Location Guide to Frogmore, South Devon
Everything You Need to Know About Frogmore
Frogmore, a hidden gem in the heart of South Devon…
Surrounded by rolling hills and wildflower meadows, the South Devon village of Frogmore lies on the banks of a sleepy tidal creek. This idyllic village, found tucked away in the heart of the South Hams, is the setting for some of Toad Halls’ most delightful holiday cottages.
The coastal thoroughfare that links the bustling market town of Kingsbridge and the seafaring port of Dartmouth passes through Frogmore and is arguably one of the most scenic highways in the West Country, weaving its way through adorable thatched cottage villages and charming seaside parishes.
Frogmore has its own pub, The Globe Inn, a friendly and well established local hostelry with a thriving restaurant that remains a popular social hub. The village also boasts an artisan dessert bakery, ideal for stocking up on fresh pastries for breakfast in your self catering cottage. On the fringes of the village, overlooking rolling farmer’s fields, is the Springfield Farm Shop and Tearooms, where you can enjoy a traditional strawberry cream tea or pick up some choice cuts for your barbeque.
One of the most eagerly anticipated dates in the Frogmore social calendar is its annual summer regatta, a family-friendly gathering jam-packed with fun events on both land and water.
Here, in the midst of South Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you can enjoy nothing but scenic strolls, enchanting views and beautiful beaches. Whether you’re planning a family break, a romantic escape, a dog-friendly getaway, or a large gathering of old friends, Toad Hall Cottages’ collection of Frogmore holiday cottages is sure to float your boat.
What’s in a Name…?
You have to dust off the pages of the Old English dictionary to discover the true origins of the place-name, Frogmore. But if you’re thinking that it can’t be something as simple and quaint as ‘a big pool inhabited by lots of frogs’ you’ll find yourself gladly mistaken, as that’s widely regarded as its true source. If a frog should jump across your path while you’re out and about in Frogmore, an old, local adage would suggest you’re in for a year’s worth of good luck.
Things To Do near Frogmore…
What better way to explore the tranquil creeks of the South Hams than in the bow seat of a canoe with a paddle in hand. Singing Paddles run guided tours of the Salcombe-Kingsbridge Estuary, offering unique access to the hidden inlets unseen from the shoreside. It’s a lovely family outing that allows you to get up close and personal with the enchanting wildlife that make these precious waterways their home.
The gentle, sheltered waters of the Salcombe-Kingsbridge Estuary make an ideal setting for stand up paddler boarders (SUP). It’s fast become the most popular watersport in the UK, not only a great way to exercise, but an opportunity to relax and unwind. If you’d like to learn how to ‘SUP’ head for the Waterborn SUP centre based at the Crabshell Inn pontoon in Kingsbridge and place yourselves in the trusted hands of qualified instructors. You’ll be up, paddling and gliding along these idyllic waters in no time at all.
Head to the bustling market town of Kingsbridge, famous for its historic Fore Street and award-winning floral displays. From here, you can head for the ferryboat landing to board the Rivermaid, bound for the sparkling sailing port of Salcombe. This popular summer service is a wonderful way to tour the local estuary waters; the Rivermaid even runs exclusive cruises with onboard hospitality. Also making regular return trips along the harbour – all be it on a much smaller scale – is the Kingsbridge miniature railway which gently chugs along the pretty promenade.
It’s stood sentinel over the rugged cliffs of Start Point for more than 150 years, warning ships away from the rocky outcrops known locally as ‘The Skerries’. Open to the public, The Start Point Lighthouse is twenty metres tall, a lime white cylindrical tower that is striking against the magnificent coastal landscape. It lies on a dramatic sweep of the South West Coast Path as it winds its way along the headland towards the gleaming turquoise waters of Start Bay.
Hallsands was once a thriving and close-knit community and home to more than 150 villagers until one fateful night in 1917 saw spring tides unleash huge and battering waves leaving most of this coastal enclave in ruins. The history books blame ongoing dredging and the removal of hundreds of thousands of tons of shingle for Hallsands’ untimely demise. Today, the lost village can be seen by walkers as they roam the weaving coastal path, stopping to read the tragic story from a specially built viewing platform.
