Salcombe:
Famous as a sailing destination Salcombe is a stunning waterside town, renowned for its picturesque harbour, numerous sandy beaches and captivating surrounding coastline. It is situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which offers an abundance of activities for all ages and has long been a holiday hot-spot and it’s not hard to see why. The National Trust property of Overbecks, situated at Sharpitor within easy reach of South Sands, boasts idyllic, subtropical gardens and breathtaking views of the coastline if you fancy seeing the town from a different angle.
Taking to the ocean blue to appreciate in full the town’s offering is fantastic, whether that be via your own vessel or a hired boat from Salcombe Boats & Boards, Boat Hire Salcombe or Whitestrand Boat Hire. Keep your eyes peeled and don’t be surprised if you find you have company on your travels as dolphins like to play in the wake of boats.
After a busy day, if you’re feeling thirsty, a trip to the famous gin distillery, Salcombe Gin, on Island Street comes highly recommended.
Salcombe in the summer time has a host of events to spectate and take part in including the Salcombe Town Regatta, SYC Salcombe Gin Regatta and Crabfest which celebrates the best of the town’s offering. The main high street (Fore Street) and Island Street offers a range of great shopping options from clothing and interiors to chandlery and boat stores.
Kingsbridge:
Kingsbridge is a bustling market-town in the heart of the region which sits at the head of the Kingsbridge estuary within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The town provides an eclectic mix of independent shops, restaurants, supermarkets and pubs and with its central location provides a great base for holiday makers to settle and explore the area from whether the coastal path or outdoor pursuits be your cup of tea.
Sport and leisure facilities on offer in Kingsbridge include Tennis Courts, Kingsbridge Bowling Club, Stand-Up Paddle Boarding, a Cinema and the Quayside Leisure Centre which offers a fully equipped gym, fitness classes, indoor soft play with a café alongside and an indoor swimming pool.
Dartmouth:
Home to the prestigious Britannia Royal Naval College and the initial naval officer training facility in the UK, Dartmouth is a thriving town with a rich maritime and sailing history. Today the town hosts numerous festivals and events (including Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta and Dartmouth Royal Regatta Sailing Week) and benefits from a seasonal tourist industry. Crab fishing remains a buoyant industry for the town and, as a past time, children and adults alike enjoy crab fishing off of the estuary wall.
Steeped in history and formerly the last line of defence against enemy attack, Baynards Cove is a Tudor fort which is picturesquely sited at the entrance to Dartmouth Harbour and can only be reached on foot. Formerly built to guard the narrow entrance to the estuary, the fortress of Dartmouth Castle offers a family day out whatever the weather.
The Greenway Ferry service provides cruises and excursions departing from Dartmouth to Dittisham and Greenway House – the former home to the late Dame Agatha Christie which is a must-see whilst in the area. If an entrance by steam train is more your cup of tea, why not catch the passenger ferry across the estuary and experience the magic of the train and spectacular scenery from Kingswear to Greenway Halt – all aboard!
Totnes:
At the head of the estuary of the River Dart sits the town of Totnes which is a captivating market town with plentiful independent shops and eating destinations and activities to see and do. Within a short walk of the town centre sits Totnes Castle which is a Norman motte and bailey castle constructed at the time of the Norman conquest which from the top boasts far-reaching views across Totnes town and the River Dart. The peaceful grounds of the castle make for a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic.
If you fancy a different foodie affair, The Cott Inn at Dartington serves award-winning food or the Cider Press Centre at Dartington are worth a visit.
Just 20 minutes drive from Kingsbridge, Totnes train station is a key lynchpin on the First Great Western service which provides connection links from London Paddington to Penzance and services the region.