Myrtle Cottage

Good value pub food including Sunday Roasts accompanied by local beers and ales – all served by friendly staff.

The Volunteer Inn Fore Street, Yealmpton PL8 2JN (T: 01752 880463)

The Odd Wheel
(3 miles)

A warm and cosy family-friendly pub just a short distance from Wembury beach, with two bars and a restaurant serving an extensive menu including good Sunday roasts. Outside there is a large sunny decked area with tables and a kids play area.

The Odd Wheel Knighton Road, Wembury PL9 0JD (T: 01752 863052)

(2)

Nice pub, a tiring walk from Heybrook Bay especially in the heat. Good menu and dog friendly Shame it is not near the coast as would have visited more

August 2018

We loved this pub, the landlady and regulars were absolutely lovely to us, so friendly and caring. the landlady even helped us when our car broke down by letting us use their phone to call the RAC and drove my husband to meet the mechanic. Even my 14 year old son loved it as the locals and the landlady would entertain him by playing darts. The food is outstanding well worth the visits they made our holiday.

August 2017

The Dolphin Inn - Newton Ferrers
(3 miles)

A great spot for a pint of real ale or glass of wine on the sunny terrace overlooking the River Yealm. Good pub food and excellent hampers can be made up for trips to the beach.

The Dolphin Inn Riverside Road, Newton Ferrers PL8 1AE (T: 01752 872007)

(6)

Had a lovely meal at lunchtime - food was amazing!

August 2018

Lovely food. Super friendlly staff who fed us even though we were quite late in the evening. Dog friendly. No vuew of tbe estuaty from tbe terrace which is a shame because the pub is in an idyllic spot.

July 2018

Great local pub to end the day with a pint ! Either a walk over the voss when the tide is out or a brief walk round Bridgend

June 2018

A brilliant pub, fantastic atmosphere day & night. Live music and a great menu - including a great vegetarian selection. The staff were on the ball and service was quick. The chef was able to adapt the menu to suit 'fussy'children. Highly recommended.

August 2017

Great food and selection of ciders.

July 2017

Great local pub, very warm welcome, dog friendly and a nice pint.

May 2017

The Swan Inn
(3 miles)

A waterside pub with lots of outside seating and a friendly atmosphere serving good food and local beers and ales. A good spot for a sunset drink overlooking the estuary.

The Swan Inn Noss Mayo, Plymouth PL8 1EE (T: 01752 872392)

(12)

Excellent pub food

September 2018

We had some really great meals here over the last week. The food was superb with a great choice. Landlord and land last were lovely and really helpful.

August 2018

Beautiful pub. Beaitifull setting. Sunny on tbe terrace in tbe evenings. Nice staff. Food looked good but we didnt eat there. Limited parking and a walk to tbe pub which us at rhe bottom if a short steep hill. Worth rhe hike back up for tge sunshine at sunset though. Great gins.

July 2018

We had very poor service on the evening we went to the Ship. they were busy, but we didn't get the food we ordered and waited 30 minutes for our dessert order to be taken only to leave without - as did other people near to us. We did speak to the Manager about this. We also went for lunch which was good.

July 2018

Lovely pub, great views, good outside space. Food was good.

June 2018

Closed during our stay for a full refurb but looks lovely and location perfect

June 2018

CLOSED !

May 2018

Still Closed May 2018

May 2018

It is closed down

May 2018

This pub has now closed, so we were unable to visit.

April 2018

Excellent!!!!

August 2017

Nice local pub, lovely beer garden to sit and watch the boats sail by.

May 2017

The Ship Inn - Noss Mayo
(3 miles)

A pretty waterside pub where children can paddle in the water and yachtsmen tie up their boats outside. Here you can enjoy local beers and fresh homemade food, whilst enjoying the view over the Yealm estuary.

The Ship Inn Noss Mayo, Plymouth PL8 1EW (T: 01752 872387)

(19)

They just get it right, great service, great food perfectly cooked & presented with no pretentious twaddle. Oh & it's consistent, every time we come back the standards are maintained.

September 2018

We've been going to The Ship Inn for many years now - always great food and friendly, helpful staff. We went five times on this trip!

August 2018

Would recommend this place, superb food and a fantastic venue. You can walk across the river at low tide, much cheaper then the ferry at £3:50 for 100 metres per person, each way!

