What’s on in South Devon 2024: Our Events Roundup
Thanks to our lively local communities, there’s an impressive programme of annual events in South Devon, from quirky village...
by Coast And Country / News
Kingsbridge is home to the Art Café, where kids can paint a selection of ceramics that will be fired and made available to pick up later. Centrally located, this is great for children and adults alike. Enjoy getting creative with your friends or family while you enjoy a snack or a coffee.
The Art Cafe
33 Fore St, Kingsbridge TQ7 1PG
The special Farmers Markets on the first and third Saturday of every month (9am to 1pm) are certainly not to be missed. Selling everything from locally caught fish, fresh meats served by the farmer who tended their livestock, to freshly baked bread and pastries still warm from the oven.
Kingsbridge Information Centre
The Quay, 1 Fore St, Kingsbridge TQ7 1PG
Bumble is a popular soft play centre situated on Fore Street (Kingsbridge’s high street). Enjoy a snack with your tea, coffee or super-deluxe hot chocolate while the kids let off steam.
Bumble
111 Fore St, Kingsbridge TQ7 1AB
Whether you’re looking for an activity for all the family, as a couple, or with friends, stand-up paddleboarding is accessible for all. Triocean Surf is the largest retailer of stand-up paddle boards (SUP’s) in South Devon, located two miles from Bantham Beach, one of Devon’s premier surf spots with the picturesque Kingsbridge-Salcombe Estuary close by.
Triocean Surf
Churchstow, Kingsbridge TQ7 3QH
Kids can get creative and have fun at this welcoming art space, where they can use crayons, watercolour paint, coloured pens and glitter to decorate papier mâché boxes, animal shapes and greeting cards. Booking is advisable on rainy days in the holiday season.
No family day in Salcombe is complete without a spot of crabbing off the harbour wall. Younger kids often stay transfixed for hours, buzzing with excitement after every catch, and checking back every few seconds to ensure their parents hadn’t missed their achievements!
Salcombe boasts dozens of boutique clothes shops, an array of unique art galleries, gift shops, delis and more. Get the ‘Salcombe look’, take home a unique painting or just pick up some homemade treats, from clotted cream fudge to crab sandwiches, our most celebrated local delicacy.
Led by friendly and experienced instructors, Ross and Zoe Crook, Salcombe Dinghy Sailing provides all-year-round expert tuition for learners of all levels, as well as sailing boat hire for those with sufficient skills.
A five-mile drive from Hope Cove you’ll find the picturesque harbour town of Salcombe. Explore a unique mix of galleries, shops, delis, pubs and restaurants, or visit one of it’s golden sandy beaches. You’ll also find the luxurious Harbour Hotel spa and a soft-play café, ideal for entertaining children on a rainy day, whilst you enjoy a well-deserved coffee.
Fore St
Salcombe TQ8 8ES
From coasteering to cruises up the Salcombe Estuary, Sea N Shore offers an extensive range of fun waterborne activities under specialist guidance. Learn to pilot a powerboat, take a slow or speedy rib ride, or how about waterskiing or wakeboarding? The choice is yours!
Besides taking in the fresh sea air, sweeping views and rewarding walks, another way to relax in Thurlestone is to book some time at the luxury Thurlestone Voyage Spa. A great way to balance activity and relaxation any time of the year.
Thurlestone Hotel
Thurlestone, Kingsbridge TQ7 3NN
South Milton Sands sits at the southern end of the beautiful Thurlestone Bay and looks out over the iconic Thurlestone Rock. Kayakers love paddling out to see this unusual rock formation close up and can hire sit-on-top kayaks and stand-up paddlerboards from Surfin’ Sam. You’ll find Surfin’ Sam in the National Trust car park just behind the beach.
South Milton
Kingsbridge
Hit The Fairways at Thurlestone Golf Club. Golfers are in for a treat at Thurlestone Golf Club that runs along the cliffs and offers a great game to novices and pros alike. The views are simply amazing, but keep your eye on the ball or it may end up in the sea! If golf isn’t your thing, the club also offers 12 tennis courts for you to enjoy.
Thurlestone Golf Course
Kingsbridge TQ7 3NZ
The South Devon Chilli Farm in Loddiswell is the region’s hottest attraction, ideal for those looking to spice up their holiday with a show tunnel chilli tour, a few items from the gift shop, or a spicy bite at the colourful café.
Standing tall over South Sands, Overbeck’s House is a National Trust property once owned by the eccentric scientist and inventor, Otto Overbeck. Explore unique natural history and art collections, wander through the unique gardens, enjoy stunning elevated views and take the load off at the café.
East Soar Outdoor Experience is a National Trust farm situated on the headland above picturesque Salcombe. The location is perfectly suited for rangers, in need of breathtaking views and challenging walks, or to provide young children with an outdoor educational experience.
