fabulous beaches; these are perfect for family games of frisbee or cricket and when you’ve ran out of energy, a relaxing picnic on the shoreside. Being in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty you will have plenty of opportunity to marvel at the spectacular Devon scenery. The South West Coastal Path can easily be joined and offers walks varying from a gentle stroll to a challenging trek.
In Torcross, Slapton Ley Nature Reserve is the largest freshwater lake in the South West and is only separated from the sea by a narrow stretch of beach. There are regular guided walks around the 214 hectare site where you can spot each season’s wildlife and birdlife.
For any children (big or small!) you may want to swing through the trees at Go Ape, ride the rapids at Crealy or Woodlands adventure parks, take a walk in the wild side at Paignton Zoo or Living Coasts, step back 500 years at Kents Cavern or experience the beauty and adventure of Dartmoor at Becky Falls.
Other places of interest you may want to visit include:
- Dartmouth Castle, Dartmouth – the first to be constructed in England specifically to withstand artillery.
- Dartmouth to Paignton Steam Railway – take a magical journey along the South Devon coast.
- Royal Citadel, Plymouth - the first fortress in England to declare their support for Prince William of Orange.
- Totnes Castle, Totnes – A Norman structure sitting on top of a hill; a panoramic spot with superb views of the town and Dart Valley.
- Berry Pomeroy Castle, near Totnes - Reputedly the most haunted castle in South West England!
- Dartington Cider Press, Totnes - a unique collection of fine foods, glass, traditional crafts, jewellery, pottery, books, toys, stationery, gifts, kitchenware and world crafts.
- River Link Cruises along the River Dart, Dartmouth – Explore the coast from a different angle and take in some of the areas hidden treasures.
- Sharpham Vinyard and Creamery, Totnes – A 500 acre estate making some of the best wine and cheese in the UK today.
You will be spoilt for choice deciding where to point your camera!
Shopping
Indulge yourself in the many individual boutiques, craft shops, jewellers, galleries and gift shops that dot the narrow streets of these interesting towns. Why not treat yourself a unique and distinctive memento of your holiday in The South Hams from one of these fabulous shops.
If you prefer the bright lights of the high street then the cities of Plymouth and Exeter are sure to excite the most dedicated of shoppers. They are both rich in heritage while at the same time exude a sophisticated city chic with their modern shops such as M&S, House of Fraser, Debenhams and Zara, mixed in with designers such as Karen Millen and All Saints plus for all you chocolate lovers, Hotel Chocolat.
For all your essentials such as tea, coffee, bread and milk etc. each town has one or two local grocery stores along with larger supermarkets on the outskirts.
History & Heritage
The South Hams is rich with history and heritage with many historic buildings, castles and forts, smuggling stories, famous writers, archaeological sites and museums just waiting to be explored.
Here is just some of the history you can expect to uncover:
- Torcross is home to a WWII American Sherman tank which was lost at sea in 1944 and recovered in 1984.
- In Plymouth you can stand where Sir Francis Drake played bowls as the Spanish Armada approached, enjoy a tour at the historic Plymouth Gin distillery, or maybe visit the National Marine Aquarium - now the largest aquarium in Great Britain with the deepest tank in Europe
- The Dartmouth Royal Naval College is perched on a hill overlooking the River Dart and has been training the Navy’s Officers since 1863. Its stunning Edwardian architecture makes it one of the most historic and prestigious landmarks in the area.
- Totnes Castle is one of the best surviving examples of a classic Norman motte and bailey castle.
Perched on a hill above the town, the panoramic views from the top are superb. - Greenway House in Galmpton was once home to Agatha Christe and her family during the summer months. Explore the story behind the novelist and visit the places that inspired some of Christie’s most renowned novels.
Beaches
The South Hams boasts three Blue Flag Beaches; Blackpool Sands, Challaborough and Bigbury-on-Sea plus another 11 with glorious golden sands.
Bantham Beach - near Kingsbridge
A fantastic beach the whole family will love with an amazing stretch of fine golden sand backed by dunes. Windsurfing, kite surfing and body boarding are all popular. During low tide it’s ideal for rockpooling and also links together with Bigbury – be careful not to get trapped by the tide! Car parking. Dogs not permitted May-Sept.
Beesands - near Kingsbridge
A mile long stretch of fine shingle beach, backed by grassland and Widdcombe Ley freshwater lake.
Free car park. Dogs allowed.
Bigbury-On-Sea - near Kingsbridge – Blue Flag Award
A sand and shingle beach with access to Burgh Island (via foot) at low tide. The island can be accessed via the sea tractor at high tide. Facilities include: toilets, a shower, surf school, The Venus beach café and a beach shop. There is also a ferry to Bantham Beach. There is safe bathing and the beach is manned by lifeguards during the summer months. Dogs are not allowed in the restricted area. Large car park. Bigbury-on-Sea also has a beautiful cliff-top 18 hole Golf Course, with outstanding views of the moors and sea in all directions.
