Hidden along the banks of the River Yealm in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the quaint village of Noss Mayo offers a peaceful escape from the hustle of everyday life. Although not as famous as nearby destinations like the coastal town of Salcombe or Bigbury-on-Sea, this lesser-known retreat awaits with its charm and maritime allure.
Just a 10-mile drive from the Ocean City of Plymouth, Noss Mayo is a haven for lovers of the outdoors thanks to its picturesque surroundings of rolling green hills and turquoise waters. With the South West Coast Path nearby, walkers are utterly spoiled with the wealth of scenic trails and hidden coves all around. And thanks to the village’s cobblestone streets and traditional pubs, visitors have a rich local history waiting to be discovered.
If you’re planning a visit, then our guide to Noss Mayo features the most popular pubs in Noss Mayo, Noss Mayo walks, the best Noss Mayo beaches and plenty more. To extend your stay and get the most from your trip, why not spend the night in a local cottage? Hit the button below to explore our collection of properties nearby.
Holiday cottages in Noss Mayo
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History of Noss Mayo
Despite the village’s tiny size, its history is rich and dates back to the medieval era when it was once a busy maritime hub thanks to its position on the River Yealm. With evidence of shipbuilding still on show and tales of smuggling in nearby coves, Noss Mayo is timeless and hides plenty of secrets.
Its name derives from King Edward I, who in 1287, gifted the nearby Manor of Stoke to Matthew Fitzjohn. The manor became known as ‘Nesse Matheu’ (Matthew’s Nose) and was later translated to Noss Mayo. Developing into a scattered collection of cellars and shacks that housed fishing boats and supplies, the temporary structures evolved into a network of cottages that stand to this day.
With the local churches of St Peter, and Chapel of Ease (now the village hall) dating back to the 13th century, evidence of Noss Mayo’s religious history can still be visited today. But where the village’s most notorious history lies, is within its tales of smuggling. Thanks to its easy coastal access and the winding creeks of the River Yealm, smugglers descended on Noss Mayo bringing luxuries and goods from afar.
Pubs in Noss Mayo
Noss Mayo’s history no doubt extends to the local pubs dotted around the village. With evidence of the past adorned on their stone walls, the welcoming pubs in Noss Mayo offer local food and drink that deserving walkers and visitors can enjoy.
Photo credit: The Ship Inn, Noss Mayo
The Ship Inn
The Ship Noss Mayo sits in the heart of the village, right on the banks of the River Yealm. With its old structure of stone walls and wooden beams, you can sip on local ales with the knowledge that you are one of many to have enjoyed this charming pub over the years.
Through the colder months, retreat to the cosy corners and hidden nooks of its interior to enjoy seasonal food and drink next to the crackling fire. Through the warmer months (or colder if you’re brave enough), head to the fabulous beer garden that sits above the water.
If you’re hungry, then make the most of the pub’s seasonal menus that celebrate local fishermen and farmers. The menu at The Ship Noss Mayo offers a wide choice of starters, while the main courses feature day boat-caught fish such as hake and trout, and the pub classics of fish and chips, and a house burger.
The Swan Inn
On the other side of Noss Creek sits The Swan Inn, a family-run, waterside pub with excellent food and drink on offer. Its welcoming and cosy interior is a haven for walkers and village visitors, who can relax in the traditional pub surroundings. In the high season, step out to their external dining space which offers stunning views of the waters beneath and the sister village of Newton Ferras.
The smaller, but tasty food menu boasts produce from all around Devon. With seafood delights supplied from the Plymouth fish market, and meat supplied by the very best butchers in South Devon, diners at The Swan in Noss Mayo are spoiled for choice when it comes to delicious meals. Popular dishes include traditional fish and chips, homemade pizzas, and seafood bruschetta.
To make your visit to Noss Mayo that bit more special, why not extend your stay, and burn off your pub lunch on a walk back to our charming former coach house nearby? Just a mile away from this Noss Mayo pub, Olive Court Coach House is ready to host a family of four and their travelling pup.
