Area Guide - Compass Quay coastal holiday lets, South Devon

LOCAL GUIDE

DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF THE SOUTH HAMS AND ALL IT HAS TO OFFER

THE SOUTH HAMS IS AN AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY IN SOUTH DEVON

The area stretches from the Dartmoor National Park along to the coast at Torbay and around the stunning coastline to Plymouth. The South Hams has been a very popular holiday destination since the early 19th century as it is able to offer holiday destinations to suit all from vibrant market and coastal towns such as Dartmouth, Kingsbridge and Salcombe or tranquil and quaint village locations, in rural and coastal locations.

SUN

The South Devon coast is varied and forever changing with the seasons but there’s always plenty of sunshine. With dramatic cliffs and rocky coastlines, family resorts, beach front cafes and amusements, the shoreline around South Devon offers something for everyone.

SAND

With over 120 miles of stunning coastline, South Devon has over 50 beaches, and nearly all of them are sandy with crystal clear water. They’re all family and dog-friendly and kids will love exploring all the rock pools. Most of the bigger beaches also have lifeguards in the Summer for extra piece of mind.

SEA

The South Hams is a paradise for lovers of water and the Great Outdoors. Bantham is fantastic for surfing and paddleboarding, Thurlestone for kayaking and windsurfing and South Sands for kayaking, sailing and paddle boarding. There really is an endless amount of sports to get involved in.

COASTAL WALKS

The South West Coast Path

The UK’s longest and best loved nature trail encompassing 630 miles of dramatic coastal scenery, through moorland, estuaries, towns and quaint villages, continuously dipping down to many beaches.

Dartmoor National Park

Wild, open moorlands and deep river valleys, with a rich history and rare wildlife there is an abundance of scenic routes throughout the park.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE

The South Hams has an abundance of historic buildings, National Trust properties, and other attractions meaning you will never not be able to find something to do…

Golf Courses – Thurlestone Golf Course, Bigbury Golf Course, Dartmouth Golf Course & Wrangaton Golf Course
Salcombe Gin Distillery
Sharpham Vineyard
South Devon Chilli Farm
Dartmouth Castle
Totnes Castle
Dart Steam Railway
Pennywell Farm
Woodlands Family Theme Park
National Sea Life Aquarium Plymouth
Paignton Zoo

…and the list is endless.

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FOOD & DRINK

Visit the South Hams and you will be treated to some of the best fine dining using local produce. From award-winning restaurants, gastropubs and beach-side cafés, there are a plethora of places that serve excellent food.

LOCAL TOWNS

THE SOUTH HAMS IS FULL OF TRADITIONAL, HISTORIC AND INTRIGUING MARKET TOWNS, BOTH IN SEASIDE AND INLAND LOCATIONS

KINGSBRIDGE

Kingsbridge in the heart of the area, is based at the end of the estuary. In the heart of the town, at the end of the creek is the traditional market and bandstand area, where regular weekday and weekend markets are held and also live entertainment. Kingsbridge’s bustling Fore Street is an eclectic, yet attractive mix of shopfronts, cafes and pubs. You will be able to find the finest of local produce with traditional shops such as bakery, fishmonger, butchers and fruit and vegetable shops.

Kingsbridge also has a wealth of historic buildings including Shambles, an old market hall raised on granite pillars dating from Elizabethan times. The Cookworthy museum and historic town clock with only 3 faces.

DARTMOUTH

Dartmouth is built in the valley of the picturesque River Dart, and is situated around the traditional harbour and quayside where there are many pleasure boat trips departing from daily. Dartmouth is well geared up for tourism, offering the visitor an array of cafés, restaurants, boutiques and specialist shops in traditional buildings.

SALCOMBE

The beautiful coastal town of Salcombe sits on the banks of the estuary and is known for its outstanding coastal views and rolling surrounding countryside, as well as a centre for sailing. Salcombe is a water sports haven for sailing, kayaking, surfing or paddle boarding. The town is lined with boutique shops, lifestyle brands and independent producers. With many local art galleries and gift shops – you can spend hours browsing through the town. Some of the best restaurants and bars in the South Hams are located in Salcombe, serving locally caught fresh seafood and locally farmed produce.

TOTNES

Totnes is a historic market town and is internationally renowned for its lively and diverse community that offers alternative therapies and an intriguing history. Totnes offers an excellent range of small independent retailers and unique shops, the town is famed for its promotion of ethical products, wholefoods and fair trade goods. In the Civic Hall Square you’ll find the weekly market which held on Fridays and Saturdays, an Elizabethan market where traders dress in Elizabethan period costumes.

BANTHAM

Located at the end of the Avon River, is the quaint little village of Bantham and the famous Bantham Beach, with its reputation of one of the most renowned surfing beaches in the area, and was one of the 2019 Marine Conservation Society’s recommended beaches. A bit further along the coastline, the iconic Devonshire Burgh Island can be walked to in low tide. All in all, Bantham makes for the perfect family day out.