Walks & Places to Visit
Here are just some of our suggestions of great places to visit in Devon the beautiful South Hams. Whatever the weather theres indoor and outdoor attractions to make your stay enjoyable.
Salcombe Tourist Information Centre
They are what Tourist Information Centres should be…a hive of information and top tips to get the best from your visit or holiday! Whether you are a regular visitor to the South Hams or you are discovering and enjoying a South Devon holiday for the very first time. There will help you discover the best Salcombe & South Hams.
Kingsbridge Tourist Information Centre
Start your experience in Kingsbridge, venture out on to the estuary and then travel further afield to explore the unique villages and stunning coastline that make up southernmost Devon. To help you get the most out of your visit their website which includes maps, walks and timetables, so you’ll have no trouble getting around by train, bus or on foot. You’ll also find plenty of inspiration for places to visit, stay and eat.
We have hard copies at Brightham House or you can download a copy of their printed guide, and should you need more information please call the Kingsbridge Information Centre on 01548 853195 or pop in to see them on Kingsbridge Quay.
-
Walk to Hope Cove – our local nearest beach
It will take you around 45 minutes and is mostly across the fields taking in the breathtaking views of our coastline and out to sea. Start by going out our car park and turn right and walk past the church. Go right at the fork and follow the lane down towards Hope Cove. Watch out for tractors! After 10 minutes or so you will see a footpath sign on the left. You will see the footpath sign up and over a bank. This is easy to miss as the hedges get overgrown. Take this and cross the field and the next. You will see 2 wind turbines in a field. Walk across this field to the side and you will open up to the amazing views and be on the bridge at the top of the valley of the beautiful Devon countryside. You will then see a tractor track going downhill all the way to the coast keep going straight and you will eventually come into the middle of hope cove. Turn right after the church and that will take you to the most popular beach as you can sunbathe and swim even when the tide is in. Also check out the Cove Café Bar while you are down there. As this walk is across fields it gets muddy in winter and when we have had loads of rain.
-
Snapes Point Circular Walk
This walk in our opinion gives you the best viewpoint in the whole of the South Hams. The 360 degree views out to Salcombe and the sea and back towards East Prawle and the Estuary are breath-taking.
Its about a 2.5 mile circular walk I little up and down but half way round is the viewpoint and you can sit and soak up the views and have a rest.
Drive to Snapes Point National Trust car park – to get there take the 2nd left turn after Ashby’s on the Salcombe road and go down the narrow lane and across the crossroads. Keep going and bear right at the fork and you will get to a little carpark. Or put Snapes Point National Trust car park in google maps and it will take you straight there from here. It’s a donation car park but not monitored in any way.
Take the top gate sign posted – Snapes Point and walk to the end of the field and across and down the next one. You will eventually get to the water line. If you look back you will see Kingsbridge. Just follow the track for 20 minutes or so following the yellow arrows. You will go up and over the last field and this is the Snapes Point view point. If your lucky you might have it all to yourself. Top tip – take a little picnic or your favourite drinks and chill and take it all in. When your ready you will see a little track and gate to your left when looking inland. Just follow this track either in the field for a bit or on the track and this will take you back up to the carpark.
A must while you visit us – Stunning on a sunny afternoon.
-
The Gara Rock Circular Walk
This walk takes in all the great things about Devon. Beaches, amazing views on the coast path, a rewarding G&T halfway round at the gorgeous Gara Rock Hotel and then a downhill walk through ancient woodland back to the foot ferry to take you back across the water to Salcombe town centre. If you don’t stop it takes around 2 hours but most stop for a refresh and chill at the hotel. Be sure to ask where the foot ferry goes from as its slightly different in Salcombe depending on the time of year. Top tip also is when you get across the other side of the estuary off the foot ferry walk along the beaches first if the tide is out enough (if not you can walk the road) when you get to the toilet block pick up the coast path and keep heading to the right. Don’t be tempted to go left as this will take you inland straight to the hotel and you will miss the amazing views. Once you get to the hotel after 90 minutes on the coast path you can stop there its open to non-residents. To get back just walk up the lane 100 metres and bear left through the woodland track and this will take you back to the toilet block where you started to get the ferry back (check the last ferry times on your trip over).