East Soar Walkers Hut or The Tea Barn
East Farm East Soar Salcombe, Soar, Kingsbridge TQ7 3DR
The rockpools, which are numerous at Harbour Beach in Hope Cove, make this beach a good spot for scouring the shoreline for creepie-crawlies with the kids. On your summer holiday, you could be exploring the rockpools in Hope Cove with your little ones, trying your hand at stand-up paddleboarding or building sandcastles – the list goes on.
Hope Cove
Kingsbridge TQ7 3HW
The circular walk around the plateau of nearby Bolberry Down offers easy walking, suitable for most pushchairs. This walk is favoured by many locals and visitors to the Salcombe area, as it offers an easy way to enjoy some spectacular views from the South West Coast Path. The dramatic coastline contrasts with the gentle South Hams hills to create an unforgettable backdrop to your walk.
S W Coast Path
Kingsbridge TQ7
Directly located on the South West Coast Path, Hope Cove is the ideal starting point for a leisurely stroll to nearby South Milton Sands, or a more adventurous hike to take in the spectacular views from the stunning rugged coastline that the area has to offer.
S W Coast Path
Kingsbridge TQ7 3HP
Make the short trip out to Stokeley Farm shop, begin your day with a hearty ‘farmer’s breakfast’ in the onsite café, then browse the locally-sourced offerings of the garden centre. With an onsite deli, butchers and country farm shop, why not stock up on some locally produced delicacies and enjoy indulging in a taste of the South West during your stay?
Stokeley Farm Shop
Stokeley Barton Farm, Kingsbridge TQ7 2SE
When viewed from above the unusual layout of the Slapton Ley Nature Reserve is truly impressive. The largest natural lake in south-west England, an amazingly narrow bar separates the fresh water from the salty sea. Housing an impressive array of wildlife, this unique and precious habitat is well worth a visit.
Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve
Slapton Ley Field Centre, Sands Rd, Kingsbridge TQ7 2QP
Woodlands near Dartmouth is Devon’s largest family theme park, with extensive indoor and outdoor areas making it suitable for all weathers. During the holidays, there are extra activities and performances to amuse the kids, from jugglers to song-and-dance troupes.
The picturesque harbour town of Dartmouth is just a short drive away and no trip to Start Bay would be complete without visiting this historic gem. Explore the boutique shops and galleries, fantastic pubs, cafés and restaurants, treat yourself to a river cruise or take a ride on the Dartmouth Steam Railway.
Dartmouth
Dartmouth is great for both intrepid hikers and those who prefer a gentle stroll to a nice pub. Walk to Blackpool Sands, along the Dart to Greenway, or start from Kingswear and trek to Brixham. Look out for marine wildlife such as seals, porpoises, dolphins and even occasionally whales!
The Kingswear Castle Paddle Steamer is one of many vessels providing scenic cruises from Dartmouth. Discover the River Dart on the oldest coal-fired vessel of its kind still operational in the UK, appreciating a succession of stunning views all the way to the medieval town of Totnes.
Dartmouth Steam Railway departs from Kingswear, a quick hop on the passenger ferry from Dartmouth Harbour. These nostalgic trains take passengers on a picturesque journey, first alongside the River Dart and then by the sea, to the traditional holiday destination of Paignton.
See the wooded banks and sparkling waters of the River Dart and its pretty creeks from the best angle possible, by heading out on a kayaking expedition with Sea Kayak Devon, based in Dartmouth. You can arrange both guided tours and structured courses with their experienced instructors.
600-year-old Dartmouth Castle, now managed by English Heritage, is one of three such fortresses within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Take an atmospheric tour of the castle and find out more about its place in the story of this historic harbour town.
Sharpham has won numerous awards for its fruity wines, made from grapes raised on the south-facing slopes of the River Dart near Ashprington. Take a tasting tour, sit down for a meal in the Vineyard Kitchen and don’t forget to stock up on a few bottles to take home!
The former home of Dame Agatha Christie, Greenway was described by the author as ‘the loveliest place on earth.’ Tour the beautifully maintained interior of the house, learn more about Dame Agatha, explore the gardens, enjoy lunch in the café, and appreciate the stunning riverside views.
This animal attraction near Buckfastleigh is ideal for families with young children. With enough activities and adorable animals to amuse little ones without overwhelming them, Pennywell Farm offers numerous opportunities to pet, stroke and cuddle a range of friendly critters.
by Coast And Country / News
Sign up to receive exclusive offers, competitions and the latest news to your inbox, and you'll be entered into our monthly prize-draw 3 times!
Thanks to our lively local communities, there’s an impressive programme of annual events in South Devon, from quirky village...
At Coast & Country Cottages, 2023 was another fabulous year, despite the current economic climate. We have seen an...
We had the pleasure of discussing all things Christmas and gardening with Gardentime, a local, independent, family run garden...
