Towns

Towns & Villages

We are in a perfect central location in South Devon to explore the main towns which include Dartmouth, Totnes, Kingsbridge and Salcombe. There are also many pretty villages to visit, too many to mention.

KINGSBRIDGE (1 mile) is a bustling, friendly market town at the head of the Kingsbridge and Salcombe Estuary. The town has good car parking and offers a wide variety of local shops, including two supermarkets. There are weekly trade and craft markets, and monthly farmers markets. The town boasts a leisure centre with indoor swimming pool, there is also a cinema and rural life museum, along with the recreation ground with tennis courts and lawn bowls. A good selection of dining options are available in the town, and surrounding area, or why not have a take away delivered to you on site.

An ideal way to explore the local estuary and enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife is to take local ferry from Kingsbridge to Salcombe.

SALCOMBE (9 miles) is Devon's most southerly town, located at the mouth of the estuary. It is a busy marine town, with a small fishing fleet, and is the ideal place for the boating and water sports enthusiast. You will find many options for boat hire, fishing trips, coastal cruises and tuition for an array of water sports.

The narrow, main street is lined with a variety of boutique shops, the town boasts the likes of Crew, Henri Lloyd, Fat Face and White Stuff to name but a few. You can also enjoy a variety of eateries along the main street from local pubs, coffee shops to fine dining restaurants, many of which serve the local catch of the day. Please remember that parking is limited in the town and the Park & Ride service is recommended during the summer season.

Why not travel around the area by bus. From Kingsbridge you can journey to Salcombe and local villages, or to Totnes and Exeter, and to Dartmouth and Plymouth. Visit www.tallyhoholidays.co.uk or www.stagecoachbus.com for all the latest timetable information.

TOTNES (11 miles) is an ancient market town situated in the upper valley of the River Dart. The town is famous today for its weekly pannier market, and Elizabethan charity mornings. The town's main high street is dominated by architectural delights, especially the clock tower. A wide range of shops line the narrow, steep hill. Totnes is well known for its craft shops, antiquarian book shops and whole food shops which sell local produce. There is plenty to do in and around Totnes, with a selection of small museums, and the historic castle which is prominent on the hillside. The town is home to our local train station, along with the scenic South Devon Railway, and a rare breeds animal centre.

From the quayside in Totnes you can enjoy abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery on a cruise down the estuary of the River Dart, past the Sharpham Wine Estate, to the historic port of Dartmouth.

DARTMOUTH (12 miles) is situated at the mouth of the River Dart with the Britannia Royal Naval College dominant on the hillside. The town's main asset is its deep water harbour, which is popular for visiting Naval vessels, small cruise liners, pleasure craft and a small commercial fishing fleet. Many companies offer sailing, boat hire, private charter and tuition, along with river and coastal cruises. You can also enjoy the 'round robin' - cruise to Totnes on the river, open air bus to Paignton and steam train back to Dartmouth.

The streets of Dartmouth are filled with an array of shops; art galleries, boutiques and upmarket gifts. Long stay parking is limited in the town and the Park & Ride service is recommended especially during the summer season.

Why not visit Buckfastleigh, home to the Otter and Butterfly Sanctuary and the famous Buckfast Abbey, a living Benedictine monastery, or Dartington and the Cider Press centre with an array of craft shops. There are also many coastal and inland villages waiting to be explored, whether to enjoy the scenery or just for a quiet pub lunch!