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All you need to know
Glorious Devon, with its rolling landscape dotted with sheep, unspoilt coastline, sandy beaches, rugged moorland, and quaint picture-postcard villages, is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing break soaking up the stunning scenery.
Glorious Devon, with its rolling green landscape dotted with sheep, long stretches of unspoilt coastline, golden sandy beaches, rugged moorland, and quaint picture-postcard villages, is one of the most popular holiday cottage destinations in the UK, whatever the season.
However, there's more to Devon than stunning scenery. Over the years, the county has attracted an exceptional selection of locally grown food and drink producers, ranging from the old Devon favourites you'd expect (pasties, scones, fudge, and of course cider!) to some slightly more unexpected delights, including vineyards and even chilli farms, which thrive in the mild South West climate.
In addition to the culinary treats, a holiday in Devon is a great opportunity to get active outside to make the most of the beautiful scenery. With hundreds of miles of magnificent South West Coast Path fringing the county, an invigorating coastal walk is one of the easiest and quickest ways to reconnect with the outdoors (and it’s free!). Yet there are so many things to see and do in Devon that you'll find it hard to squeeze it everything into one holiday! From surfing to horse-riding, and stately homes to theme parks, you'll find something for the whole family, whatever their ages and preferences.
Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic getaway, or a break with your dog, we're sure to have a holiday cottage that's just right for you. From large holiday homes (with or without a pool) perfectly suited for group holidays, to quirky, romantic seaside cottages-for-two, if you’re looking to escape the stresses of everyday life and enjoy a truly tranquil break, a holiday cottage in Devon offers the perfect base to make the most of your time away with loved ones, and will have you coming back year after year!
Few areas of the UK, or even Europe, have a lure greater than beautiful South Devon. Dramatic Dartmoor gives way to rolling hills, wooded valleys and stunning coastline that never fails to leave visitors wishing they could stay just that little bit longer. While away days in market towns and villages that have retained their tradition whilst now offering great dining and excellent shopping, or leave the townships behind and head to any one of the outstanding sandy beaches that dot the South Devon coast.
A holiday in North Devon offers the best of both worlds: fantastic access to the stunning Atlantic coastline and also the chance to explore the wild beauty of the moors. Sandwiched between Exmoor and Dartmoor, each with its own distinctive picturesque landscape, they offer the perfect escape for nature lovers, walkers, riders, families and dog owners looking to relax and unwind far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Picturesque East Devon is perfectly positioned on the world famous Jurassic Coast, offering stunning coastal walks and fossil hunting opportunities, an abundance of pretty towns and villages along the East Devon and neighbouring Dorset coastline, easy access to the vibrant Cathedral City of Exeter, and great positioning for reaching Dartmoor or the South Devon coast on a day trip.
Dartmoor is a hub for all kinds of outdoor pursuits from walking and cycling to horse riding and climbing to make the most of the stunning wild and bleak scenery. If you're planning to head off the beaten track it’s always advisable to have a map, compass and sensible clothing as the weather can change rapidly. If the fog descends, you will soon understand why this place inspired the spine-tingling tales of Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles! And if you’re not feeling quite so energetic, it's also a fantastic place to simply get some fresh air, and dip your toes in a stream, or sit back and enjoy a Devon cream tea.
(1)
Dartmoor Zoological Park is a 30-acre zoological garden located near the village of Sparkwell, on the south-west edge of Dartmoor. It was the subject of the book and hollywood film We Bought a Zoo, which has gained the Zoo world wide fame. However the personal charm and up-close feel to the whole park has not disappeared.
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Lovely zoo, interesting range of big cats. We had a great family day out.
July 2020
On an industrial estate close to Plymouth, Plymouth Karting is the ultimate playground for grown ups and nearly grown ups complete with indoor and outdoor karting, combat gaming and laser tag. This is your chance to get involved with the latest in motor-sports with features including challenging circuits, separate adult and children or family sessions, a coffee lounge and spectator area, LCD screening to detail scoring, washroom facilities and free parking, and exclusive booking for birthdays and special events available. You can just turn up but it’s advisable to phone ahead to check availability, particularly in larger groups. All equipment, clothing and safety information is provided but do wear trainers rather than flip-flops or sandals, and remember that children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
An award winning family attraction in Exeter, Crealy Great Adventure Park is set in 100 acres of Devon countryside and offers something for kids of all ages. Easy to get to off the M5, the park is home to more than 100 animals, 30 outdoor attractions and other activities including rides, soft play, animal petting and seasonal events and shows. There’s a dog kennel that guests can use for the family pet, but do bring your own bowls, blankets and toys and remember to book in advance.
