Stoke Fleming | South Devon Village Guide

100 metres above Start Bay, Stoke Fleming offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in South Devon and probably the country. The view from the edge of the village extends from Blue Flag-awarded Blackpool Sands all the way to rugged Start Point and its iconic lighthouse. With a friendly pub and popular restaurant in the village, combined with its position as a waypoint on the South West Coast Path, it’s no surprise you’ll see hikers galore on your visit.

Dartmouth is less than three miles from Stoke Fleming by car, making this historic harbour town a natural place to visit for sightseeing, shopping or dining. As well as a host of individual shops and galleries, there are also supermarkets (a Sainsbury and Lidl at the top of Dartmouth and an M&S food and Co-op in the centre) for taking care of groceries and other practical matters.

In the other direction along the A379, the pretty market town of Kingsbridge is just over 12 miles away. Between Stoke Fleming and Kingsbridge are some charming coastal and rural villages such as Torcross and Stokenham, as well as the beaches of Start Bay. Find out more about this quintessential South Devon village in our comprehensive guide to Stoke Fleming…

Looking for something specific? Use our quick links below or read on for our comprehensive village guide to Stoke Fleming:

– Stoke Fleming shops
– Stoke Fleming playground and village hall
– Stoke Fleming Church
– Places to eat and drink in Stoke Fleming
– Walks from Stoke Fleming
– Beaches near Stoke Fleming
– Stoke Fleming holiday cottages

Stoke Fleming shops

Stoke Fleming has a centrally-located, well-stocked shop and post office. Located by the main road running through the village, you’ll find the shop to the right if you’re coming from Dartmouth, or to the left if you’re coming from Start Bay/Kingsbridge.

Stoke Fleming playground and village hall

Stoke Fleming Village Hall has regularly been the base for range of functions and activities. The village hall has seen occasional performances by groups such as Dartmouth’s Inn Theatre Company, and the village has its own resident group, the Stoke Fleming Operatic and Dramatic Society. It’s also home to library service and has often been used for sporting gatherings, such as table tennis and indoor bowls. The main hall can seat 300 people, and there’s a smaller room equipped for 30. There’s a fully-equipped kitchen, too. Stoke Fleming Village Hall sits on the edge of a large playing field with a wonderful playground for children and an unusual petanque area (a type of French boules).

Stoke Fleming Church

St Peter’s Church in Stoke Fleming, a 13th century building which underwent major reconstruction in 1871, is situated just off Church Road in the centre of the village. The 18th century bells were restored in 2016 following the award of a grant from the Lottery fund. You can find out more about the project, the history of St Peters and the work of the bell ringers on the church website.

Parking in Stoke Fleming

Stoke Fleming has limited on-road parking but you will find a small, free car park close to the centre of the village. Leave the A379 onto Church Road when the road bends sharply next to the village shop. Go straight, passing The Green Dragon pub on your right and continue onto School Road until you find the parking bays to your left.

Places to eat and drink in Stoke Fleming

Stoke Fleming’s location on the South West Coast Path, around four-to-five miles from Dartmouth on foot and less than a mile down to Blackpool Sands, makes it a popular spot for walkers to take a break. Thankfully, there are a few great places to grab a bite and rest your weary legs in the village…

Radius 7 Stoke Fleming

With an impressively stylish shabby-chic interior and stunning sea views, Radius 7 is the kind of lounge bar and restaurant that few villages can claim. The food, most of which is Devon-sourced, is all cooked to order, meaning it can be prepared according to most dietary requirements. The drinks menu is also full of flavours of the West Country, from ales brewed in the South Hams to Heron Valley fizz and Luscombe juices. For more information or to book, visit their website for more information.

The Green Dragon Stoke Fleming

Refuelling at The Green Dragon is practically a rite of passage for walkers from Dartmouth. Stop for a drink or make a day of your coastal hike by enjoying a Sunday lunch before walking it off on the return leg. For diners, there’s the option of the Mess Deck restaurant area too.

Venus Café Blackpool Sands

Less than a mile on foot and a three-minute drive from Stoke Fleming, you’ll come to tranquil bay that is Blackpool Sands, one of South Devon’s most loved beaches. This unspoilt cove of fine shingle is home to a Venus Café and Takeaway. It’s time to shed any preconceptions you have about beachside shacks and diners – the food here is freshly prepared, mostly locally sourced and often organic. From mussels or lobster to mouthwatering steaks, there are meaty, seafood-based and vegetarian options a-plenty!

Walks from Stoke Fleming

Being on the South West Coast Path means that there are plenty of signs around to help you find your way down to Start Bay or oppositely, towards Dartmouth. One of our favourite routes navigates to Dartmouth, and we have collated a visual guide to the walk from Dartmouth to Blackpool Sands which also details some of the easily-missed coves and other points of interest along the way! Start Bay offers a wealth of varied walking routes, treading both coast and countryside – from Blackpool Sands you can walk to the beaches of Slapton Sands, Beesands, Hallsands and if you are up for a tougher challenge then continue beyond Start Point  to Mattiscombe Beach. At Coast & Country Cottages, we love walking, so much so we’ve created a comprehensive South Devon walking guide, so be sure to download it for more inspiration.

Beaches near Stoke Fleming

South Devon is the ultimate playground for beach lovers, and the region boasts not only shingle bays but also secluded coves and large sandy expanses, perfect for exploring. Within close proximity to Stoke Fleming you will find the beaches of Blackpool Sands, Slapton Sands, Beesands, Hallsands and Strete Gate. A little further afield, for something completely different, head to the sandy stretches of Bantham Beach and Bigbury-on-Sea. For more inspiration, read through our beach related content on our blog, and for those with canine companions, read our guide to dog friendly beaches in South Devon.

Stoke Fleming holiday cottages