Places to Eat…
We’ve already introduced Frogmore’s popular pub, The Globe Inn, found in the heart of the village, so here are a few more well-established and charming local eateries…
Only a mile away, in the neighbouring village of Chillington, is The Bear and Blacksmith, a popular gastro pub with a menu that continues to garner glowing reviews. A mile further, and you’ll arrive at the historic village of Stokenham, home to two lovely countryside inns, the 14th Century Tradesman’s Arms and the recently refurbished Church House Inn. As the coastal road finds the glimmering Start Bay shoreline, you’ll discover another favourite haunt, the delightful seaside pub known as the Start Bay Inn, famous for its traditional fish ‘n’ chips. If you’re looking for classic pub food served with elegance, panache and a scenic surround to match, the Millbrook Inn in the neighbouring parish of South Pool is well worth a visit.
Local Walks…
When it comes to local walks around Frogmore, you really are spoilt for choice. Pick up the South West Coast Path and discover the scintillating headland views of East Prawle and Start Point as the rugged peninsula rounds from the gleaming waters of Bigbury to Start Bay. Click here for a selection of stunning local strolls, all with the added bonus of a traditional country pub en route… always a welcome sight. Head inland to the wilds of Dartmoor for some truly magnificent adventures, following boot-worn trails and crossing clapper bridges deep into the heart of these mysterious and untouched uplands, full of rushing rivers, ancients woods, lofty tors and riddled by myths and legends.
Local Beaches…
Frogmore is encompassed by gorgeous sandy beaches, craggy coves and golden bays. The iconic two-mile shingle stretch known as Slapton Sands – flanked by a spectacular freshwater lagoon – lies only a couple of miles further down the coastal road from Frogmore. Just a short drive from Frogmore is the popular pebble beach of Beesands, while the surrounding coastline around Prawle Point and Start Point is peppered with secret beaches and secluded coves. The pretty sailing town of Salcombe plays host to a selection of lovely beaches, from the gentle and serene waters of North and South Sands, to the series of white sandy coves that hug the shoreline of East Portlemouth – only a short ferryboat trip away. The glimmering rollers of Bantham and Bigbury are only a short drive away and remain two of the region’s most popular surfing destinations.
Holiday Cottages in Frogmore…
The beautiful creekside village of Frogmore is a gem of a holiday destination: tucked away in the idyllic South Hams countryside and close to some of the region’s loveliest beaches, you couldn’t pick a better spot for your South West escape.
Seaflowers’ Annex is a stylish apartment set on the tranquil banks of Frogmore Creek, an idyllic bolthole for a couples. Recently refurbished, the property has a stunning garden and sun terrace perfect for long, lazy afternoons and relaxing evenings watching the boats sailing by. There’s also room for your waggy-tailed friend as this attractive hideaway is one of Toad Hall’s many dog-friendly cottages.
Sleeping up to six guests, Stoneybrook is a pretty cottage arranged over three floors. A great base for families on the go, the property benefits from an open plan living space and a delightful private courtyard.
Boast joyful views of the estuary and surrounded by magnificent countryside walks, The Cabin sleeps up to five guests making it a great choice for family getaways or friendly get-togethers.
Another of Toad Hall Cottages’ cosy Frogmore cottages is The Nest. This attractive property has some endearing features; its inviting lounge and log burner ideal for hunkering down during those chillier autumnal months and its oak garden terrace made to measure for those dreamy days of summer. Why not treat your special someone to a memorable South Devon break? It’s also another one of our many dog-friendly cottages.
If you’re looking for a large holiday cottage in Frogmore with ample bedrooms and living space, then Boathouse Cottage is sure to fit the bill. Sleeping up to six guests, this popular property is nestled away on the leafy banks of the creek and boasts an adorable waterside terrace. It’s easy to see why this waterside haunt continues to attract such rave reviews.
Set in the immaculate gardens and sleepy cider orchards of Stancombe Manor, Daisy Cottage lies just outside Frogmore in the idyllic rolling countryside. This spacious stone-built dwelling is full of character and charm and includes access to excellent leisure facilities; an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, tennis court, pool and snooker room, pitch and putt, games saloon, table tennis and garden activities, all of which make this winsome holiday nook an irresistible option for young families.
Fall in love with the adorable creekside village of Frogmore in the heart of the South Hams when you book a stay with Toad Hall Cottages