Noss Mayo & Newton Ferrers Bucket List

If you’re planning a stay in one of our holiday cottages in Noss Mayo or Newton Ferrers, make your way through our bucket list, filled with our favourite things to do.

Boating, Paddle Boarding and Kayaking

Life in ‘Newton and Noss’ revolves around the water, and no holiday would be complete without finding your sea legs. The sheltered estuary and tidal creeks are perfect for paddle boarding, kayaking and rowing, while sailing boats and dinghies can set sail towards the Mewstone, Plymouth Sound and out to sea.

Sea Swimming at Cellars Beach

A firm favourite with those in the know, Cellars beach is a small, secret cove near the mouth of the estuary. To reach the beach, it’s a 20-30-minute walk from Noss Mayo through Passage Woods and down a steep path, or you can arrive by boat. At low tide, Cellars is sandy and sheltered, and when the tide comes in you can sit on the rocky ledges and jump into the clear, turquoise waters.

Walking the Revelstoke Drive with a Picnic at Warren Beach

The Revelstoke Drive is an old circular carriage ride route built in the 19th Century, which clings to the edge of the River Yealm estuary and follows the contours of the coast around the headland towards Stoke. Today, it’s a popular stretch of the coast path as it’s wide, relatively flat and enjoys uninterrupted sea views. Starting the four-mile circular walk from The Ship Inn, you’ll follow the river through Passage Wood and up onto the rugged headland. Stop at Gara Point to take in the breathtaking panoramic views which stretch from Rame Head in Cornwall, past Wembury and the Mewstone, towards Noss Mayo and Newton Ferrers.

As you continue along the old carriageway, you’ll reach Warren Cottage, where we recommend you head down to Warren beach, a hidden cove perfect for picnics and cooling off in the sea. The path down is very steep though, so it’s only suitable for those who are fit and agile. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals and even porpoise before heading up towards Warren car park and taking the country lane down towards the village.

Waterside Pubs

To us, a cold pint of beer or glass of wine always tastes better by the sea, and luckily there are three pubs in Newton and Noss, all by the water’s edge with stunning estuary views. The Swan Inn in Noss Mayo is a beautiful Georgian building with lots of outside seating and a friendly atmosphere. It sits above Pope’s Quay, so you can arrive by boat (tide dependent) and children can enjoy a spot of crabbing. The Swan catches the evening sun, making it a lovely spot for watching the sunset.

The Ship Inn, also in Noss Mayo, is a really popular pub sitting on the edge of Noss Creek which serves excellent food. Inside is spacious yet cosy with open fires, while there are plenty of waterside tables outside where you can soak up the sun and the gorgeous views.

Across the water in Newton Ferrers, The Dolphin is a traditional old pub, also with a lovely beer garden overlooking the river. The Dolphin is a free house, serving a great selection of local ales and good pub food.

Beach Days on Mothecombe and Stoke

As well as the secret coves of Cellars and the Warren, there are several beautiful beaches nearby. A mile outside of the village you’ll find Stoke beach, which is lovely and sandy, interspersed with rocks and set beneath dramatic cliffs. Sheltered and secluded, it’s a great place for a wild swim. A few miles further down the coast is one of our favourite beaches in the region – Mothecombe. There are actually two beaches here, one with soft sand and calm bathing waters, and the other a long sandy, dog-friendly beach which lines the Erme estuary. From sunbathing, sandcastles and swimming to picnics, paddle boarding and dog walks, we’re sure you’ll love beach days at Mothecombe as much as we do.

Coastal Walk to Wembury

Another coastal walk, but this time catch the local ferry from Noss Mayo across the water to Warren Point and head along the clifftop path to Wembury. The mile-and-a-half walk to Wembury beach will only take 30 minutes, and the views along the way are beautiful. Wembury beach is one of the best places for rock pooling in the country, so take some time to search for the marine life, then stop off at the beachside cafe to refuel for your walk home.

Trip to Plymouth

The bright lights of the city are within easy reach of Noss Mayo and Newton Ferrers. Jump in the car for a short drive to the ocean city of Plymouth. There’s no end of things to see and do in Plymouth, from the characterful Barbican waterfront and iconic Hoe, to its aquarium, cinemas and busy shopping arcades.