August 2018

We’ve eaten at the Ship many times over the years, and the food has always been excellent, and the location is just gorgeous (but careful where you park when the tide’s coming in!)

August 2018

Super Sunday lumch...walkable from The Swan in Niss Mayo and also The Dolphin in Bewton Ferrars at low tide. Amaxing rosdt di ners ans fabous burger and chips and fush and chips tremendous. Lovelt staff. Dog friendly.

July 2018

Beautiful setting very friendly slightly more expensive than your average local but worth it ! Food excellent and just a lovely traditional pub with an idyllic position

June 2018

Great pub and friendly and accommodating staff. Great to be able to choose small snacks or large meals at any time.

June 2018

I had a lovely meal of fish beautifully cooked and the staff were very friendly.

May 2018

Great pub with a wonderful location. Food was lovely, staff super friendly & efficient. Maybe a little bit pricey but well worth it.

May 2018

Lovely staff and good food

May 2018

Superb food, views, friendly staff, ambiance wonderful.

March 2018

Consistently excellent food and friendly staff

September 2017

We ate here three times in the week we stayed in Noss Mayo. The food was delicious and the portions very generous on each visit. The views from the upstairs dining area are to die for. However, most importantly, we found all the staff charming and efficient despite often being very busy. We look forward to a return visit soon.

September 2017

Very friendly, good food, good service

September 2017

Excellent food and service.

August 2017

Great Pub/Restaurant, we went there four times to eat in our stay. The food was excellent and they had a good selection of beers and wines. All the staff were welcoming and friendly and make the visits a pleasure. Will definitely return next year.

August 2017

We went to the Ship, 3 times during our 1 week stay in Noss Mayo. What a fabulous place to eat. A great menu, something for everyone and a wonderful atmosphere. They've got the balance right between a good welcoming pub and a great restaurant. Superb

June 2017

Good pub food with attentive service

April 2017

Great pub, brilliant location - just watch out for the tide if parking on the beach!

December 2016

Saltram National Trust
(3 miles)

Surrounded by tranquil gardens and historic parkland, Saltram is a Georgian country house overlooking the River Plym, with views across rolling landscapes and an abundance of green space. The house was home to the Parker family from 1743, and was designed to show their increasingly prominent status – which is partially why it’s filled with paintings by the likes of Sir Joshua Reynolds. Happily, for us however, that has made for a wonderful environment in which to explore history, wander around the rhododendrons and camellias in the garden, and discover seasonal exhibitions, events and activities for the whole family. Prices start at £10.70 for adults and £5.30 for children in peak season, however opening hours and prices vary throughout the year. There is also a £3 charge for the car park.

Dragonfly Adventures
(3 miles)

Boat trips departing Noss Mayo or Newton Ferrers with local wildlife enthusiast and angler, Jonathan Rundle. Explore the the local coast and estuary from the beautiful River Yealm observing bird and marine life, as well as the stunning scenery. Maximum 4 passengers, fishing opportunities available on request.

Click here for futher details or contact Jon Rundle on 07377 138690

Plymouth Ski Slope and Snowboard Centre
(5 miles)

While skiing probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a holiday in South Devon, Plymouth Ski Slope & Snowboard Centre is a large leisure facility and dry ski slope that’s the perfect rainy day activity should you need one. Offering skiing, snowboarding, toboggan and sno-tube downhill fun, and of course parties for birthdays and special occasions, it’s a family friendly experience that adults can enjoy as well. They offer kids adventure days including lessons, lunch and treasure hunts during peak season, and they also offer special functions to really give that ski holiday experience in their Alpine Lodge with its panoramic views of the River Plym! Equipment is available for hire and prices start at £8 for children and £15 for adults.

National Marine Aquarium
(5 miles)

The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is the Nation’s largest aquarium as well as being a charity organisation, and as such has an extremely exciting and prevalent role to play in driving marine conservation. Alongside the tourist attraction they run learning programmes for more than 30,000 children each year, have a consultancy branch and host events from weddings to birthdays and corporate functions as well. While you’re on holiday in South Devon, however, you will be more interested to know that this underwater world of discovery has the largest native exhibition in the UK exploring all the fish you have heard of and rarer varieties as well. In addition to British beauties there’s an Atlantic Ocean tank with large Nurse Sharks, sand tiger sharks and lemon sharks as well as ray and clownfish. The Aquarium has a café on site, is open daily, and has a variety of ticket types available for families, students and senior citizens.