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An award-winning, family-owned attraction run by a team of volunteers, who aim to preserve endangered species of farm animals and the diversity of British wildlife, Totnes Rare Breeds Farm offers a personal service just outside Totnes. Surrounded by characteristically beautiful Devon countryside you can feed red squirrels, touch a hedgehog and watch the cheeky chipmunks before nipping to the Garden Café for coffees, teas, cakes or a light lunch. You can combine your ticket to also include the South Devon Steam Railway, as well as the Buckfast Butterfly and Otter Farm.
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(8)
The new home of Sharpham Wines, Sandridge Barton includes a state of the art winery, visitor centre and café amidst a 32 acre vineyard on the banks of the Dart, producing fine quality English wines. While away a few hours on a tour of the vineyard, discover the unique flavours of Sharpham wine at a wine tasting or enjoy a delicious meal in the café.
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10% off any pre-booked tours, tastings and in the shop with your Toad Hall Cottages Discount Card
Went for the self-guided tasting with cheese and bread. Friendly and knowledgeable staff, we enjoyed trying out 8 different wines and their delicious Crematte cheese. Great way to spend an hour or so.
September 2023
A culinary delight!
July 2023
Absolutely Fabulous
September 2022
We spent a very enjoyable afternoon on the 'self guided tasting' eating good cheese and tasting lovely wines. It was all rounded off by a good walk in glorious countryside and a nice coffee. Next time we will be more organised and book in plenty of time for the 'proper' tour. Thank you
September 2021
Despite the Covid restrictions, we enjoyed a wonderful wine and cheese tasting experience. We intend to return to explore the estate, vineyards and shop.
October 2020
Beautiful location. Nice to walk through vineyard and along the river. Enjoyed a takeaway meal from the restaurant at the picnic tables overlooking the river.
September 2020
We loved the walk around the vineyards, which are set in beautiful countryside. The staff were friendly and helpful and the wine and cheese tasting were excellent. We had our dogs with us, and they were also made very welcome! A perfect location and experience - highly recommended!
April 2019
A beautiful location with delicious looking food - unfortunately had 3 children in tow so totally unsuitable for us! A touch of luxury that I would like to visit again minus the offspring!
August 2018
(11)
A traditional country pub in the heart of pretty Ashprington serving quality pub grub and local beers. Expect classic meals using excellent local ingredients including great Sunday roasts.
The Durant Arms, Ashprington, Totnes TQ9 7UP (T: 01803 732240)
Superb pub, lovely location and great food .
September 2023
Excellent
September 2022
This is a fabulous village pub and the staff are all so friendly and very welcoming. We stopped off before going onto our holiday home and they had a gin festival going on so of course I ( the wife ) had to have one very good it was too. Got chatting to a lovely group of three couples plus their baby girl and they started off our holiday in a great way.
June 2022
Gorgeous food, lovely place, delightful staff. Highly recommended
April 2022
Unfortunately we were not able to have Sunday lunch as planned due to Covid rules but we did stop by one afternoon on our only one good day weather wise and very much enjoyed our drinks sat outside on a bench. Bar man was very friendly and it looked nice inside too. We are hoping to have a meal there in 2022 on a return visit.
May 2021
Fantastic welcome at this tremendous pub offering a wide variety of local beers, ciders and lagers; as well as a varied menu catering for all tastes, including 3 vegan options on the day we visited.
November 2020
A terrific village pub; friendly,atmospheric, good service and excellent food and ale. Very dog friendly and the pub has been very sympathetically refurbished in recent years
November 2018
Lovely food, and good service. Pub interior very welcoming....a real village pub. Would recommend.
July 2018
Excellant sunday lunch enjoyed by all eight of us. Warm welcoming with some good beers
December 2017
Fantastic food and hosts, thoroughly enjoyed our several visits.
October 2017
Brilliant country pub, good homemade food, great real ales (listed in the good beer guide 2017) Child & dog friendly, gets very busy for Sunday lunches. Closed Mondays
March 2017
(21)
A newly renovated, light and bright café in a beautiful location overlooking the Dart estuary at Stoke Gabriel. While the kids go crabbing you can sit and enjoy the panoramic views with a locally brewed beer or refreshing local cider. Open everyday except Monday for lunches, cakes, cream teas and coffee aswell as dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings. The menu has a focus on fresh fish dishes and all the produce is locally souced.
The River Shack The Quay, Stoke Gabriel TQ9 6RD (T: 01803 782520)
Only called in for coffee but stunning location and friendly staff would make me want to visit again for a meal ....prepping fir pizza evening when we were there and menu looked appealing
September 2023
Lovely and unique location. Staff always friendly and helpful. Food was amazing. Will definitely come back
August 2023
Small menu and excellent quality. Friendly and competent staff.
July 2023
Amazing place and good vibes. Excellent service. Menu a little limited for a few visits throughout the week. Open everyday but Only open 2 nights a week.