-
Salcombe to Bolt Head Walk
A 3 mile moderate walk along part of the South West Coast Path National Trail passing through an enchanted landscape of rocky spires and jumbled pinnacles to the mouth of the Salcombe estuary, with inspiring views in all directions, this is a coastal walk guaranteed to lift the spirits. If your feeling more adventurous you can continue until you reach Hope Cove and reward yourself with lunch and a drink at the Cove Cafe Bar.
-
Salcombe
The Jewel of the South Hams just under 3 miles down the hill from us you can walk on the footpath (40 minutes) or drive (5 minutes) or in season drive part way and take the park and ride. There are loads of great eateries and a stunning harbour. If you like walking, sailing or boat tours or eating seafood and watching the world go by then you will be in heaven here. It is also the origins of the now famous Jack Wills brand and of course where Crew Clothing was born. It has a lovely chilled vibe and there are some great shops and quirky eateries sampling all the local Devon delights. It is also home to our 2 other closest beaches North Sands and South Sands. You can also get the ferry across the other side of the water and laze on the beaches or go on the famous Gara Rock circular walk taking in the amazing views on our world famous coast path.
-
Overbecks National Trust Museum and Garden
This National Trust property is on the top of a cliff and takes full advantage of the brilliant sea views. The views up the estuary are wonderful from the exotic gardens including a banana garden, palms and woodland. You need to be a confident driver to tackle the twisty climbing route to this place and be prepared to park along the road and walk the last part, up-hill.The car park at the end is small. Lovely bay at the bottom but you will have to pay to park there.
-
Burgh Island Bigbury on Sea
You must visit this great spot while you are here. As the name suggests its an island but you can walk out on the sand while the tide is out look around. The amazing views of the coast and beyond are worth the walk and then to reward yourself you can also get lunch at the ancient and enchanting Pilchard Inn built in 1336 it serves great ales and light lunches. Don’t worry if the tide comes in while you are exploring as the hotel on the island run a sea tractor for everyone for a small fee and will transport you back to the mainland in a jiffy! You can also sunbathe and swim on the beach here and dogs are allowed on the right hand side in the summer season and all year for the winter season. You can also take dogs on the island as long as they are on the lead.
-
Walking the South West Coast Path
Walking South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Need we say more! The South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was designated by government in 1960. It covers 60 glorious miles of coastline, estuaries and countryside between Plymouth and Torbay.
We also have maps you can borrow and can tell you great places to walk and explore.
-
Kingsbridge
If you love the hustle and bustle of a traditional English market town, you’ll love the South Devon estuary town of Kingsbridge. Situated in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Kingsbridge sits on the Salcombe estuary and is surrounded by lush, green rolling countryside, making it a popular destination for walking and sailing all year round. Kingsbridge is a great place to base yourself during a holiday for exploring South Devon beaches, the South West Coast Path and nearby towns and villages. From surfing to vineyards, theres a lot to see and do in the Kingsbridge area.
The estuary provides plenty of opportunities if you’re a water sports enthusiast, such as kayaking, sailing and stand up paddle boarding. Nearby beaches such as Slapton and are great for days out building sandcastles or just relaxing in the areas beauty. Kingsbridge has an eclectic selection of independent shops and a whole host of intriguing antique shops, art galleries, and gift shops to explore.
With a three screen cinema, yoga studio and leisure centre with swimming pool there are plenty of opportunities to stay active and entertained. Go to the Crabshell pub on the water and have a nice lazy lunch and you can even paddle board from here at high tide. You can also pick up the Salcombe ferry that does a return trip in the summer season (high tide depends the times)
-
Totnes
Is very bohemian and prides itself on being very different indeed!
Totnes is an historic market town that combines alternative therapies, breathtakingly beautiful countryside and a fascinating history. Sitting in the heart of South Devon on the banks of the River Dart, this unique and charming town has an international reputation for its lively and diverse community and relaxed atmosphere For shopping addicts Totnes offers an excellent range of small independent retailers and unique shops, the town is famed for its promotion of ethical products, whole-foods and fair trade goods.
In the Civil Hall Square you’ll find the weekly market which held on Fridays and Saturdays, an Elizabethan market held each Tuesday morning (May-September), when traders dress in Elizabethan period costumes and the Totnes Sunday Good Food Market held the third Sunday of the month in the Market Square.
