Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo Guide
The idyllic riverside communities of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo are considered two of the most attractive and unspoilt villages in South Devon.
Separated by the gentle wend of the River Yealm and the ebbs and flows of Newton Creek, life in these delightful neighbouring villages takes on its own gentle pace.
Surrounded by countryside walks and gorgeous secluded beaches, both Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo are home to some of Toad Hall Cottages’ most popular holiday lets, all with stunning hillside views. Here, you can sit back and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of village life, where the wading birds scour the mudflats and the sailing boats bob on the unhurried tide.
Both villages are steeped in history, the stone harbours and slipways serving as reminders of the once busy fishing fleet that for centuries was the lifeblood of the community. It’s a history that runs all the way back to the Doomsday Book; a claim staked by the landed Ralph Ferrers and a king’s gift to a fellow called Mathew whose name became lost in translation: the name Noss Mayo actually means Mathew’s Nose.
During the summer months, a river-taxi runs between the neighbouring harbours, helping to ferry the visitors who have come to share these charming South Hams backwaters. Many will pick up the trail through Passage Woods, headed to the coast in search of the breathtaking views across Wembury Bay.
Nearby beaches…
One of South Devon’s quieter beaches, Mothecombe, is a large and unspoiled, privately owned stretch of sandy shoreline that’s open every day, all year round. Having won an award from the Marine Conservation Society for its clean sea and sand, you can be assured that relaxing here and pottering about in the water is going to be a happy, healthy and pleasant experience for all who visit this sheltered corner of the South Devon coast. For those wanting to try out water sports, Mothecombe offers the ideal conditions for windsurfing, kayaking, body boarding and generally enjoying the water, particularly for beginners as it’s a comparatively gentle environment in which to give it a go.
Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Wonwell is a sandy beach on the east shore of the Erme river, which joins Mothecombe at low tide. It affords visitors a large expanse to explore and is accessed via a woodland path from the road which takes about 10 minutes.
Stoke Beach; a beautiful sandy beach, interspersed with rocks and set beneath dramatic cliffs and surrounded by fantastic coastal walks. Sheltered and secluded, Stoke Beach is tucked in behind Row Cove and Piskey’s Cove at the western edge of Bigbury Bay.
Pubs and restaurants
The Dolphin Inn (Newton Ferrers)
A lovely spot for a pint of real ale or a glass of wine; sit back on the sunny terrace and enjoy the sparkling views of Newton Creek. The pub has a reputation for good food and also makes up hampers if you’re planning a day on the beach.
The Swan Inn (Noss Mayo)
A waterside pub with lots of outside seating and a friendly atmosphere serving good food and locally brewed ales. The Swan Inn is a beautiful Georgian building dating back to the 1850’s and is the ideal spot to while away the hours.
The Ship Inn (Noss Mayo)
A pretty pub on the creek where children can paddle in the water and yachtsmen moor their boats. Here, at this award-winning venue, you can enjoy a heartily stocked bar and freshly caught seafood, all complimented with gorgeous views of the harbour.
Where to stay
You can find out more about our long list of holiday cottages in Newton Ferrers by visiting our website. Here’s a handful of superb properties to help whet your appetite…
On the outskirts of the village is Rose Cottage, a former milking parlour beautifully transformed into a luxurious bolthole. Its bright vaulted bedroom and open plan living area are just some of the delightful features to be enjoyed here. The garden at Glen Cottage extends right down to the foreshore and is the perfect place to while away the hours. With stunning views across the valley, this historic terraced cottage places you in the heart of this sailing village. Riverdale is a charming fisherman’s cottage that’s also located close to the banks of the tidal creek. Its beamed ceilings and stone fireplace with open woodburner are just some of the features that make this cosy dwelling so inviting. Riverdale is also one of our many dog-friendly properties.
If the prospect of a holiday in Noss Mayo is ‘floating your boat’, why not take a peek at some of the Toad Hall holiday cottages available to let both in and around this gorgeous harbourside village…
On the hillside, with stunning estuary views from its verandah, is The Old Chapel. This unusual property has been imaginatively converted from a former 19th century chapel and presents an open plan living area with impressive vaulted ceilings, feature windows, and splendid honey oak floors. Battery Cottage is a delightful couple’s retreat overlooking the gorgeous Yealm estuary. Built on the site of a 14th century fortification where there still remains evidence of the dry moat. Here, the South West Coast Path passes the front doorstep, winding through the steep wooded valley towards the Great Mew Stone that marks the entrance to the Yealm estuary and the magnificent headland beyond. Nestled into the hillside and close to the tranquil waters of Bridgend Quay, is Oystercatcher, the perfect choice for a couple’s getaway. This beautifully presented annexe has a sheltered glass balcony where you can enjoy the setting sun after your day exploring the surrounding coastline. Oystercatcher is also one of our many dog-friendly holiday cottages. With its fabulous waterside setting, Anchor Cottage, is one of an attractive row of mews style cottages, skilfully converted from a former malthouse. Ideal for families, Oystercatcher, offers a splendid location from which to discover this gorgeous inlet and the South Hams beyond. It is also one of our many dog-friendly South Devon holiday cottages.
Not far from both Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo is the famous maritime city of Plymouth with its National Marine Aquarium and historic Barbican.