June 2022
excellent coffee and breakfast in a beautiful location. Staff all super friendly, welcoming and helpful. Very popular and busy though especially in sunny weekends
May 2022
overpriced very ordinary food set next to the sewage pumping station for the village ,toilets smelly and you have to go outside to use them, parking £5 a lot to pay for a short stay
March 2022
Brilliant little restaurant. Trendy young staff and top food.
October 2021
Wonderful breakfast in an idyllic spot. Can't wait to go back for dinner. Thank you
September 2021
I would have booked here before we arrived to get a table for the Friday or Saturday night pizzas - they looked amazing. As it was, we had to make do with lunch on a Thursday and it was excellent. Next time, I will book far in advance to get a spot. A popular gem, just wish we lived closer.
September 2021
The best setting ever with excellent service and wonderful food
August 2021
What more could one want than a tasty breakfast by the water's edge, served by cheerful welcoming staff.
June 2021
Nice location, parking £5 even if you are eating at the restaurant, need to book, slightly random menu but good food and service.
May 2021
Fantastic new owners from 2019. We’ve had breakfasts and dinners there. Definitely would recommend.
October 2020
We loved this cafe. Really friendly staff and delicious food. The setting is stunning whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Fabulous to watch the crabbing as well. A Special place!
September 2020
Great coffee and very friendly helpful staff in a warm cosy atmosphere! Sitting looking over the Mill Pool whilst sipping coffee was a lovely way to start the day and being only 50mtres away from our holiday cottage was a massive bonus!
November 2019
Wonderful restaurant and right on our doorstep! We had dinner on both Friday and Saturday nights (only open those nights for dinner), lunch once and afternoon tea once. Lovely owners and staff, wish them the success they deserve.
September 2019
Really nice place. We had breakfast and drinks - both good. Lovely spot for a drink and a chat. Would recommend.
August 2019
Visited many times during our two week holiday, and thoroughly enjoyed all the meals. The staff were amazing, really friendly and efficient. Will definitely visit again.
June 2019
Fab location - reasonable prices for a toasted sandwich for lunch and very tasty. The ice cream shack was delicious!
August 2018
Fantastic setting, with a lovely terrace... ideal for sitting out on a sunny day and having a coffee or glass of wine. We tried eating there in the evening and found the food rather disappointing, so wouldn't recommend it for food.
May 2017
Lovely food, friendly and efficient staff and reasonable prices. Good menu choices as well.
May 2017
(27)
Relax in the friendly atmosphere of this pub by the cosy log fire in the winter or outside overlooking the river in the warmer months. Enjoy Devon’s finest produce accompanied by good beer and wine. Children will enjoy paddling in the river as well as the play area. Dogs welcome.
The Watermans Arms Bow Bridge, Ashprington, Totnes TQ9 7EG (T: 01803 732214)
Pretty location by creek very friendly pub, food not outstanding but adequate.
September 2023
We enjoyed a lovely meal sitting by the river
July 2023
We recently stayed in the local area and visited the Waterman's Arms on several occasions. We really enjoyed our evening's on the riverside and found there was a good selection to eat and drink. We dined at the pub on several occasions and always had great food at a very reasonable price, the handmade pizza's were great and the kids loved it too! looking forward to visit again on our next return visit too the area.
June 2023
Very popular, good location. Good Sunday Roasts.
May 2023
lovely location excellant food and friendly staff
September 2022
A good place for a drink beside the water
September 2022
Love, love, love this pub ?my husband and I discovered it 30+ years ago and then last year rediscovered it. We were back again this year and introduced four new folks to it who also fell in love with it so therefore we were there every day of our holiday. Staff are lovely and they do good honest tasty food, not an extensive menu but that way you know it’s not out of freezer into a mircowave. We were all sad to leave it behind so much so that we booked in for breakfast on our last morning! Great place, proper pub, locals use it too.
June 2022
We enjoyed a very pleasant meal there. The service was swift & so friendly. The area by the river is an absolute delight
May 2022
Lovely pub in walking distance from our cottage, had a good Sunday roast here, would recommend.
May 2022
Great pub grub, friendly staff, fab location
April 2022
Food not very good.
April 2022
Lovely pub.. very dog friendly gave our doggies some sausages while we enjoyed trying local Ales friendly staff nice cosy pub nice atmosphere
November 2021
Great food and welcoming efficient friendly staff. Lovely location.
July 2021
Great atmosphere and excellent friendly staff who were coping with a very busy pub. Food was basic pub grub but well cooked and presented.
July 2021
A very welcoming pub with a supporting menu to enjoy.