Blackpool Sands - near Dartmouth – Blue Flag Award
Home to the Venus Cafe, this private beach is a crescent shaped lagoon-like cove surrounded by evergreens and pine. Facilities include: sand pits, a bathing raft, Surfski, kayak, boogie boards, wet suit and snorkel hire and showers. Safe bathing makes it excellent for a true family day out and there are lifeguards during the summer months. Ample car parking. Dogs not permitted March to November.
Challaborough Beach - near Kingsbridge – Blue Flag Award
A fine sandy beach in a lovely horseshoe-shaped cove. During low tide it’s ideal for rockpooling and there is safe bathing with lifeguards present during the summer months. Facilities include: Cafe, shop, toilets and watersports. Car parking. You can join the coast path and walk round to Bigbury-On-Sea.
East Portlemouth Beaches - near Salcombe
A popular sandy beach off the Salcombe estuary. Safe bathing makes it excellent for families and dogs are also allowed so no need to leave anyone behind! There is a ferry that runs to Salcombe from the next beach along. No parking available at the beach.
Hope Cove Beach – Hope Cove
A beautiful sandy cove surrounded by woodlands. Facilities include: toilets, a beach shop, a café and a restaurant. There are plenty of rockpools to explore at low tide and Dolphins and seals can occasionally be seen swimming in the cove. Car parking. Dogs not permitted May – Sept.
Mouthwell Sands - near Salcombe
A small sandy beach excellent for exploring rock pools at low tide. Car parking available a short walk from the beach.
Salcombe North Sands & South Sands - Salcombe
Two sandy beaches both great for making sand castles. Facilities include: toilets, cafe and shop plus a ferry to Salcombe. Limited car parking available.
Slapton Sands - Torcross
A 2½ mile shingle beach separating Slapton Freshwater Lay from the ocean. At the far end of the beach the village itself has a general stores and post office, two traditional pubs with excellent food, cafes, pottery and a butcher. The beach is lifeguarded during the summer months. Limited car parking is available.
Soar Mill Cove Beach - near Salcombe
A beautiful and isolated sandy cove with spectacular views. Access is by foot and undulating and is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties. There are no facilities so taking a picnic is essential.
Thurlestone Beach - near Kingsbridge
A wide fine shingle beach backed by a nature reserve which is great for any twitchers. There is safe bathing with lifeguards present during the summer months. Facilities are limited but there is car parking and dogs are permitted.
Wembury Beach - Nr Plymouth
A small shingle beach surrounded by low cliffs and with its own marine conservation centre. Facilities include: with a beach shop, café and restaurant. Car parking is available in the church.
Events and Entertainment
There are many events taking place throughout the year in and around the South Hams. Some of the most notable ones are:
Dartmouth Comedy Festival
An eclectic variety of uproariously entertaining Comedians have been booked for the sole purpose of your amusement and delight!
Dart Music Festival
A vibrant and exciting mix of musicians including: jazz, choral, acoustic guitar, blues, opera, big bands, organ recitals, orchestral and a string quartet.
Totnes & District Agricultural Show
A great day out for the whole family featuring displays of cattle, ducks, sheep and chickens as well as sheep shearing and falconry. The show has a staggering food hall and the very best of the region’s produce and crafts. There’s even terrier and ferret racing!
Dartmouth Royal Regatta
A sailing extravaganza with air displays, music, rowing, tennis, running, yacht races, fun fair, fireworks and more.
South Devon Walking Festival
Event featuring around 30 walks for all ages and abilities with some especially designed for families.
Dartmouth Food Festival
Foodie extravaganza featuring celebrity chefs, parties, food markets, tasting shacks, demonstrations and special events
In addition to these events, entertainment in the South Hams varies from local theatres showing live music, comedians, plays and ballet to local pubs hosting quiz nights, live music and themed evenings.
Activities
Whatever your interest The South Hams can fulfil your every desire with activates available including cycling, horse riding, walking, culture trails, watersports, golf, bird watching, wildlife watching and fishing.
Travel
Totnes has a train station that is on the main London Paddington to Plymouth line. Alighting one stop earlier in Newton Abbot, will enable you to change to one of the branch lines that will take to you Torquay or Paignton.
National Express Coaches run from various parts of the UK to South Devon stopping at Brixham, Budleigh Salterton, Dawlish, Exmouth, Paignton, Plymouth, Starcross, Teignmouth and Torquay.
Plymouth Airport facilitates arrivals from London Gatwick, Manchester, Leeds Bradford, Jersey, Guernsey, Bristol, Glasgow, Newcastle, Cork or Dublin.
Plymouth also operates a regular ferry service from Roscoff and Santander.