Local Area

The beautiful coastal town of Salcombe sits on the banks of the Kingsbridge Estuary making it one of the prettiest towns in South Devon. Located within the South Devon Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty, Salcombe is known for its outstanding coastal views and rolling surrounding countryside, as well as a centre for sailing. With its estuary location, Salcombe is a water sports haven - whether it be sailing, kayaking, surfing or paddle boarding - everyone wants to get in the crystal blue waters. The local beaches are nothing short of outstanding, with golden sand and turquoise sea.

BEACHES

North Sands - a short 10 minute stroll from the house it’s a sheltered sandy beach, best accessed at low tide. Child & dog friendly. Winking Prawn cafe & parking .

South Sands - Twenty minute walk, is another beautiful sandy beach, home to the ‘south sands ferry’, which runs every 30 minutes and takes you into the heart of Salcombe town. No dogs in summer months.

Mill Bay- A little to the south of East Portlemouth beach is Mill Bay, a privately owned beach popular with families because of the very safe and clean bathing conditions, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). (A few minutes by the ferry from Salcombe town).

Thurlestone & South Milton- Thurlestone Beach is made up of two main beaches - the smaller one is next to the Golf Club while the larger beach is slightly further along the coast towards South Milton. Both beaches are sandy, sheltered and the waters are shallow enough for the kids to splash about (Approx 15 minutes by car)

Bantham - has a shallow, sandy beach so the whole family can enjoy paddling and swimming. At low tide the beach reveals shallow sandy pools that warm up quickly to create ideal play areas for toddlers and an array of rockpools for older children to explore. Bantham has a natural topography that’s ideal for surfing and it has a reputation as one of the best surf beaches in Devon. Its reliable waves make it ideal for novice and experienced surfers alike. (Approx 20 minutes by car).

Bigbury-on-Sea -Dusted with sand and lapped by shallow waters, the beach offers safe fun for groups particularly if you’ve got children in tow. In addition, Bigbury on Sea beach is dotted with rock pools, so there’s plenty of entertainment for budding marine biologists who like to explore. Bigbury’s most famous landmark is Burgh Island which overlooks the beach itself. The island is accessible at low tide, when the waters reveal a causeway that links it to the beach. However, when the tide is in you can still reach the island by hitching a ride on the popular and unique ‘sea tractor’.

EATING & DRINKING

Within walking distance

The Winking Prawn:
Fun, family friendly, beachside restaurant at North Sands, only a short walk from the house. Serves delicious breakfasts, seafood, lunches and in the summer months, BBQ suppers. Also enjoy fabulous cakes and coffees for takeaway.

The Jetty:
Situated in the Harbour Hotel, the upmarket Jetty restaurant has glorious estuary views. Only a few moments walk from the Garden House, it is the perfect venue to enjoy a cocktail from the upscale bar. The food is delicious, from seafood to steak- there is something for everyone.

The South Sands Restaurant:
New English style, highly regarded local hotel & restaurant. Twenty minutes walk from the Garden house, on South Sands beach, enjoy fantastic food, wine and views out towards sea. Pop in for a glass of champagne at the bar, or a delicious home baked cake and coffee. In the summer, the large sun soaked terrace is the best way to end a beach day in Salcombe.

The Salcombe Coffee Company:
Artisan coffee, cakes and lunches in the heart of Salcombe. In the evening transforming into a popular bistro.

The Kings Head:
Gastro Pub in the heart of town overlooking the harbor.

Salcombe Distillery:
Home of the famous Salcombe Gin. Sample some in the bar or try making your own in the Gin School, pre booking advised.

Further Afield

Malsters Arms, Tuckenhay near Totnes :
Foodie riverside pub, specializing in freshly caught seafood.Steeped in history, this 18th Century Inn is located in the hamlet of Tuckenhay, worth the drive. (Around 35 minutes by car).

Twenty Seven by Jamie Rogers, Kingsbridge :
South West Chef of the year Jamie, has brought ‘fine dining’ to the South Hams. Jamie uses fresh local produce, skillfully prepared and served in a relaxed vibrant environment. (Around 15 minutes by car).