June 2021
Lovely old fashioned country pub and we got a great welcome on both of our visits, we had first visited it some years ago and it was so nice that it hadn’t changed or been ruined with a make over. Staff nice, helpful and very friendly - Nadia our waitress was just great and a good laugh too. We enjoyed our food very much and the ambiance. Cannot wait for our planned return visit next year, Hazel and A.J.
May 2021
Had a couple of pub meals here, a good standard of food in lovely surroundings.
October 2020
This pub was just a few minutes walk from where we were staying. Although the food was good basic pub food it was let down by the 'atmosphere' in the pub.
October 2018
Friendly pub with good food and good service
September 2018
Lovely location, food and service good but basic pub grub.
July 2018
Sorry, my review submitted a few minutes ago was submitted in error, and related to another pub in the area. We enjoyed the food at the Watermans Arms and the service was good. Lovely spot on the river and would recommend.
July 2018
We ate at the Watermans Arms every evening during our stay in Tuckenhay, which was an enjoyable stroll from our cottage. The staff were very welcoming and the menu was quite extensive. We both managed to eat something different each night during our weeks stay and the service was quick. Food was attractively presented and very good; we didn't have one bad experience. We were well looked after by the waitresses and would highly recommend.
June 2018
We visited 3 times. Very friendly pub. Good food, if anything to comment, the portions were on the large side for us.
May 2018
An unpretentious, welcoming pub with fantastic food.
September 2017
Ate here twice Sunday lunch good and food on second visit good too Nice to be able to tie our dogs in
August 2017
A warm welcome was received at this lovely pub that served great food especially Sunday roast - booking is reccomemnded
May 2017
amazing pub. Great location by the river, really nice food and friendly staff. The dogs loved it too and we made to feel very welcome :)
December 2016
(29)
Set in a beautiful location alongside Bow Creek and with a predominantly fish menu, this is a great place to enjoy some delicious food or a cold beer in the sunshine. Watch boats mooring, kayaks launching and children crabbing during the summer, or enjoy the cosy atmosphere and open fires in colder months.
The Maltsters Arms Tuckenhay, Totnes TQ9 7EH (T: 01803 732350)
Good beer, friendly service and very good food.
November 2023
Great location, and good for a drink. However, we went there on the regatta weekend , delayed from July and took over an hour to get a drink !,
September 2023
Had a linch and a dinner here. My husband said the moules he had were the best he'd ever tasted. Praise indeed.
August 2023
We ordered a takeaway when we arrived and it was very nice
July 2023
Highly recommend. Visited several times, within walking distance from Perchwood Shippon. Good food and variety. Pleasant inside and out.
May 2023
perfect location excellant food and friendly staff
September 2022
Excellent. Lovely food, helpful staff and a superb location
September 2022
Amazing evenings spent at this pub, crabbing and enjoying a quiet drink whilst watching the boats. The food is amazing too.
August 2022
We visited this pub last year 2021 when we encountered problems I.e. not enough staff, the staff there was were not at all cheerful and welcoming and the cleanliness of the place including the actual tables & the ladies was poor. Sorry to say we tried again this year and there still was not enough staff, there was a five deep queue for the bar who the staff were ignoring because they were giving priority to people who were ordering food! We gave up and went to another establishment. What a shame because it’s in a grand situation Floyd must be turning in his grave!!
June 2022
A lovely place to enjoy a meal. We visited twice & particularly enjoyed sitting by the dock & watching the yachts go back & forth
May 2022
Fabulous place, great food.
April 2022
Lovely pub friendly staff nice atmosphere
November 2021
Very nice, struggling with staff levels and seats rather hard. Food ok
September 2021
Excellent food and location
August 2021
Unfriendly eye rolling waitress. Decided to walk down the road to the Watermans Arms and ate there instead several times!
July 2021
Very very busy and tables not cleared but staff and food were friendly and doing their best in difficult times.
July 2021
We had a table booked for our Tuesday night and had researched the menu at home before we left for hol: so we were surprised to get a more upmarket selection at a quite higher cost! What we had was good, but there was a but! Husband had the lamb and it came with nothing else at all. Service started off well but we had a long wait to order our desserts, not enough staff for volume of customers.
May 2021
Had takeaway fish & chips one night and ate at the pub 2 nights and it was absolutely delicious
December 2019
Good food. Good local walks too.
October 2019
We especially liked the Malsters Arms, which was just a few minutes’ walk away from where we were staying. We enjoyed having a drink sitting outside on the quay, take away fish and chips and an excellent meal in the restaurant (on different days).
October 2018
Good food and friendly staff, would recommend booking
September 2018
Food good but service extremely poor. Staff appeared very disorganised. I think the pub is living off its past history re Keith Floyd. Pub also starting to look a little tired and needs some money spending on it.
