The Nineteenth

Welcoming and friendly, this branch of the Venus Café has lots of delicious options for children and adults alike. Homemade Devon burgers, breakfast baps, cakes, coffee’s and ice creams are available either to eat on the terrace or take away.

The Venus Café Warren Road, Bigbury-on-Sea TQ7 4AZ (T: 01548 810141)

(7)

Great burgers! Right by the beach. Busy in the summer but I guess that's a good sign!!

December 2016

Reliably great food though very busy at peak times so go early! Also love the Venus at the Dartington Centre.

April 2017

The best coffee we had all holiday!

July 2017

A welcome cafe to serve the beach. We enjoyed the coffee and the cheesey chips.

June 2018

Good little café next to the beach.

July 2018

Great coffee with good view.

July 2018

The Pilchard Inn
(Less than a mile)

Reached either by foot across the beach or at high tide by sea tractor, this 700 year old pub once popular with fishermen and smugglers, has wonderful views and is an atmospheric spot to stop for a pint of Pilchard Ale and a baguette. Owned by the Burgh Island hotel, one bar is for hotel guests only and one public.

The Pilchard Inn, Burgh Island, Bigbury-on-Sea TQ7 4BG (T: 01548 810514)

(9)

Proper smugglers' tavern in a brilliant location. We sat outside in the sun while the kids played down on the beach. Perfect! Didn't try the food.

December 2016

Very atmospheric tho the food is limited with sandwiches being brought down from the hotel so you can't ask, for example, for cheese and chutney without the chutney for fussy children! Having spent many holidays in Bigbury on Sea no visit is complete without a wander over to The Pilchard at low tide. Parents can sit above the beach and watch the small ones rockpooling in safety. Its magic!

April 2017

Lovely old pub over looking the beach and water but service inefficient

April 2017

Overpriced food, felt very unwelcome as only as small section of the pub is available to non-residents, so you are made to feel like second class citizens.

June 2017

Would be nice if it stayed open for a drink in the evening.

August 2017

Very disappointed. Felt as if we were a tolerated rather than welcomed. Signs forbidding entrance to one of the bars and when we walked into the only permitted bar the staff member couldn't get back to his own coffee and conversation quick enough.

November 2017

RidIculously expensive

May 2018

Pleasant place for a drink on a sunny day. Very quaint.

June 2018

It was clearly almost too much bother for the barman to serve me. And beer and white wine served in plastic ‘glasses ‘. We didn’t go back.

July 2018

The Gastrobus
(Less than a mile)

A great mobile café selling high quality burgers, breakfast baps and other light meals, cakes, coffees and ice creams in an idyllic location next to Bantham Beach. Open every day, weather permitting.

The Gastrobus, Bantham Beach, Bantham TQ7 3AN

(8)

AMAZING burgers!!!

December 2016

Great coffee, great location, great food. Perfect!

December 2016

Great location, good food and definitely worth a visit

May 2017

Cream teas in a box to enjoy on the beach - awesome! Every beach should have one!

June 2017

Very friendly staff, lovely selection of delicious snacks

June 2017

Great gastrobus the cakes & food looked fab, we went for local ice creams which were very delicious & good choice of flavours

November 2017

Great Gluten Free Food on the beach!

June 2018

Great street food. Hot sandwiches cooked to order. Brilliant.

June 2018

The Journeys End Inn
(Less than a mile)

A good combination of friendly village local and destination food pub with plenty of space including a large beer garden for summer and cosy open fires in winter. The chef draws on his travels to create high quality British and Thai cuisine along with tempting deserts and healthy kid’s options.

The Journeys End Inn Ringmore, Kingsbridge TQ7 4HL (T: 01548 810205)

(4)

Our favourite pub, ever, in the world (and we've been around a bit!) We return again and again and again! The noodle dishes are amazing; I always promise myself I'll try something different but still keep gorging on noodles! Very excited to actually be staying in Ringmore this time round (usually we are in Bigbury on Sea) so plan lots of meals here! The beer battered cod was great too and nearly defeated a ravenous young chap - no mean feat! The building itself is brilliant with lots of little rooms and a great atmosphere. When we were there last they were setting up a pizza oven in the garden...can't wait to go back and try it! Yum yum!

April 2017

It looks so beautiful from the pictures, well it could be, under electric box cupboard and the dining room windowsill the cobwebs where that big we had clean them away. The bedroom with 3/4 bed was only big enough to house the bed no room either side. The armchair in the living room wasn't good to sit in it had collapsed & every time you sat in it you fell through it. Towels didn't smell fresh had to wash them before we could use them.