The Millbrook Inn, South Pool-
The chocolate box, picture postcard village of South Pool, can be accessed by car or boat (at high tide). The thatched, quaint and traditional pub, serves up fresh, local & delicious food. The South Devon Good Food Guide Dining Pub of the Year 2019, and one of the most popular destinations in the area. (Around 30 minutes by car, quicker by boat).

The Beachouse, South Milton Sands :
A cool, laidback foodie destination on a stunning stretch of coast, simple seafood & takeaway cafe yards from the sand. Dog friendly. (Around twenty minutes by car).

The Schoolhouse , The Flete estate :
Sister to the beachouse, The Schoolhouse is a seafood restaurant, cafe and takeaway on the stunning flete estate, moments from the golden sands of mothecombe. Dog friendly. (Around 40 minutes by car).

Britannia at the Beach, Beesands :

Situated in the small fishing village of Beesands. This BYOB beach-shack-style cafe serves catch-of-the-day seafood (around 30 minutes by car).

Venus Cafes, Bigbury, East Portlemouth & Blackpool Sands:
All three cafes serve delicious food, ice cream and drinks which can be enjoyed in the cafe or for takeaway to enjoy on the beach. Bigbury & Blackpool sands have indoor seating. Dog friendly.

Farm Shops

Aune Valley, Loddiswell
Aune Valley Meat Farm Retail Shop, Delicatessen and Cafe are situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Won GOLD at the taste awards.

Stokeley Farm Shop, Stokenham
Everything you would expect from a country farm shop, a deli, butchery, restaurant cafe & plant centre. In addition we stock everyday groceries and a wide selection of alcohol, including beer from our own brewery.

Bens Farm Shop, Totnes & Yealmpton
Part of the Riverford organic family, the farm shops sell local, organic, quality produce. Butchery, shop & cafe.

GOLF

Thurlestone Golf Club
Situated in an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, Thurlestone is a fantastic location to play golf and tennis.
Running along the stunning coastline of Bigbury Bay, this Harry Colt designed course is a mix of links and cliff-top terrain with the latter providing breath-taking views of the legendary Thurlestone Rock to the East and the beautiful Avon Estuary and Burgh Island to the West.
The course is one of the most exhilarating with majestic rocky seascapes above the coves where smugglers used to operate. It is also ideal holiday golf - not too severe, with quite generous fairways but the wind, of course, can blow with a vengeance. ( call to book ‭01548 560405‬).

Bigbury Golf Club
Located in an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) on the coast of South West of Devon, Bigbury Golf Club lives up to the areas reputation. Fantastic golf, stunning views towards the ocean , Burgh island & the moors. Call to book 01548 810 557.

SPA DAYS

The Voyage Spa, Thurlestone Hotel:
Combines top class modern facilities with a touch of classic nostalgia from the golden age of ocean travel. With three fine beauty therapy rooms offer soothing treatments, indoor pool, sauna, steam room, laconium, hydrotherapy pool and a fitness suite the Voyage Spa is the perfect place to relax. Call to book 01548 560382.

Gaia Spa, Boringdon Hall
Set within the grounds of Boringdon Hall, Devon - a Grade I listed 16th century country manor house hotel, on the edge of Dartmoor, near Plymouth. Named Hotel Spa of the Year in Western Europe & Scandinavia at the World Spa & Wellness Awards 2019, Condé Nast Johansen's Best Destination Spa in the UK & Ireland 2018 and 2020. Call 01752853807 to book.

HarSPA, Salcombe Harbour Hotel
Luxury spa features a heated pool, a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and state-of-the-art fitness suite. We offer treatments by premier spa brand ESPA, employing only natural and holistic remedies.

FOR THE CHILDREN

Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh
Popular, friendly petting farm. Famous for miniature pigs. Tremendous fun for the little ones.

Torquay Zoo, Torbay
Fabulous range of large exotic animals including lions, tigers and giraffes. Cafe, shop and soft play.

The National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth
Home to over 4,000 ocean animals, with daily talks and shows including "Meet the Sharks"! Explore the local animals as well as our Atlantic Ocean and Great Barrier Reef tanks! UK's Largest Aquarium.

Bumble , Kingsbridge
Small soft play , cafe and child’s hairdressers for 0-7 years.