July 2018
As we were staying in the village, we tried to eat here one evening, but they were fully booked. The bar man was quite abrupt when we asked for a table, which put us off trying again for another evening. We heard from another couple that they had experienced the same thing, hence why we ate at the Watermans Arms each evening, as they were most welcoming.
June 2018
Great food and service in a delightful village by the river. One of our favourite places.
May 2018
Really lovely meals again here. Very welcoming and accommodating to our two children.
April 2018
A friendly pub in great location, with very good food.
October 2017
Looks lovely if pricey Tried to eat here on a Thursday but it was fully booked
August 2017
Excellent food and great atomasphere.
May 2017
Only stopped for a drink on the way to Dittisham but loved sitting out by the river and watching all the wildlife passing by
December 2016
(20)
Roughly one kilometre (20 minutes depending on your pace) from the National Trust car park at Ringmore, and with a selection of footpaths to get to it, Ayrmer Cove is a quiet secluded beach on the South West Coast Path. For anyone on holiday in South Devon it’s a peaceful place to sit and contemplate the natural scenery amongst the shingle, pebbles and rock pools, admiring the cliffs. It makes for a beautiful destination to walk to from Ringmore itself, which is a small village (population 230) with views towards the cove itself as well as Bigbury Bay – it makes for a wonderful holiday cottage destination in South Devon as well as a place to visit as part of your day. Walking to the beach allows you to discover the surrounding woodland, wildlife and history of the area – taking in old smugglers’ routes and hedgerows that have been in situ since the 1800s. It is a little tricky to get to so it’s not ideal for wheelchairs, and there aren’t any toilets or facilities at the beach itself so if you want to stay for a little while don’t forget to take snacks or a picnic if the weather is right. This is all about enjoying the environment that’s such a proud part of the National Trust – it’s everything a holiday in Devon is about, and yes, dogs are permitted all year round and will very much enjoy the walk!
Fabulously unspoilt and beautiful.
June 2023
Childhood memories and very clean
May 2022
Lovely location for photography and any easy walk from the National Trust car park
April 2022
Beautiful place!
September 2021
Beautiful clean quiet beach , well worth a visit
September 2021
Beautiful cove, first visit. Quite a challenging walk to get there but fascinating to see the slate formations.
August 2021
Perfect swim spot
May 2021
What a wonderful, quiet little haven!
September 2019
A beautiful little cove and fun for dogs and children.
August 2019
You can walk to this secluded cove from the cottage. Probably about 20 mins away, depending on your pace. Plenty of blackberries to eat/collect on route when in season! No facilities at the cove but beautifully unspoilt.
August 2019
Really beautiful secluded beach - great for the dog too!
July 2019
A lovely beach at the end of a beautiful valley. Absolutely perfect for dogs and never busy.
June 2019
Parked in the NT car park at Ringmore and took the 15 min walk down to the beach. Saw a beautiful sunset and had the place to ourselves. Bliss
November 2018
What a fantastic place. So quiet - we had the whole beach to ourselves a lot of the time. Our dogs loved it.
September 2018
A lovely quiet cove, with excellent rock pools at low tide. No sand but the kids enjoy it as an alternative to the massive sandy beaches at Bigbury and Bantham.
September 2018
stunning little beach, very quiet and great for snorkelling
July 2018
Beautiful cove. Very quiet with lots of bird life.
June 2018
Well worth the walk with beautiful views of Burgh island from the coast path. We were the only ones there on a very sunny day in April. Perfect.
April 2018
Simply stunning and well worth the steep (ish) walk down from the National Trust car park at Ringmore. When there - it's hard to imagine the horrors of today's modern world.
September 2017
Gorgeous beach for an evening swim and barbecue. So peaceful and beautiful
June 2017
(14)
Lovely beach but no dog's allowed
September 2023
Lovely beach and walk over cliffs to Thurlestone. Beautiful views.
July 2023
One of the most beautiful and relaxing places on earth.
June 2023
Worth the £4.50 to park for the afternoon plenty of walking and rock pools to explore, a good wide sandy beach for people with children
April 2022
Great beach particularly at low tide
October 2021
The most extaordinary place and great for kids. Lots to see and do - great sand and very shallow waters so very safe. if you get a chance to go on the water tractor that is great.. and do visit the Pub on the island. Great day out.
August 2021
A lovely beach. £6.50 to park for the day - it's a private estate - but a shame that the owners aren't prepared to put some of the money towards improvements to the toilets - one small sink in each of the men's & women's toilets with a malfunctioning tap is not enough for a beach full of people, children & dogs!
August 2019
Lovely beach for gentle surfing with ice creams, coffee, snacks and pizzas close to the car park.
July 2019
Glorious especially at low tide.
April 2019
Best beach in the South Hams.
July 2018
Can get busy with surfers, but a beautiful place with a wide sandy beach. Lots of room for everyone.
