Places to visit
Buckland – Slapton – Kingsbridge – Devon
Where to visit
Our local area has much to recommend it and numerous places to visit with activities for all ages. Best to visit the local attraction web sites for up to date information:-
https://discoverdartmouth.com/things-to-do/get-active
https://www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/beaches
https://www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/places
https://www.englishriviera.co.uk/explore/south-devon
Start Bay & Slapton Sands
Start Bay reaches from the Mew Stone at the mouth of the river Dart and encompasses the famous Blackpool Sands beach, Slapton Sands, Torcross and ends in the rocky cliffs that curve around the Start point lighthouse. The coastal villages of Stoke Fleming and Strete are within a mile of the sheltered cove protecting Blackpool Sands. The lovely sheltered cove is flanked by wooded cliffs, the shingle beach having attractive facilities including the full service café, windsurfing, canoeing and sailing hire. Blackpool Sands is one of the best beaches in Devon and extremely popular with families.
Slapton Sands extend for over 3 miles from Strete Gate to Torcross with the unique coast road set on the shingle ridge and having the freshwater Slapton Ley one side and the sea the other. The Ley has an abundance of flora and wild life being a designated National Nature Reserve.
Buckland court, together with the surrounding coast and coutryside, are set in the designated South Devon National Landscape, protected for future generations.
Slapton Field Study Centre organises guided walks in the water meadows, marshland and pond dipping on the Ley, popular with children. When in Torcross enjoy the most wonderful fish & chips at the Start Bay Inn. From Torcross the best way to reach Start Point is by using the South West Coastal path, visiting Beesands and passing Hallsands along the way. The village of Hallsands collapsed into the sea on a stormy night in January 1917 destroyed together with the livelihoods of its people due to dredging of shingle from along the coast for the naval dockyard at Devonport.
All that remains of Hallsands is the ruins of the chapel, perched on the edge of the cliff top. Dozens of families lost their homes but amazingly, no villagers died in the tragedy.
Totnes
“Totnes is cool and relaxing with many wonderful independent shops and eateries in which to while away several contented hours set in beautiful countryside.”
Comfortably placed in the rolling red-earthed hills of South Devon, Totnes is a remarkable town. It is blessed with a fascinating history and stunning location on one of Britain’s most beautiful and historically significant waterways, the River Dart.
Totnes has a national reputation for its lively and diverse community. It is home to a cosmopolitan mix of people with a wide range of interests fostering exciting cultural activities. Totnes is an intriguing mix of historic market town and bohemian culture.
Totnes retains a strong hold on its heritage with the main street being reputed to have more listed buildings per head of population than any other town in Britain. Traditional attractions, including the Elizabeth Market, held every Tuesday from May to September, still comfortably fit their historic niche. The many heritage attractions of the town include the Town Mill (where the Information centre is based), The Guildhall, Totnes Image Bank and Photographic Archive, Totnes Elizabethan Museum and Study Centre and The Museum of Costume, Fashion and Textiles. They are all guarded by Totnes Castle, a classic Norman motte and bailey with commanding views of the Dart Valley.
Dartmouth
Dartmouth offers a plethora of experiences year-round, ensuring you’re never short of things to do with options to suit all types of visitors and throughout the year, Dartmouth hosts a vibrant array of events, from a popular music festival to a famous regatta, ensuring there’s always something happening in town. With its historic houses and fortified castles. the town boasts an array of shopping spots, galleries, museums, and artisanal crafts, perfect for leisurely strolls and window shopping.
Dartmouth and its vicinity is a hotspot for watersports with providers offering kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing and various other excursions, or you can bring your own gear and just hop onto the River Dart, not forgetting the timeless joy of crabbing, a prominent activity in Dartmouth and Dittisham with children lining up along the embankment in hopes of catching crustaceans.
The town has a vibrant food scene with a wide range of food and drink attractions, that cater to all tastes ensuring a delightful culinary experience, renowned for its seafood with many of its cafés, pubs and restaurants serving the local catch of the day.
Explore nearby vineyards and breweries to sample locally produced wines, ciders and craft beers.
Dartmouth and its vicinity offer some of South Devon’s finest attractions. From adrenaline-pumping adventures to animal encounters and local theme parks, there’s something to delight every member of the family no matter the age.
Dartmouth Golf & Country Club
Dartmouth Golf & Country Club membership with leisure facilities, 25% discount on green fees and day membership, 4 miles from Buckland.
Cherry cottage’s spacious accommodation allows it to be used in conjunction with neighbouring cottages or Buckland House for larger groups and yet is cosy enough for intimate family holidays.