An area of outstanding natural beauty, the often rugged coastline of South Devon encompasses some of the most stunning views of the southern seashore in England, stretching majestically along the South West Coastal Path between Dorset and Cornwall.
Things to do in South Devon With Dartmoor at its heart, South Devon is an established centre for hill walking and rambling, whilst its beautiful coastline is justly famous to holidaymakers and naturalists alike. Whether tackling one of its many footpaths or cycle trails, or relaxing on one of the many sandy beaches, visitors to South Devon have an amazing range of countryside and coastal pursuits at their fingertips.
Top Destinations Dartmoor – Covering almost 1,000 sq kilometres of picturesque moorland, this designated National Park has also been gainfully employed as a military firing range for over 200 years.
Ivybridge – An important crossing point over the River Erme, the town lies eight miles east of Plymouth and to the south of the Dartmoor National Park.
Salcombe – Close to the mouth of the Kingsbridge estuary, Salcombe is a pretty town with a sheltered harbour and an impressive waterfront, which makes it ideal for boating and sailing, as well as a popular spot for holidaymakers, who flock onto its sandy beaches. The coastline is also the location for a number of historic shipwrecks – including some allegedly dating back to the Bronze Age. Near the mouth of the estuary, the Bar, a sand spit which is exposed at low tide, makes the tidal entrance almost impassable when a strong southerly wind is blowing.
Exeter – The cathedral city of Devon was once the most south-westerly reaches of the Roman Empire in Britain. Perched on the River Exe, the city still enjoys excellent transport links, and although tourism is important to the local economy, unlike some other local conurbations, Exeter is not dependent upon its seasonal trade. The beautiful 12th century cathedral is famous for its impressive vaulted ceiling, as well as its celebrated astronomical clock.
Exmouth – Dominated by its proximity to both the sea and the River Exe, the town has a fine selection of notable architecture, from the small fishing cottages of the original villages, to the smart Georgian town houses of later years. Exmouth is a popular tourist centre, with a particular focus on water sports such as sailing and windsurfing. Close by, on the opposite side of the estuary, Dawlish Warren is one of the few natural sand spits in the world, and is home to a myriad of rare wildlife and plant life.
Dawlish – Sited at the outlet of the small river known as Dawlish Water, the sandy beach at Dawlish is famously fringed by the Riveria Line Railway running along the South Devon Railway sea wall. The unusual positioning of the railway line makes it one of the most photographed sections of track in the country, although it is also constantly in danger of sea erosion and general flooding. Early (pre-Roman) inhabitants of the area were largely fishermen and salt makers. The town was also once famous as the home of Devon Violets.
Bovey Tracey – As with many local towns, this ‘Gateway to the Moors’ takes its name from a nearby river. The town also played its part in the English Civil War, with a decisive battle on Bovey Heath, in which the Roundheads were victorious.
Dartmouth – Once of strategic importance as a deep water port, the narrow mouth of the Dart estuary is protected by two impressive fortified castles; Dartmouth Castle and Kingswear Castle were originally built to provide co-ordinated cover with the use of limited-range cannons. As military gun technology improved, Kingswear declined in importance, and Dartmouth Castle was enhanced with improved gun emplacements.
Brixham – A small fishing town, set on a hill, the harbour at Brixham is still used by fishing boats. A replica of Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hind is also permanently moored here, creating a well-established tourist attraction. Prince William of Orange landed at Brixham in 1688, and many locals still have Dutch surnames, allegedly being direct descendants of his army.
Within half a mile of the South Devon Coastal Footpath, this very comfortable holiday property has its own secure gardens, an open-trussed living room and open studwork in the kitchen. One of a pair built into a hillside, ...
Barnacle Cottage, 100 Stoke Gabriel Road, Galmpton, Brixham, Devon
Dating from the 16th Century, Barnacle Cottage offers visitors a real taste of traditional Devon living with full modern amenities.
The ground floor is spacious with oak flooring throughout and offers a convenient open ...
Situated in the heart of the South Hams, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Mount Zion Annexe is a self contained one bedroom property adjoining a Victorian , detached country property, Mount Zion House.Once the home ...
Set in the heart of rolling Devon countryside, the privately owned Ashcombe country estate nestles in a quiet, beautiful valley filled with things to do and a short drive from the sandy beaches of Dawlish and Torquay. ...
The Bunny Barn, Normans Farm, Combefishacre, Ipplepen, Newton Abbot, Devon
THE BUNNY BARN
Open all year. Short breaks or long stays. Romantic breaks, walking, painting, visiting the beach, or just relaxing.
Sleeps 2 plus two children plus a cot and is fully equipped with all the items ...
Lilac Cottage, Millmans Cottages, Village Road, Marldon, Devon
Lilac Cottage is a delightful 4 star character cottage just for two with use of a shared pool in the summer months.
Lilac Cottages is in the village of Marldon between the medievel town of Totnes and the Torbay coast, a ...
The Lookout (ref 30587) and The Garden Flat (ref 29650) are both tastefully decorated apartments situated peacefully off the beaten track in an acre of hilltop gardens with open views across the valley to the sea. They are ...
Dating back to the 13th century, these charming holiday cottages occupy a peaceful location and command views over the owners’ 250-acre working Charolais beef farm, bordered by the River Teign on the edge of the village ...
Situated on the edge of the Dartmoor Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve and within 24 acres of tranquil meadowland, Little Dunley Cottages have been carefully restored and finished to a very high standard. Pristine and ...
Ambermist is set in a quiet residential area, with lovely views across the countryside. This semi-detached bungalow is in the perfect location for a family holiday and is only 2 miles from the pretty market town of ...
