Devon Holidays - Exploring Dartmouth and Beyond - By: SallyN

Devon Holidays - Exploring Dartmouth and Beyond

Devon is one of the most stunning counties in England and with a magnificent coastline and extensive countryside it is easy to see why it is one of the most popular holiday destinations. In particular the South Hams, which is situated in the South of Devon, offers the perfect place for a family holiday or romantic weekend break. The close proximity to the coast means that there is a variety of water-based activities, beautiful beaches and charming coastal towns, and with an abundance of accommodation from luxury hotels, camping and self-catering cottages you will be spoilt for choice.

Coastline & Beaches

The South Devon coast offers the picturesque holiday with an array of water-based activities, sandy shores, rugged cliff tops and quaint coastal villages. Leisure activities range from sailing, canoeing and surfing, and for those seeking something more adventurous why not attempt a day kite surfing. Beaches worth visiting are Bantham which is a popular surfing beach, Blackpool Sands a good family beach and Bigbury Bay which hosts the fabulous Burgh Island which is only accessible at low tide or by sea tractor. For those not wishing to get wet, the scenic South Devon coastal walking trails provide the chance to spot dolphins, seals, basking sharks and marine birds.

‘Must See’ Towns

Dartmouth
Dartmouth is one of the most breathtaking coastal towns and with its narrow lanes, Elizabethan streetscapes, boutique shops, reputation for good food and stunning views overlooking the River Dart it is easy to see why this is considered the ‘jewel of the South Hams’. The natural deep-water harbour has been the driving force behind the town’s history as a port and military centre. Accommodation here is easy to find, whether it’s camping, self-catering coastal cottages or that luxury Devon hotel, there is something for everyone. The Dartmouth Castle, built in 1488 is a must see as it is one of the most picturesquely- sited fortresses in England.

Salcombe
Salcombe is sheltered inside the Kingsbridge Estuary and by making the streets pedestrianised it has retained peace and quiet and traditional charm. It was, and still is a nautical town and even has it’s own maritime museum. Here the streets are lined with beautiful boutique shops and galleries.

Kingsbridge Situated at the head of the estuary, the market town of Kingsbridge is known as the capital of the South Hams. Sometime after the Norman Conquest, Kingsbridge and the lands around it came into the possession of the Buckfast Abbey and in 1219 the abbot was granted the permission to hold a market in the town. His monks sold their produce of honey, fruit and vegetables and there are still weekly markets with farmers’ markets held on the first Saturday of the month.

Family Attractions

The South Hams is ideal for family outings. The many surrounding beaches provide the perfect place to unwind and relax with the kids and a picnic. As mentioned above, Blackpool Sands is a brilliant family sandy sheltered beach in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are lots of rock pools which are great to explore with the little ones. Other family attractions include Pennywell Farm, located at Buckfastleigh and Woodlands Adventure Park in Dartmouth. Travel further afield and head to Plymouth to visit the interactive National Maritime Museum, which is great for older children.

About the Author

After spending the last few summers in the South Hams we have explored and stayed in some fabulous places - we’ve camped with the kids in Salcombe and spent a number of romantic weekends in our favourite hotel in the beautiful spot of Dartmouth ( http://www.dartmarina.com ).

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