April 2018
Beautiful beach. Nightmare of a road (especially in high season) to get to it. Worth it though when you get there.
July 2017
A short walk (less than a mile) from Thurlestone, this is a stunning beach. Lots of shallow water with sand underfoot, truly amazing.
July 2017
Fantastic sandy beach and so big. My dog loved running around and jumping into the water. Plenty of space for all.
April 2017
(36)
It won’t come as a surprise to anyone who has visited that Bigbury on Sea is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Perfect for sand castles and rock pooling as well as tucking into lengthy summer picnics, it is an unusual beach to visit because the tide comes in from both sides. As a result, it is an endless source of fascination for children, not least for its sea tractor which provides transport from one end of the beach to the other in order to reach Burgh Island. Burgh Island is connected to mainland England by the beach alone, it’s home to the famous art deco Burgh Island Hotel which has hosted Agatha Christie and Noel Coward since its incarnation in 1929, and has even made an appearance in the TV adaptation of Christie’s Poirot. On a practical note there is on-site parking available close to the beach with daily charges from £3.50. Toilets and shower facilities with disabled access are also nearby, and lifeguards are present from May to September. The Venus café offers teas, coffees and other refreshments including the ice creams that are of such fundamental importance for a day at the beach. Meanwhile, dog lovers will be pleased to know that four legged friends are welcome at Bigbury on Sea, but restrictions apply from 1st May until 30th September. Ultimately, Bigbury on Sea is a supremely beautiful location and fun family day out with abundant wildlife to enjoy and coastal footpaths to explore as well, making it a wonderful destination to visit on holiday in Devon, no matter what time of the year it is.
Great beach dogs allowed it's our favourite beach in south Devon
September 2023
Absolutely world class beaches around bigbury and bantham,stunning at all times.
September 2023
Fabulous sandy beach with good cafe and toilets. Advisable to get there early as parking can be an issue.
September 2023
Lovely area to visit our grandchildren loved it for body boarding. It was safe for them and also had RNLI lifeguards present. A trip on the sea tractor was quite a highlight for them.
August 2023
A beautiful beach, soo close to our holiday accommodation we could go home for lunch. Just ass well because the beach cafe is overpriced and very average.
August 2023
Great beach especially for children. Ample parking, cafe, surf shop and very clean free toilets
August 2023
Favourite sandy beach, part dog friendly over summer,
July 2023
Wonderful place, lovely walk to Burgh Island and up to top.
July 2023
A delightful spot and good water sport activities. Burgh Island is a must.
July 2023
Fabulous convergence of two tides and wonderful beaches. Beach Barista on the Bigbury side selling great coffee and ice cream. Beach shop very handy for topping up on beach gear.
June 2023
Get there early to get a car parking space. Great location for families
May 2023
Loved this beach we spent a lot of time here. Plus side - the car park machines don’t work and it was impossible to pay via the App. The parking attendant told us not to worry about trying! Minus - very smelly toilets.
August 2022
Excellent beach for all the family with dog friendly sections. Massive sandy beach when tide out. Cafe and toilets above beach. Paying for car park very difficult unless you have coins.
August 2022
Fantastic beach! The walks we had at low tide were amazing. Especially when we walked along the river looking over to Bantham.
July 2022
Wonderful beach at low tide. Great spot.
October 2021
A tranquil, enchanting destination for families and dogs alike. Away from the hustle and bustle , outstanding views, fabulous beach for walkers and bathers.
August 2021
Amazing beach and in our opinion the best in the area. Great cafe and surf shop where we hired SUPs. Visited most days and was always impressed. Visit in the evening for a beautiful sunset too. Walking over to the island and exploring there is also worth it.
August 2021
Clean and safe
July 2021
A beautiful location, and just the right amount of facilities. The roads to Bigbury can sometimes be a challenge due to narrowness, but it's worth it when you get here.
June 2021
What a really stunning beach, well worth the trip round the estuary from Noss Mayo. Gorgeous sand and very dog friendly. Worth having a coffee at the Pilchard Inn on Burgh Island.
May 2021
Beautiful location, lovely large sandy beach. If you go across to Burgh Island when the tide is out be warned the prices at Pilchard's Inn are extortionate!
May 2021
We have visited Bigbury and Burgh Island over many years, and it never disappoints; the picturesque environment does much to enhance the holiday atmosphere, and meets the needs of a relaxed holiday.This year, we enjoyed the wonderful experience of cream tea and cocktails at the famous hotel at a very reasonable price; we booked in advance, were driven to the entrance via the hotel transport, and sea tractor back - perfect afternoon!
September 2019
Bigbury bay which I have visited since a child and an amazing beach for all the family.