As well as shopping and exploring the towns history there are many wonderful things to see and do in and around Totnes. You can enjoy river trips on the Dart, discover one of the towns museums, visit Totnes Castle, take a ride on a steam railway or visit one of the many arts galleries
-
Dartmouth
The beautiful town of Dartmouth situated on the mouth of the River Dart is one of South Devons most popular and enchanting towns. With its charming historic streets, scenic river location and surrounded by South Devon countryside you have to go a long way to find a town as pretty. The beauty of the landscape, the historical buildings, and the exceptional local produce all make Dartmouth the perfect holiday destination.
The River Dart is the perfect water sports playground sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, boat trips and more are all on offer you can even learn to surf at one of the nearby beaches, or just spend a lazy day enjoying the views. One of the countrys top beaches Blackpool Sands is just a short drive from Dartmouth and is not to be missed. Dartmouth is full of history in Heritage, no trip to Dartmouth would be complete without visiting Dartmouth Castle, or Agatha Christies Greenway National Trust Holiday Home. For the kids, there are plenty of local attractions such as Woodlands Theme Park, and activities and crabbing is a popular pastime on the embankment to keep them amused.
Spend a day exploring the town, with its museum, art galleries, independent shops and places to eat. After you have finished exploring the town make sure you head out in to the surrounding countryside. Take one of the many footpaths surrounding the town and discover the wonderful countryside or costal views. Walk parts of the South West Coast Path and enjoy spectacular views across the coastline.
Catch one of the many ferries and head for Torquay, Salcombe or Totnes or just enjoy a trip around the river month. Or catch the steam train from Kingswear for a nostalgic trip through the South Devon Countryside.
-
Dartington Hall Estate and Gardens
The Dartington Hall estate is a 1200 acre mix of farmland, woodland, commercial spaces and residential accommodation. It is home to 25 acres of Grade 2* listed gardens, which are open year round from dawn till dusk. With a rich sense of history and a host of delightful features from a new bridge by artist Peter Randall Page to a sculpture by Henry Moore to 500 year old Spanish Chestnut trees the gardens at Dartington are worth exploring all year round.
The Dartington Hall Estate also houses 41 listed structures. Public access to some buildings may not be available but any that have received funding for restoration are accessible when possible, and many buildings can be visited if participating in an event.
-
Totnes Rare Breeds Farm
Looking for a fantastic day out? This family-owned attraction is small enough to provide a friendly and personal service, with enough to keep visitors happy all day.What sets Totnes Rare Breeds apart is the opportunity to be within hugging range of all the animals. Most enclosures can be entered for close-up stroking, patting and cuddling.
The Garden Cafe (outside the farm) offers made-to order dishes at reasonable prices, from indulgent snacks to tasty meals.
-
Pennywell Farm
Pennywell Farm is a multi award winning attraction, the largest farm attraction in the South West. There is a different hands on activity, show or display every half hour and four farm rides included in the admission price. Pennywell is also the home of the world famous Pennywell Miniature Pigs. There is a licensed restaurant, acres of free parking and free dog kennels provided for four legged visitors.
Open Feb Oct and during December for Nativity Plays and visits to Father Christmas.
-
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a conservation and education charity located in South Devon. With around two thousand animals, we have more species than anyone else in the South West. These include: crocodiles, snakes, lions, tigers, giraffes, elephant, rhinos, lemurs, meerkats, orang utansThe list is endless! We also have indoor play areas, the Jungle Express train and a lakeside restaurant.
If you wish, we also offer special feeding experiences with certain animals, e.g. meerkats, giraffes, giant tortoises, etc. Paignton Zoo is a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums
-
The National Marine Aquarium
The National Marine Aquarium (NMA) is the UKs largest aquarium, located in Britain’s Ocean City, Plymouth. It is run by the Ocean Conservation Trust, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the Ocean.
-
North Sands Water Sports - Paddle Board Hire
During your stay you might like to get out on the water to enjoy the lovely local beaches. Why not hire a Stand up Paddle Board / Kayak – in Salcombe and The South Hams.
To book check out their website or call: 07838 394835