June 2017

Fabulous country pub excellent food, service and ale a wonderful experience chef here is exceptional

July 2017

This delightful quintessentially 'olde world' country pub would make a good destination for lunch after a morning down at Ayrmer Cove. There's a link between the pub and the play of the same name written in 1928 by the writer RC Sherriff. Have a stroll around the impossibly pretty village of Ringmore and don't leave without visiting the 13th century church of All Hallows, where there's a magnificent and rare medieval wall painting.

September 2017

The Sloop Inn
(2 miles)

This historic pub, full of period features in the pretty village of Bantham, is a great spot to enjoy well-cooked classic meals or a pint after a day spent on the beach or walking the South West Coast Path. Menu’s change on a daily basis and children and dogs are welcome.

The Sloop Inn , Bantham TQ7 3AJ (T: 01548 560489)

(14)

Brilliant pub. Love the village so much and spent every night in here during our stay. Great pub food, dogs welcome and a cosy fire. Want to come back now please!!!

December 2016

A wonderful Sunday lunch - all it should be, in a relaxed and untarted-up - honest pub.

March 2017

First rate sandwiches, very good and friendly service.

April 2017

Back to the Sloop for burgers. Good portions, nicely presented. Great value. Always a good atmostphere and they are renovating the restaurant so should be even better.

April 2017

Obviously a decent 'local' with good beer, a reasonable menu (with a small choice for vegetarians) and obliging staff - once you can get to the bar past the rather loud, clustered regulars ... It was a shame that the only vegetarian starter was 'off' when we visited, but in retrospect we ate very well and would probably have regretted it anyway. The food we received was very good - no complaints at all.

April 2017

We have been going to the Sloop for many years and enjoyed the food. However, this year..on Easter Monday...having booked a table for 9 people at 6.30pm...we tried to order food and almost everything was sold out. This was extremely disappointing and rather spoilt our stay. We left and went to a nearby restaurant which wss very pleasant and had almost everything on the menu. We were told that the Sloop had been busier than usual and had been unable to get further supplies due to the holiday. This has been the same situation for the last 15 yrs we have been going there and we havent had this problem before. Very disappointing.

April 2017

Good menu and food though the pub is a bit tatty, however, they are doing a refurbishment in May so this might improve it.

May 2017

Lovely pub, the restaurant has been recently refurbished and has a lovely modern feel. Both the food and service were excellent.

June 2017

Lovely waitresses, good solid food, not so friendly bar staff

June 2017

The biggest fish and chips ever and lovely too really enjoyed our meal here

July 2017

Beautiful pub inside and out -clever blend of old and new decor and furnishings without being too rustic. Very welcoming and polite staff and great food. Car parking to rear. Best place on our Devon week. Will definitely return. Thank you.

September 2017

Excellent pub, lovely food, great atmosphere and very welcoming - even to our large noisy group - had a great evening here. Dogs welcomed too !

November 2017

Very friendly pub with good food, large dining room and tables outside in a neat little yard. Dog friendly. Grea location and would certainly go back

July 2018

We loved this pub, and they do a great takeaway too!

July 2018

Discovery Surf School
(Less than a mile)

Based at Bigbury-on-Sea and Challaborough Bay, Discovery Surf is a fun, friendly and professional environment where the team always have a smile and a word of encouragement to go with their expert tuition. Providing the opportunity to quite literally interact with South Devon’s primary asset - the environment - they offer lessons, courses and equipment hire, as well as Stand Up Paddleboarding and Kayaking.

Click here for further details

Enjoy £10 off any booking of 4 people or more with your Toad Hall Cottages Discount Card

(2)

Had a great lesson with Discovery Surf. Two hours on the Sedgewell side of Bigbury Beach. All equipment provided, the guys really knew their stuff and we were on our feet in no time. Such a buzz, definitely recommend trying it out if you've not surfed before or want to build up your confidence in the sea.

December 2016

Excellent lesson in tough conditions on a windy down a Bigbury, really clear instruction, great place to srat and get in to surfing

December 2016

Bigbury Golf Club
(2 miles)

A friendly cliff top golf course close to Kingsbridge, Bigbury Golf Club is a links course with spectacular views of the South Devon coast. It is an 18-hole course where you can play as an individual or as part of a group. It’s 6,035 yards for men, 5,544 for ladies and par is 70 and 73 respectively. There’s a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar, but remember that dress should be smart/casual at all times, and in the clubhouse they ask that you don’t wear golf shoes, hats, untailored shorts, general beach wear, collarless tee shirts and non-golf sportswear like tracksuits and rugby shirts. The club offers rates for groups of 6-14 and society golf days for numbers over 14. Green fees are seasonal and depend on the time of day that you’re visiting so keep an eye on the website for full details.