August 2019
Wonderful - with greats loos & cafes. The Beach Barista coffee is also great!
August 2019
Really lovely sandy beach, perfect for young families as the water stays shallow and the dog can join you in certain areas too, so makes for an all round great day out!
July 2019
Excellent beach for small children. Very clean. The sea tractor gave it an added dimension. Our 2 year old granddaughter loved riding on it!
June 2019
Fab, sand spit beach, covered at high tide, access to Burgh island. An absolute must.
July 2018
Gorgeous beach - very large and areas suitable for dogs. Check tides before you go. Walk over to Burgh island is great. Good toilets and shop - very clean.
July 2018
Wonderful beach and great view of Burgh Island and the marvellous hotel.
July 2018
Perfect
June 2018
Spent a happy afternoon watching the sea.
May 2018
Perfect location. Excellent to walk across the tombolo and explore the island. Very safe for dogs. We visited on a very sunny day in April and were lucky to get a free parking spot right by the slipway. Views from the top are wonderful. Watching the waves meet from both directions is fascinating.
April 2018
Great beach for walking the dog - only part of the beach is restricted. Not overcrowded as we visited out of season and some lovely views in all directions.
September 2017
Lovely place. Child friendly with fantastic views. Only downside is the dogs that are allowed on. It can get very busy in high season and the dogs can be a pain if running loose especially if you have got little ones. We have got a dog so it's not because we aren't dog lovers!
July 2017
Rather run down and disappointing that visitors are made to feel rather unwanted with only a small section of the pub open to non-residents and the hotel off limits completely to non-residents. View from the top lovely, but I wouldn't drive miles and miles to visit. What attracted me was the parting of the sea and that was a lovely view
June 2017
Fantastic unique place with sea both sides of the beach when the tide is out and Burgh Island to walk to with a lovely old pub but inefficient service.
April 2017
(35)
Between Dartmouth and Slapton, Blackpool Sands is a beautiful shingle bay on the South West Coast Path, surrounded by evergreens and pine trees. It really is a treasure of a beach to visit while you’re in the area. Award-winning, the privately owned, blue flag beach boasts a sense of being in the Mediterranean on a good day in the summer, although a good jumper never goes amiss in this part of the world! You will no doubt not be surprised to hear that it is in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, however it also boasts ample facilities and things to do. There are showers, toilets and disabled facilities, as well as paddle board, kayak and wetsuit hire available for those wishing to earn their visit to The Venus Beach Café, where light bites and refreshments are served. The Venus Shop also sells all the bits and pieces you might want for fun and games on the beach if you have forgotten them or are in need of extra buckets and spades. The water at Blackpool Sands is known for being clean and clear and tested by the Environment Agency, and lifeguards are on hand in the summer (July to September) so there’s every reason to pop in for a dip. However, dogs are not allowed on the beach in the high season (12th March to 30th October) so keep the walking for the cooler months. There is parking available at the beach with seasonal charges, and you can find out more information on those from the Blackpool Sands information line on 01803 771800. This beach is easy to get to and quite literally fun and games for the whole family, as well as a beautiful place to visit at any time of the year to take in the view!
Very nice.
October 2023
This is a lovely place to visit, we went early and had breakfast at the lovely cafe before going onto the beach
September 2023
Great beach, very clean
August 2023
Lovely family beach grit not sand so no sandcastles possible but lovely location, Cafe was fabulous had breakfast 2 days really high quality food and ambience and very friendly staff .
August 2023
Did not visit
July 2023
Looks a lovely beach but unfortunately no dogs allowed at all
June 2023
Visited Blackpool sands on our honeymoon 27 years ago and have enjoyed it on both occasions. A lovely clean beach with a very nice restaurant/cafe. We walked to the beach and got the local bus back up to Stoke Fleming.
May 2023
we love this beach always clean good parking clean facilities and good cafe.
September 2022
We did go to this beach, couldn’t go in the sea as it was so rough, was beautiful though. No sand, but still very nice.
September 2022
Beautiful beach; very blue water. It’s more a pebbly rather than a sandy beach, love it all the same. It’s clean and there are lifeguards in the summer months which is when we visited. The toilets were clean and not far from the beach; no queues for the toilet either. Parking can be a bit pricey at £9 for the whole day of you come in the morning but didn’t mind it. You pay less though if you come in the afternoon. The is a little sandpit area for a any kids who want to play in sand
September 2022
It is a really beautiful beach although, despite its name, it is not a sandy beach, however our son and grandson were keen on paddle boarding. They made a special visit for this and were told that the paddleboard facilities were closed but to come the following day when the facilities were still closed! Considering that this was during the height of the holiday season, my son was a bit put out having made two wasted trips.
August 2022
A lovely beach, stunning veiw as you drive down towards it. Very clean with clear water.
