5 Must-Visit Castles in South Devon
With its relaxed pace of life, gentle scenery and friendly people, it’s hard to imagine that South Devon’s residents...
Our #SouthDevonByNumbers video showcases 15 ways in which our region offers something for everyone on their summer break, from 100 local ice cream flavours to try, to the weather being 2.1oC warmer than the UK average. Whether you’re looking to spend a fun morning on a steam train with the kids, an active afternoon on the water, or a relaxing day getting pampered in one of our spas, there’s something special for everyone. Learn 15 facts exclusive to South Devon from #SouthDevonByNumbers and how we revealed them.
The 64 family attractions were counted by our local team of experts. We chose to film at our neighbours’ soft play centre and café Kids & Co, and the Dartmouth Steam Rail and Riverboat Company. You can travel by rail or river through some of the most scenic routes in the region leaving the kids mesmerised!
Whether you’re looking for a large, luxury holiday property, or a cosy romantic cottage set amongst rolling countryside, we have a range of properties to suit all interests. Click here to view our self-catering holiday homes.
There are 100 flavours of ice cream available at Dartmouth Ice Cream, as well as popular Salcombe Dairy. The Coast & Country Cottages teams’ favourites are Clotted Cream, Honeycomb and the award-winning Stem and Ginger! What is your favourite flavour of ice cream?
There are boards to hire for all weather conditions and watersports enthusiasts. You can hire a stand-up paddleboard to leisurely float across the tranquil estuaries, a kayak to explore hidden coves and beaches, or a surf board to balance on the exhilarating surfable waves at Bantham beach. These are all available from Triocean Surf in Churchstow, along with introductory lessons!
South Devon’s section of the South West Coast Path includes some unforgettable scenery, numerous sites of historic and natural interest and some fabulous secluded spots. As collected from The South West Coast Path, 190,808 steps run across the coast of South Devon, leaving an assortment of picturesque hikes and picnic spots with outstanding backdrops. In the video you see Burgh Island unveil on the horizon as we explored the coast path at Thurlestone. (This fact depends on foot size as we converted miles into steps by the ‘average’ foot size!)
Devon and Cornwall have long quibbled over the correct way of preparing a cream tea, the main question being, what comes first… the cream or the jam? If you ask a true Devonian the answer will always be this – cream first, then jam! Another question for you – where do you prefer eating this delectable afternoon treat? Opening up a delicious Delimann hamper in the comfort of your holiday home such as cosy Berry Cottage, that sits on the edge of the River Dart, or out in one of the many cafés selling rustic home-made scones such as those featured at the Avon Mill Garden Centre – Café in Loddiswell.
There are a remarkable 65 nautical miles waiting to be explored by whichever means you desire. Are you one for renting a traditional sailing dinghy with Salcombe Dinghy Sailing to sail between sandy coves risking a topple in and out of the sea? Or do you prefer something a little more glamorous like a rented Sailfunk yacht, being chauffeured around popular sites of interest whilst you sit back, bask in the sun and enjoy a glass of fizz?
There are lots of fudge providers who collectively make up to 1,000kg of fudge alone each week, just waiting for you to devour! One of these are Roly’s Fudge, who make up to 400kg alone each week. They have a variety of flavours, their renowned ones being Vanilla Clotted Cream Fudge and Salted Maple and Pecan! Have you tried these flavours yet?
According to The Met Office, South Devon is 2.1oC warmer than the UK average, giving you more time to enjoy days on the beach or on the water. What’s your favourite way to spend a day in the sunshine in South Devon?
Favis of Salcombe go out in all weather conditions to make sure they produce enough crab to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. They told our team that they catch an impressive 1,000 tonnes per week (this is not including the crabs caught from the edge of the Salcombe Harbour by six year old Jasmine and three year old Penny!)
Find some scrumptious recipes in our South Devon Cookbook
If the location of your summer break depends on whether there’s a nearby beach, you’ll be pleased to hear South Devon is surrounded by 31 picturesque fine shingle or sandy beaches and coves with turquoise waters, many just a stones throw from our holiday homes. Packing your picnic gear will be a pleasure with products from The Devon Beach Company as seen above.
Discover an array of beaches to enjoy with loved ones, 22 of these are pet-friendly all year round, including Slapton Sands, that left Labradors Benji and Otis’ tails wagging.
If you’re looking for a relaxing retreat full of pampering, look no further! With spas dotted in abundance throughout South Devon, you won’t be disappointed. These include Dartmouth Golf and Country Club, Thurlestone Voyage Spa, The Haven Spa, Salcombe Harbour Hotel and Spa, and Dart Marina Health Spa, offering over 900 hours of spa treatments weekly.
South Devon’s countryside provides far more than just stunning scenery. Award-winning food producers, restaurants, vineyards and other food and drink businesses have set up in our county to make the most of its wonderful natural endowments. There are at least 15 local independent breweries, vineyards, cider makers and distilleries. Make your own gin this summer at Salcombe Gin School, learning from the professionals whilst adding your own choice of ingredient, or simply tasting one of their many cocktails.
From local beach-side establishments to fine dining restaurants and cosy gastro-pubs with roaring fires, there’s 115 award-winning restaurants, famed for their fresh local produce. Are you coming on holiday for a special occasion? Why not celebrate in style at one of the best restaurants in South Devon? Here are five must-visit eateries in South Devon.
South Devon boasts a 130 square mile Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, famous for its expansive beaches, coastal walks and unforgettable views. Try and spot some rare wildflowers that thrive from the warmer climates and sea air as you explore.
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