Wherever you find yourself in the South Hams, by the river or seaside, in the centre of a bustling village or the heart of the countryside, you will find something of interest. The choices on offer are diverse and the settings, with attractions, water sports, museums, coastal walks, boat trips and festivals, adding to that diversity.
If you are here with the family then the array of family attractions and entertainment available to you will not disappoint. With over 60 miles of spectacular coastline and the neighbouring Dartmoor National Park, what to do first will be your hardest choice.
Here are a few of our favourite places:
The beach at Bigbury Bay
Check tides in the local directory and plan your outing to fit in with high/low tides. When the tide is high there is still a lot of clean, soft sand, but as it ebbs there are many exciting rock-pools and vast expanses of superb sand. You also get to come back from Burgh Island on the sea tractor! Try The Pilchard Inn for lunch on the island - it used to be a smugglers' haunt. If you enjoy windsurfing, kitesurfing or bodyboarding this beach is for you.
The beach at Mill Bay
Opposite Salcombe, via East Portlemouth. There is a National Trust carpark, a good beach shop, and for the energetic a 30 minute walk across the fields takes you to the Gara Rock Hotel, where the views are stunning and the refreshments well worthwhile - if you walk back via the coast (45 minutes) you won't be disappointed. Alternatively have lunch at the Millbrook Inn South Pool then catch the little ferry over to Salcombe for a browse. Don't miss the local pubs and museum beneath the Tourist Information Centre in Salcombe.
The beach at South Sands
Next to Salcombe. Park at the hotel or at the National Trust carpark at Sharpitor Gardens where there is a superb picnic spot with a fantastic view, gardens reminiscent of the Mediterranean, and an interesting museum where children will spend some time doing the quiz and looking for Fred the friendly ghost in the children's area through the secret door. You could hire canoes etc. at south Sands or catch the ferry boat to Salcombe, walking back along the coast lane - once again stunning views.
Dartmoor
One of Devon’s most spectacular assets, Dartmoor National Park covers around 369 square miles of open moorland, rocky tors and hidden river valleys. Walk along some of the hundreds of miles of public rights of way, climb the majestic tors which rise high above the moor, and experience the view across miles of rolling Devon countryside. Dartmoor is home to plentiful native wildlife, including the famous Dartmoor ponies.
The Round Robin trip
By boat, ferry, steam train and open-top double decker bus. You can pick this up at Totnes or Dartmouth - we find Totnes more convenient. You can take all day over this, stopping off en route, or nip around in about two hours. There is also a steam train from Buckfastleigh to Totnes with a vintage bus connection.
Morwhellham Quay
Combined with Buckfast Abbey (of Francis Drake fame) or Cotehele, a National Trust property suitable for dreaming swashbuckling youngsters.
The Aquarium in Plymouth
Not to be missed - ideal for a rainy day - very new and allegedly the best in the country. It has a fantastic shark tank.
Dartmouth Castle
You can park up there or if you are more energetic you could park the car in the National Trust carpark at Stoke, walk along the coastal path or track (shorter/easier at 25 minutes), visit the castle then take the ferry into Dartmouth.
The Visitor's Centre at Princetown
Followed by a trip over Dartmoor (beautiful place) and antique shopping in Ashburton or white water rafting and other adventures at the Dart Country Park.
Woodlands Theme Park and Pennywell Farm
These are perfect whole days out for children with lots to do rain or shine.
Just a few more...
We love to visit the Dartington Arts Centre, Miniature Pony Centre, Becky Falls and the Eden Project together with Lanhydrock (about one hour drive, but leave early to be there by 10 am, otherwise arrive at 2pm) - and of course all the fantastic coastline walks.
Finally, pamper your tastebuds
You should not be disappointed if you eat at The California Inn at California Cross, The Ship and The Anchor at Ugborough, the New Inn at Moreleigh, the old Church House at Harbertonford, the Tower Inn at Slapton, the Port Light between Soar Mill and Hope Coves, Pig Finca in Kingsbridge, the Ship and Dolphin at Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo - and last but by far the least, the Oyster Shack at Easton, on the way to Bigbury - or you could just eat in as Jasmine Chinese Restaurant in Kingsbridge offer a free delivery service too, which can save the day if all else fails. But no doubt you will find favourites of your own - the opportunities appear to be endless. Alternatively you could just go fishing, put your feet up, play the odd game of tennis, take a dip in the pool, read a good book, listen to the birds or some light music and relax in the garden.
Whatever you do - enjoy!