August 2022
Lovely clean beach although very quiet. There was a small charge for parking.
April 2022
great place
November 2021
very clean beach and gorgeous setting. good that it didn't allow dogs.
September 2021
Welcoming, clean attractive
September 2021
No sand! Very clean and scenic, but very disappointing if you want to run around on sand
August 2021
Lovely pretty beach with good facilities.
June 2021
Very large shingle beach, charges for parking at a set fee no matter how long your visit. Can pay by card for parking as well as cash.
May 2021
Great beach
November 2020
Lovely sandy beach. Parked here (£2) whilst doing a circular walk and then returned for a walk along the beach.
November 2020
Dogs allowed on beach out of season, a bracing walk with coffee and millionaire shortbread at the cafe to finish.
October 2020
Great beach really beautiful , even in the rain, as the Venus café is right on the beach and is warm, dry and serves great food and drinks at reasonable prices.
October 2019
One of our favourite beaches, in a beautiful setting. Plenty of car parking and plenty of room on the beach, even on a busy day. The sea is clean and clear and the facilities are excellent (nice to have changing rooms). Thoroughly recommend this beach.
October 2019
Beautiful stretch of shingle beach nestled between steep hills at either end. Excellent facilities including one of the best beach cafes we've ever visited.
September 2019
We had a wonderful day at Blackpool sands. A shingle beach within a lovely cove, it was clean and felt safe for the children to swim in the water (which was also sparkling). The beach is privately run, so the carpark fee was a bit stiff (£8 for the day), however the upside of this was a beautifully clean beach with lots of amenities, including rental of SUPs and other water equipment, a great cafe, and really clean loos. On a busy day you would need to arrive before lunchtime, or the carpark will shut, but this also means that the beach didn't feel crowded at all.
September 2019
Parking charge between £3 - £8 depending on time of year, Also food good but e.g. Hawaiian Prawns (£9) consisted of 5 prawns. Not good value for money.
October 2018
Lovely beach, not sandy but the stones are okay. Good food, beverages, coast guards, Nice view and not so cowded
August 2018
Lovely clean beach in super location along coastal road. Great place to visit.
May 2018
Beautiful clean beach with excellent facilities.Clean toilets lovely cafe and shop.Lifeguard on the beach.No dogs allowed.Plenty of parking.We enjoyed rock pooling at the far end of the beach.The owner does a great job.You can also visit Blackpool Sands garden but we did not have time.Also a juggler was there on the day we went great fun for everyone.
August 2017
Beautiful location but shame it a shingle beach and not sandy. Also very disappointed with the £8 fee to park the car .
August 2017
Perfect venue for a sunny day! Secluded beach which is clean and tidy, with a cafe, snack bar and shop, beach equipment hire too
July 2017
The cost of the parking steep
June 2017
Our family 's favourite beach
June 2017
Stunning beach, and you can get takeaway cream tea from the cafe to have on the beach!!
May 2017
(6)
Close to Kingsbridge, Challaborough Bay is a sandy beach in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that’s perfect for enjoying all the seaside activities nature can afford. At low tide the beach is ideal for visiting families to build sandcastles and explore the rock pools, while the swells and shore breaks also attract surfers and bodyboarders. There are some beautiful walks along the coast path that surrounds it, heading towards Bigbury on Sea in particular. Making it an ideal spot to spend the day, the beach has toilets, a café and a beach shop close by, although access is via steps and small paths so accessibility isn’t wheelchair friendly. There is a car park but it’s rather small, so it’s good to know that a 15-minute walk to Bigbury will see ample parking available – seasonal charges apply so remember to bring cash with you. While four legged friends are welcome in the winter, they are not allowed on the beach between May and September, so do plan their walks with that in mind. It’s a lovely spot along the coast path to bring them to, you can even beach hop from one to the next!
Cempletely different atmosphere to the rest of the South Hams. Part of a beautiful coastline set amidst class South Hams countryside.
June 2023
Good if you’re staying all day with children but expensive to park, only whole day parking not good if you don’t want to stay a long tome
April 2022
I didn't like it here. I found it a bit tacky. Also on my walk I popped into the Cafe in the morning but had missed their breakfast time which ended at 11.30 and I was there at 11.34 so they refused to serve me toast with coffee! So I walked out! A guy behind me in the queue was left open mouthed and said if I go on to Bigbury I'll get it anytime I want!
September 2021
Beautiful place to watch the sunset. Good fish and chips on the beach in the evening. Wouldn’t spend the day there as holiday park attached and the beach was left absolutely covered in rubbish by the guests ????
September 2019
Lovely, & just a short walk from Bigbury on Sea car park. It also has a fantastic chip shop that does gluten free fish & chips!
August 2019
Lovely beach
April 2017