Click here for further details

Enjoy 25% off 18 holes with your Toad Hall Cottages Discount Card

(2)

Friendly and a lovely course, with great views. Tricky in any wind!

May 2017

Good course to play. Very hilly on the front 9. Don't forget the VIP card for the discount. You can book tee times on their website. Take plenty of balls if it's windy. ????

June 2017

Bantham Surfing Academy
(2 miles)

Operating from the car park at postcard perfect surfer’s paradise Bantham Beach, Bantham Surfing Academy is run by experienced SurfingGB qualified instructors who offer tuition and coaching for all levels, including beginners, as well as supervised surfing sessions and a Kids Club. In addition to surfing lessons, the team offer Stand Up Paddle Boarding lessons, hire and tours around Burgh Island and the River Avon, and lifeguard and surf instructor tuition and qualifications.

Click here for further details

Enjoy 10% off group surf lesson or SUP lesson for 4 people or more. Booking code ‘TOADHALLSURFER’

(2)

My granddaughter had expert tuition and was so thrilled to be able to stand on her board. She was well looked after (5yrs)

August 2017

Amazing!!!

July 2018

The Voyage Spa
(2 miles)

Indulge in a spot of pampering at The Voyage Spa in Thurlestone's iconic hotel. Having recently gone under a complete refurbishment, this beautiful spa combines luxurious modern facilities with a boutique touches to celebrate the regions nautical past. There are three beauty rooms offering a range of treatments as well as a pool, sauna, hydrotherapy pool, fitness studio, steam room and a laconium.

Click here to find out more.

Thurlestone Golf Club
(2 miles)

On the coast with spectacular views of the sea, Thurlestone Golf Club can be seen from the beach and is fortunate enough to be on a beautiful section of the South West Coast Path. The 18-hole course is a mix of links and cliff top terrain and aims to cater to all ages and abilities with a variety of tees. All visitors are welcome and will be pleased to know that there are two bars on site as well as a separate dining room. Green fees vary according to the season but start at £36 per person in the low season. As with most golf courses, there is a dress code so golf shoes must be worn and denim isn’t allowed, but a full list or restrictions are listed on their main website.

Bigbury on Sea
(Less than a mile)

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.

(10)

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

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

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

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

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

Spent a happy afternoon watching the sea.

May 2018

Perfect

June 2018

Wonderful beach and great view of Burgh Island and the marvellous hotel.

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

Fab, sand spit beach, covered at high tide, access to Burgh island. An absolute must.

July 2018

Bantham Beach
(Less than a mile)

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)

Fantastic sandy beach and so big. My dog loved running around and jumping into the water. Plenty of space for all.

April 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

Beautiful beach. Nightmare of a road (especially in high season) to get to it. Worth it though when you get there.

July 2017

Can get busy with surfers, but a beautiful place with a wide sandy beach. Lots of room for everyone.

April 2018

Best beach in the South Hams.

July 2018

Challaborough Bay
(Less than a mile)

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

Ayrmer Cove
(Less than a mile)

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!

(5)

Gorgeous beach for an evening swim and barbecue. So peaceful and beautiful

June 2017

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

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

Beautiful cove. Very quiet with lots of bird life.

June 2018

stunning little beach, very quiet and great for snorkelling

July 2018

Leas Foot Sands
(2 miles)

A small sandy beach belonging to Thurlestone Golf Club, those who have been on regular Devon weekend breaks and holidays will have seen this beach change somewhat in recent years thanks to storm damage, but the evolving landscape merely adds to its charm. A 200-metre walk down a paved path from the golf club and its car park and you find yourself heading down a gentle slope onto the sand, with the option of enjoying the beach in its own right or walking along the coast in either direction towards Bantham or South Milton Sands. Dogs are allowed here at any time, which of course adds to the appeal for walkers, and if you fancy stopping somewhere for lunch then Thurlestone village nearby is home to a charming pub that’s cryptically named The Village Inn, which is suitable for the whole family and wonderfully cosy in the winter months. Alternatively head to the Beachhouse café at South Milton for lunches and evenings meals with a view of the sunset, or cups of tea and brownies from the Gastrobus at Bantham. It is one of the area’s quieter beaches, often acting as a place to wander past rather than one to spend the whole day on, but given its easy access and the proximity of the car park, and the golf club, it’s a delightful little spot in which to while away the afternoon.

(2)