Exploring » Villages
Many people consider this to be the loveliest part of the most beautiful county in England. No one can deny that there's great beauty and interest in every direction.
Devon is a place of contrasts. Here in the South Hams lies the charming, maritime town of Dartmouth surrounded by many small villages including Kingswear, Dittisham and Blackawton. Exploring the coast road you will discover the pretty coastal villages of Stoke Fleming, Strete, Slapton, Torcross, Beesands and Beeson and Stokenham. All these villages lie in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Travel a little inland, and you’ll find charming timeless villages by rivers or in peaceful valleys. Even in the busiest days of summer, some of these villages are quiet and peaceful havens for you to relax in. On the coast, you‘ll find fishing villages which take you back to another era, and some of the cleanest beaches in Britain today.
Why not leave the car behind? The Out and About leaflets are available free of charge from the Tourist Office and show you how to explore the area by public transport, bicycle and on foot. However if you would like more detailed information we sell a selection of leaflets and maps.
Kingswear On the east bank of the River Dart, Kingswear’s buildings rise up steeply from the river. Just a few hundred metres over the water there are delightful windy streets, friendly pubs, a bistro and wonderful views. Take the car or passenger ferry over the river to Dartmouth or go back in time on the steam train to Paignton. This is also a good starting point for either walking along the coast or discovering the Dart Valley Trail.
Dittisham This picturesque village, with its Norman church, two friendly pubs, village post office and riverside cafe, nestles on the western bank of the River Dart. Surrounded by rolling hills and ancient woodlands there are wonderful walks including the Dart Valley Trail, which passes through the village. Ring the bell near the Ferry Boat Inn to summon the passenger ferry to go over to Greenway Quay and Gardens. In the middle of the river you will see the Anchor Stone - legend has it that the unfaithful wives of the village were tied to this as punishment! A favourite place for yachtsmen, there is always something to see on the river - a special place to visit or stay.
Blackawton A rural village, set in beautiful rolling farmland and near to Woodlands Leisure Park and Dartmouth Golf and Country Club. Spend time exploring the lovely footpaths which offer peace and quiet, even at the busiest times of year, followed by a country pub meal, with good local ales.
About three miles from Dartmouth, along the coast road, you’ll find Stoke Fleming. Away from the bustle, this charming village is close to wonderful cliff walks with fantastic views. Beautiful countryside to explore, and a fine church dating from the 14th century with particularly interesting memorial brasses, make this a lovely spot for a day or to stay.
Just past Stoke Fleming you will reach Blackpool Sands, a large golden shingle beach sweeping away to the south, framed by shelving headlands and dark green pines. This beautiful Blue Flag beach is very popular with visitors and locals in South Devon.
After Blackpool Sands, the spectacular panorama of Start Bay opens up, where the pretty village of Strete, with its older houses made of Dartmouth slates and shales, occupies a hilltop site overlooking the bay.
Slapton Sands is a most remarkable stretch of coast, holding much interest for the natural historian, with an important nature reserve, Slapton Ley. This natural freshwater lake has especially interesting flora and fauna, which attracts birdwatchers from all over the world to see some of the rarest birds in Britain such as the cirl bunting. Slapton Sands is a three mile stretch of shingle beach and played an important part in World War II, when Allied troops practised here for the D-Day landings.
The characterful village of Slapton lies just inland from the coastal road. With its twisting narrow streets and historic pub it is an excellent place to stop for a meal or relaxing break.
Situated at the end of Slapton Sands is Torcross, nestled between the Nature Reserve and the beach with magnificent panoramic views of Start Bay. Open to the elements, here’s a very distinctive village - an ideal rendezvous for ice cream or cream teas in the height of the summer, or a cosy pub meal on a dramatic windswept or stormy day.
Not far from Torcross, Beesands is a charming small working fishing village next to the beach, a lovely spot to stop a while for lunch or cream teas. Follow the road around to Beeson, a pretty hamlet, half a mile from the coast.
There’s good food and a warm welcome to be found in Stokenham. This charming village has many thatched cottages and a village green - well worth a visit.
