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Stokenham - the view from the Tradesmans Arms


Stokenham is a leafy Devon village just a mile from Start Bay and its many unspoilt beaches. Located on the A379 between Kingsbridge and Dartmouth, it’s easy to reach, and the village is often passed through by commuters, holidaymakers and others. But it’s well worth parking up for a drink or meal at one of the two pubs, or making Stokenham the start or endpoint of a coastal or countryside walk.

Stokenham pubs

Stokenham is home to two excellent village pubs, both of which have strong reputations for freshly-prepared food and a friendly welcome.

The Church House Inn

The Church House Inn in Stokenham


The Church House Inn is a spacious, child-friendly and lively pub-restaurant with a sizeable beer garden and regular live music. It’s in a very convenient spot off the A379 (the main coastal through-road) and has ample parking.

The No 93 bus stops right outside, so it’s ideal if you’d like a drink or two. You’ll find lots of locally-sourced meat, fish and other produce on the extensive menu, and for kids, there’s an outdoor play area to help them burn off steam.

The Tradesmans Arms

The Tradesmans Arms


A pretty 14th century village pub with a thatched roof and attractive hanging-basket displays, the Tradesmans Arms has exactly the cosy, traditional feel inside that you’d hope to see after opening the front door. Stop by at the Tradesmans Arms to choose a drink from the extensive wine or ale lists. If you’re interested in having a meal there, you’ll find the menu puts a strong emphasis on seasonal, locally-sourced food, and seeks to put an original, contemporary twist on a range of pub classics.

Stokenham Church

Stokenham Church


Built on the hillside, the St Michael and All Angels Church towers over the surrounding area, including the Church House Inn which sits in its shadow. The present building originates from the 15th century, but there was a Norman church on the same site for some time before its reconstruction. The tower stands at 85 ft, and is especially impressive when seen from the foot of the hill.

The Parish of Stokenham is part of the Benefice of Stokenham, Slapton, and Charleton with Buckland Tout-Saints. You can find out about services and events on the Church of England website.

Near to Stokenham

How about a walk to or from Stokenham?


Being just a mile from the coast at Torcross, Stokenham is in a nice location for exploring an especially scenic part of the South Hams. It’s also a quick drive to Kingsbridge and Dartmouth, both of which have a wide range of shops, cafés, restaurants and other attractions. Some of the nearby places worth a visit are:

Stokeley Farm Shop

An English breakfast at Stokeley Farm Shop

A mile east of Stokenham on the A379, you’ll come to Stokeley Farm Shop, where there’s a garden centre and popular café.

We featured Stokeley Café in our recent #WakeUpToSouthDevon video, as its breakfasts are a huge hit, both with our locally-based team and large numbers of visitors and other locals.


Torcross

Torcross is a coastal village just a few minutes drive further east from Stokeley Farm Shop. Your gateway to Slapton Sands, the village sits at the southern tip of this three-mile fine-shingle beach. Pop in for a drink or meal at the ever-popular Start Bay Inn or grab a bite at the Beach House, both of which are situated right on the water’s edge.

Find out more about this charming, historic settlement in our Torcross Village Guide.

The Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve

Across from Torcross and Slapton Sands is one of the most important wetland areas in the South West. The site of one of the largest freshwater lakes in England, the Slapton Ley Nature Reserve is a popular spot for birdwatchers and other nature-spotters. Find out more here.

Start Bay

Start Bay from the north


Slapton Sands is situated towards the middle of Start Bay. This is a stunning 15-mile stretch of coastline, from Warren Point (just below Dartmouth) down to Start Point, which is home to an iconic lighthouse.

The beaches of Start Bay include Blackpool Sands (Blue Flag-awarded), Beesands and Hallsands, as well as some wonderfully remote coves and spectacular sections of the South West Coast Path.

Find out more from our comprehensive Start Bay guide.

Holidays around Stokenham

Stokenham countryside views


A mile from Stokenham, in historic Torcross, Coast & Country Cottages offers seven holiday homes, including:

At the Beach apartments

At the Beach (Torcross) exterior


At the Beach is a development of luxury apartments and cottages on the very edge of Slapton Sands. The site of the former Torcross Hotel, At the Beach has retained its status as a Victorian landmark, and offers fantastic accommodation for beach-lovers.

1 At the Beach

1 At the Beach thumbnail1 At the Beach is a luxury two-bedroom ground-floor apartment, with a private terrace overlooking the beach.

2 At the Beach

2 At the Beach Thumbnail 2 At the Beach is a luxurious ground-floor holiday home, which also boasts a private beachside terrace.

The Barn, 20 At the Beach

20 At the Beach in TorcrossSet back from the main At the Beach complex in Torcross, The Barn is a tastefully-converted barn, which offers cosy yet stylish and luxurious accommodation at  5 Star standard.

Anchor Ley

Anchor Ley squareFacing Slapton Ley, this attractive three-bedroom holiday home is in the perfect spot for those wishing to explore the South Devon coast and countryside. Anchor Ley’s reverse-level layout makes maximum use of the beautiful views.

Boathouse Cottage

Boathouse Cottage squareBuilt into the cliff, Boathouse Cottage offers breathtaking elevated views of Slapton Sands, the Ley and the striking land bar that divides the fresh water from the sea. This 4 Star, two-bedroom property offers superb accommodation for couples and young families.

Explore all our South Devon holiday properties here.