Set in the heart of rolling Devon countryside, the privately owned Ashcombe country estate nestles in a quiet, beautiful valley filled with things to do and a short drive from the sandy beaches of Dawlish and Torquay. ...
A short walk from the beachSituated a short distance (800 yards) to Torquay’s sandy beach this holiday apartment is one of a collection of high-specification apartments, ideally positioned for enjoying all that Torquay ...
16 steps to entrance. All on the first floor.Living room: With Freeview TV.Kitchen/dining room: With electric oven, electric hob, microwave and fridge/freezer.Bedroom 1: With double bed and en-suite with shower cubicle and ...
Dating back to the 13th century, these charming holiday cottages occupy a peaceful location and command views over the owners’ 250-acre working Charolais beef farm, bordered by the River Teign on the edge of the village ...
These superb converted barns are set on a 50-acre farm in a lush, green valley, with stunning views out over Lyme Bay. An area of breathtaking beauty, walk to the top field and look out over Exmouth, Dawlish, Teignmouth ...
All on the ground floor.Living/dining room: With electric wood-effect fire, Freeview TV and patio doors leading to patio. Kitchen: With electric cooker, microwave and fridge. Bedroom 1: With double bed.Bedroom 2: With bunk ...
In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, renowned for its coastal walks, this first floor apartment features wonderful panoramic views of the Avon Estuary and Bigbury/Bantham beaches. The area is famous for surfing, ...
Bardon Lodge, East Ogwell, near Newton Abbot, Devon
Situated in a quiet rural location, Bardon Lodge is a spacious property attached to the owner’s home and set within 10 acres of grounds. The property is surrounded by fields and woodland, yet close enough to all ...
Barnacle Cottage, 100 Stoke Gabriel Road, Galmpton, Brixham, Devon
Dating from the 16th Century, Barnacle Cottage offers visitors a real taste of traditional Devon living with full modern amenities.
The ground floor is spacious with oak flooring throughout and offers a convenient open ...
Barnacle Cottage, 100 Stoke Gabriel Road, Galmpton, Brixham, Devon
Dating from the 16th Century, Barnacle Cottage offers visitors a real taste of traditional Devon living with full modern amenities.
The ground floor is spacious with oak flooring throughout and offers a convenient open ...
Bay View is an apartment situated in the Abbey Sands development, which has been designed by world class architect, Kay Elliott, and has become a premier address in Torquay. The beautiful design is influenced by the Art ...
In the heart of Shaldon village, and just an easy stroll to the local shops, pubs and restaurants, this quaint, character, semi-detached fisherman’s cottage, with beams and bay windows, is furnished and decorated to a ...
Step back in time at Wood Farm and discover this truly delightful, quintessentially English homestead on a small private estate nestling in a completely rural and tranquil valley. This is a real rural hideaway, yet lies ...
Blackberry Cottage in Kenton is a charming property, with a lovely open fire, perfect for couples or a small family looking for a quiet getaway. Blackberry Cottage is situated on the Exe Estuary in Kenton village between ...
External steps to entrance. All on the first floor.Living/dining room: With digital TV and DVD player.Kitchen: With electric cooker, microwave and fridge/freezer.Bedroom 1: With double bed, digital TV and en-suite with ...
Spectacular sea viewsThis semi-detached chalet style holiday bungalow looks directly across the bay with views to Kingsand, Cawsand and Plymouth Sound. Bovisand is a very popular beach for young families. There are 3 ...
Ground Floor:Living/dining room: With digital TV and DVD player.Kitchen: With electric cooker, microwave and fridge/freezer.Spiral stairs to...First Floor:Bedroom 1: With double bed and digital TV.Bedroom 2: With twin ...
Cirl Cottage, Galmpton, near Paignton, Devon, Brixham
Situated in a quiet location, just 1 mile from a sandy beach, Cirl Cottage is in a perfect spot for visiting the many wonderful places in South Devon. As its name suggests, if you are lucky you will spot a cirl bunting, ...
With lovely sea views across to Torbay, this ground floor apartment has been decorated and furnished to offer a good base for a family holiday, or a spacious retreat for a couple. Situated just above Shoalstone Outdoor ...
Across to Brixham Harbour and Torbay, Cliff Cottage has a quirky triangular shape and it just oozes charm. There is no other place in Brixham quite like it. This surprisingly spacious cottage has been built to make the ...
This charming, terraced holiday cottage lies close to the River Lemon, in the old market town of Newton Abbot. The town, with its history of wool, leather, rope and clay trades, nestles in soft rolling hills - an ideal ...
Step back in time at Wood Farm and discover this truly delightful, quintessentially English homestead on a small private estate nestling in a completely rural and tranquil valley. This is a real rural hideaway, yet lies ...
This single-storey holiday home has a sea view and is just 100 yards from the glorious sand and shingle of Fishcombe Cove, and close to the bustling fishing port of Brixham, much loved by artists. Within easy reach of the ...
This truly delightful fisherman’s cottage, built around 1770, overlooks the busy little harbour of Brixham with uninterrupted views of Torbay and out to sea. The holiday cottage has been lovingly and sympathetically ...
Situated in Torquay, just an 8-minute walk to the beach and Riviera International Centre, Sorrento House dates from 1900 and this holiday home is perfect for families and couples, being situated close to all amenities but ...
This superbly located first floor apartment, set in private grounds is nestled only 100 yards from the family friendly beach, with life guard and amenities. The property has been decorated and furnished to a good standard. ...
Set in the rolling South Hams countryside, this delightful, holiday property is within easy reach of beautiful beaches and wonderful walking on Dartmoor and the South West Coast Path. Families can enjoy Pennywell Farm, ...
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