Dittisham | South Devon Village Guide
Dittisham, or ‘Ditsum’ to locals, is a picturesque riverside village nestled on the west bank of the River Dart....
Often referred to as the ‘jewel of the Dart’, the village of Stoke Gabriel in South Devon is situated on the banks of a picture-perfect River Dart creek. A quintessentially English village, it’s surrounded by rolling countryside and abundant wildlife, and life is very much centred around the river.
Nestled in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s the perfect bolthole if you’re looking for a peaceful River Dart retreat that is in close proximity to Dartmouth, Salcombe and Totnes.
For a small village, Stoke Gabriel certainly packs a punch. It boasts outstanding facilities, independent shops, age old pubs, a rustic riverside cafe, a parish church, a 1000-year-old yew tree, a children’s play park and a community apple orchard. This village is a honeypot of activity year-round.
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Home to a thriving and active community, you certainly won’t be short of things to do in Stoke Gabriel. In fact, there are so many things to do, it can be difficult to know where to start! Whether you want to explore the area by foot, bicycle, sail, motor, kayak or paddle board, there is always something fun to do. The river, in particular the Mill Pond, is the most popular area around the village. If you’d rather keep your feet on dry land, why not explore the community orchard and children’s playpark?
Below, in no particular order, you will find some of our favourite things to do in Stoke Gabriel:
One of the best ways to explore the River Dart is by kayak. Not only does it give you freedom to explore, but it also provides the opportunity to experience nature and wildlife up close. Those who navigate the river by kayak regularly paddle with seals, kingfishers and herons, so keep your eyes peeled on your adventure.
From Stoke Gabriel, you can journey towards Dartmouth, stopping at Dittisham or Tuckenhay, or alternatively, paddle to Totnes. If you don’t have your own vessel, not to worry – you can hire equipment and book guided tours from Stoke Gabriel with the Totnes Kayak company. Full details found on their website.
Stoke Gabriel is one of South Devon’s crabbing hotspots, so expect to pull in bucket loads of strong-clawed crustaceans. One of the best crabbing spots in the village is from the quay, alongside The River Shack, who sell all the equipment and bait you could need! On a low tide, you can also crab from the jetty, but do be careful, because it can be extremely slippery. Read our blog on crabbing tips for even more information.
The village is popular with boating enthusiasts because of easy access to the Dart, and best of all, the geography of the river provides superb conditions for both novice learners and experienced sailors alike.
Stoke Gabriel Sailing Club is the beating heart of the village sailing community, and the newly refurbished clubhouse is situated at Mill Point. Boat owners have access to a dinghy park and canoe rack, whilst those without their own boats have access to a fleet of sailing dinghies, rowing boats and canoes. For those of you who have your own sails, you can moor up at the Stoke Gabriel deep-water pontoon at any time.
There are a variety of beautiful walks in and around Stoke Gabriel, varying in length and terrain.
A favourite on a low tide navigates the shoreline to Duncannon beach, before venturing into the woods that look out towards Dittisham. For a gentle stroll, head along the riverbank through the parish apple orchard and explore the cobbled streets of the old village. For a longer walk, take on the four-mile journey to Totnes, enjoying an artisan coffee upon your arrival!
The Coast & Country Cottages team love walking, and have curated a comprehensive guide to the region’s best trails. For more inspiration, read our free South Devon walking guide.
Stoke Gabriel is perfectly situated for exploring South Devon and the wild and rugged expanse of Dartmoor. What’s more, the English Riviera towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham are just a few miles away.
With a wealth of beaches to hand, the historic towns of Dartmouth and Totnes nearby, and many popular attractions such as Paignton Zoo and the Steam Railways, you won’t find yourself short of things to do near Stoke Gabriel, rain or shine!
For more inspiration, read our guide on things to do in South Devon.
Whilst the village of Stoke Gabriel sits on the River Dart estuary, you will find a handful of excellent beaches within a short drive.
Broadsands Beach, about 5 miles away, is popular and boasts a long stretch of red sand and calm waters. A little further along the coast, you’ll find Goodrington Sands, best known for its colourful beach huts and thrilling water park. For those seeking a more secluded experience, Mansands Beach, offers a peaceful and unspoiled natural setting, though requiring a walk to access.
Read our South Devon beach bible for our comprehensive guide to the best beaches in the region.
There are two pubs in Stoke Gabriel and one vibrant cafe, all of which serve sumptuous food and drink and are perfectly placed to take in the River Dart and surrounding countryside…
The Castle Inn welcomes families and dogs, and prides itself on consistently delivering ‘good food, good drink and good company’.
It’s the perfect place to enjoy a lazy lunch, relaxing dinner, or even a dance at one of their weekly live music nights. Booking is advised, especially on a Sunday, with roast dinners proving to be a firm favourite amongst both local residents and visitors.
The Church House Inn is one of the oldest buildings in the village, and uniquely, the church of Stoke Gabriel continues to own the licensed premises!
Offering sumptuous food, local drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere, this is a great spot to visit should you want to really become acquainted with Stoke Gabriel village life. Be sure to check The Church House Inn Facebook page for regular updates, including information on live music and weekly quizzes.
Relaxed and rustic, The River Shack is the ultimate waterside destination, situated on the banks of the River Dart. Open for breakfast, lunch, coffee, Devon cream teas, and dinner at the weekend, they also sell ice cream from a separate shack throughout the summer months.
The menu is fresh, locally sourced and changes with the season. The icing on the cake is that they offer a wide selection of soft and alcoholic beverages, including an extensive G&T menu!
Stoke Gabriel quay is popular with those enjoying the river, and as such, you will find it peppered with boats and gaggles of eager children pulling in crabs from the river. You will also, if you’re lucky, become acquainted with a couple of seals who have a tendency to enjoy basking in the sunshine here!
At Coast & Country Cottages, our South Devon holiday cottages are ideally situated to explore the jewel of the River Dart that is Stoke Gabriel and its surrounding area. From properties boasting river views to coastal cottages and country escapes, you are sure to find something to suit.
Book your Stoke Gabriel holiday cottage today!