Teignmouth & Shaldon Tourist Information

• Spend a day relaxing on one of the fabulous beaches
• Explore the surrounding area and Dartmoor and the Templar Trail
• Walk along the seafront and enjoy the timeless splendour of the classic pier and stunning views over the river

Teignmouth is a charming town packed with seaside charm and with a quaint, unspoilt feel and bags of local character. Perfect for a stroll along the Victorian pier or for a lazy day spent relaxing on the long stretches of golden sand, the town is also packed with interesting days out and some charming coastal and country walks.

With some great restaurants and pubs, a host of family-friendly attractions including a small zoo in nearby Shaldon and the fascinating Teignmouth Museum, there is plenty to see and do during your stay. With two great beaches in the town and the charming Shaldon beach nearby, a day on the sand is a must during your stay. July’s Teignmouth Carnival and the Jazz Festival in November area also well worth a look.

Food and Drink

Teignmouth comes complete with a whole host of restaurants to enjoy during your stay. Take 2 is a Grade II listed building and boasts a great menu of locally sourced produce in a truly sophisticated setting. The Oystercatcher Cafe and Nautilus Seafood both offer a fine selection of freshly caught seafood and shellfish, while The Owl and the Pussycat can also boast a great menu. For welcoming traditional pubs with fine ales and a fantastic offering of pub grub, try the Ferry Boat Inn or Cockhaven Manor, the latter sitting in a truly idyllic country setting and large sprawling gardens, perfect for the kids to explore.

Family Attractions

There is plenty in and around Teignmouth to keep the kids amused during your stay. The Miniature Pony and Stud Farm is a great place to spend the day with some beautiful views and charming miniature ponies. In a similar wildlife vain, Prickly Ball Farm is a hedgehog hospital with plenty of the spiky creatures and lots of fun demos and talks. For a classic day at the seaside, the Pier is packed with fun activities and a classic arcade for some computer-based fun. A small zoo packed with interesting creatures can be found at Shaldon Wildlife Trust, while the history of the town can be explored in Teignmouth Museum.

Shopping

Basic groceries can be bought from a fair sized Co-op in the town centre, but for a more quaint way to source what you want, try the main high street for a variety of locally run shops. The main shopping street is an intriguing step back in time, with everything from florists to brighten up your holiday home, to bait shops selling all you will require to have a relaxing day spent casting a line. There are also plenty of clothing boutiques and gift shops litter the quayside, so there is plenty to keep shopaholics happy.

History

The town was initially referenced in 1044, yet did not gain its market charter until 1253. Initially the town was divided into two separate dwellings; East and West Teignmouth, which were united by the time Teignmouth was regarded as a vital port. Until the fourteenth century, it was seen as second only to Dartmouth as the most significant port in Devon, so important that it was attacked by the French in 1400’s. During the 1700’s, the main ‘industry’ in the area was smuggling, though cod fishing was also prominent. By Victorian times, the town was seen as a key tourist resort, with its long beaches and close proximity to the newly-formed railway line. With this in mind the first bridge to nearby Shaldon was built, allowing easy access to and from both charming towns.

Events and Entertainment

Time your visit to Teignmouth correctly and you could enjoy one of the fun annual festivals that the town boasts. In July, the Teignmouth Carnival is a great spectacle full of great events, competitions, live shows and a music festival to round proceedings off. A November visit could coincide with Teignmouth Jazz Festival, which is a highly popular festival featuring well know and highly regarded performers. There’s something for every taste: New Orleans, Swing, Modern and Contemporary. The nearby Carlton Theatre has great show running throughout the year, offering a great night out during your stay.

Activities

For golfing enthusiasts, the Shaldon Approach Golf Centre offers a great 18 holes in the glorious scenery of the River Teign and the rolling hills of Shaldon as a backdrop. Fitness fanatics can enjoy the well-equipped Broadmeadow Sports Centre, with its gym, squash courts and sauna perfect for staying in shape during your stay. If you fancy a swim, the lido on the seafront is ideal and boasts some beautiful views, while more gentle exercise can be enjoyed on the Templar Way, a charming stroll that leads into Dartmoor. Being a fishing port, there is plenty of opportunity to do some angling, with bait shops in the town and some great spots to spend a relaxing few hours fishing.

Beaches

Teignmouth beach is a classic beach with traditions stretching back to Victorian times. On a clear day, the panorama is stunning, with views covering Portland Bill all the way to Berry Head in Brixham. Its charming mix of shingle and sand combined with the lifeguard presence and some charming beach-side cafes make it popular with families, while the grand pier is packed with arcade games and the charm of times gone by. River Beach is another classic resort style beach, with fishermen mending nets in the distance and its safe emerald bathing waters giving a very quaint feeling to the area. Nearby Shaldon Beach is popular with families, with its gently shelving stretch of sand and shingle.

Travel

There are a number of ways to travel to Teignmouth. The Riviera line takes trains direct to the town, and also acts as a link to the wider Devon. The nearest major train station is Newton Abbot. The nearest major airport is Exeter International, while the area boasts good roads links, the M5 linking to the A380, which will bring you to Teignmouth. There is also a National Express service direct to the town.