Click here for futher details

Enjoy 10% off admission price with your Toad Hall Cottages Discount Card

Dartmoor Zoo
(5 miles)

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.

Click here for further details

Mothecombe Beach
(5 miles)

One of South Devon’s quieter beaches, Mothecombe is a large and unspoiled, privately owned stretch of sand 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 in this sheltered corner of Devon. 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. Given its pristine nature, it will probably come as no surprise that dogs are not allowed on the beach in high season, so keep an eye out for signs for more information, but best to steer clear with furry friends from May to September. There is a car park from which you can access the beach down a narrow path, so it’s not ideal for wheelchair users, but is otherwise conveniently close by. There’s also a tea house in the car park for drinks and snacks and there are toilets nearby as well, so pending the tides you can spend a good day here enjoying the natural scenery and all the fun that it brings with it, whether that’s for the whole family, on a romantic afternoon in the summer sun, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of this less populated park of the coastline.

(1)

Lovely beach but cafe was being renovated and we were gasping for a cuppa

April 2017

Wonwell Beach
(6 miles)

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. Alternatively, there is a slipway from the road to the shore of the river and at low tide you can walk along the edge to the beach itself, so make sure you get your timings right to make the most of this one. Parking is limited at Wonwell Beach so keep that in mind when you’re heading over. Road parking allows for around 20 cars depending on their size and there aren’t really any facilities around, although there are toilets nearby. This does mean you need to be prepared if you’re heading there for the best part of the day, but also makes for a very peaceful experience whether it’s lounging about on the sand with a picnic in the summer, or a stroll in the cooler months, simply taking in the atmosphere. Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round so it’s the perfect place to take them for a run around. Something to be careful of – do keep an eye on the tide to avoid getting cut off when it comes in and getting very wet en route back to dry land!

(2)

Glorious beach at the mouth of the Erme. Narrow lanes and very limited parking. No toilets, cafes etc - wonderful! Turning circle for cars just before the beach but expect to have to reverse back up the access lane to allow cars that are leaving to go back. A nightmare on Bank Holidays - parking almost impossible and expect to have to negotiate very tight spaces.

September 2017

Lovely beach but bit of a trek for little ones

April 2017

Ayrmer Cove
(8 miles)

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!

(6)

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

Challaborough Bay
(8 miles)

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!

(1)

Lovely beach

April 2017

Bantham Beach
(8 miles)

At the mouth of the Avon River, Bantham beach is easy to reach from Salcombe, Kingsbridge and our other favourite holiday home locations, as well as being a beautiful area to stay in its own right. The beach looks out over Bigbury Bay and offers a wonderful view of Burgh Island, which is famous for its art deco hotel of the same name that has hosted Agatha Christie and Noel Coward amongst its illustrious guests an can reach by sea tractor. Bantham beach has a popular reputation amongst both novice and advanced surfers, and as such there are lessons available from the Bantham Surfing Academy, which operates from the beach. They also offer other water sports including paddle boarding, and a day pottering up the Avon River on one of those when the tide is right, is a day well spent. When the tide is out at Bantham the sandy beach reveals rock pools and great swathes of space so you can happily set up a picnic and stay there for the whole day. If the mood strikes, why not walk along the coast path towards Thurlestone around the corner, and South Milton Sands beyond that, particularly as it’s also a popular beach for dog owners? Just keep in mind that from 1st May until 30th September restrictions apply, so look out for signposts with more information. If you’re spending the whole day on the beach it’s worth popping to the Gastrobus which is open seasonally in the car park, offering everything from freshly made baps to coffees, teas and cakes, or for a larger meal head the short walking distance to The Sloop Inn gastropub. There is plenty of parking available by Bantham, with charges from £3.50 per day, so make sure you have change on you as it’s a bit tricky to find parking otherwise. There are toilets in the car park, and from May to October from 10am until 6pm there is also lifeguard cover on the beach. All in, Bantham has something to offer everyone throughout the year and is one of many beautiful locations to spend time while you’re in South Devon.

(5)