The Dolphin Inn
When it comes to Noss Mayo pubs, the small village only boasts two inns, which is why we’ve featured The Dolphin Inn, which sits across the water in neighbouring Newton Ferres. Accessed by a 1-mile walk around the water’s edge, or a regular water taxi that crosses the river, The Dolphin offers a charming atmosphere and lovely views of Noss Mayo.
Featured in The Telegraph and Devon Life, this traditional village pub is one of the oldest in the area and offers award-winning food both inside and out. Enjoy the warming surroundings of the interior on cold days, with a welcoming fireplace and cosy corners awaiting, or sit out and bask in the sun from their delightful terrace that looks over the water.
Using locally sourced ingredients, the food menu at this pub offers a choice of traditional dishes, seafood delights, and vegetarian and gluten-free options. Popular starters include the soup of the day, steamed mussels and smoked mackerel, while the main courses feature pan-fried bream fillet, battered cod and chips, and homemade pies.
Noss Mayo walks
Next up in our guide to Noss Mayo is the village’s wealth of scenic walks, with options for all abilities. Like every other seaside destination in the area, Noss Mayo sits right next to the famous South West Coast Path – the UK’s longest walking trail. Thanks to the winding routes that lead walkers to hidden coves and coastal towns, with panoramic views to be enjoyed along the way, the coastal path is a haven for hikers. Whether you’re walking as a couple, with little ones in tow, or as a group, there’s one obvious attraction to head to, and that’s the SWCP.
Noss Mayo to Church of St Peter
For a dramatic 5-mile walk along the cliffs from Noss Mayo, follow Passage Road for just over half a mile to find the coast path. From here, head east where you’ll pass an impressive number of 12 hidden coves to eventually uncover Church Cove and its historic Church of St Peter the Poor Fisherman. With stunning views and local wildlife on offer, make sure to pack your binoculars to make the most of this wonderful walk.
Noss Mayo and Revelstoke Drive loop
When it comes to a Noss Mayo walk, this 4.5-mile circular trail is sure to wow walkers with its spectacular views. Leading out from the village centre and along the coast path to Warren, then through the countryside and back to Noss Mayo, this route offers a memorable adventure. With coastal delights and countryside charm on offer, it really boasts the best of both worlds. The circular trail should take around 2.5 hours to complete and is classed as a moderate walk.
Noss Mayo and Gara Point loop
As an extended version of the Revelstoke loop above, this 6-mile walk requires a bit more fitness due to the steeper stretches and uneven surfaces of the coast path. Starting from Noss Mayo, follow Middlecombe Lane out into the countryside, and head towards Netton before dropping down and joining the South West Coast Path. From here, follow the cliffs past numerous hidden coves such as Bloody Cove and Saddle Cove, before looping back round to Noss Mayo.
On your return to the village, what better way to reward yourselves than with a night’s sleep in our gorgeous riverside property, Ferrers View? Just a mile and a half away from the village centre, this airy cottage welcomes up to six guests and the dog, promising a delightful stay.
Noss Mayo beaches
Tucked away down a side creek of the River Yealm, the village doesn’t offer as many expansive and sandy beaches as one might expect from Devon. However, if you’re on the hunt for a Noss Mayo beach, that’s not to say that there aren’t hidden gems nearby that offer fabulous views and great fishing spots. Although smaller than other popular beaches in the area, these secluded spots are off the beaten track and are certain to avoid the crowds.
Old Cellars Beach
Set half a mile away from the village along the banks of the River Yealm, Old Cellars Beach really is a hidden spot – a typical Noss Mayo beach. Accessed from Passage Road that leads out of the village, Old Cellars isn’t the easiest beach to find thanks to the small, wooded area that must be traversed to reach its shores – in fact, it’s easier to reach by boat! But if you persevere, you’ll stumble across a dog-friendly beach that offers great fishing opportunities and a pleasant break during a coastal walk.
Cellar Beach
Walk a mile further down the river from Old Cellars, and you’ll find the small and tranquil shoreline of Cellar Beach. A mixture of pebble and sand, this wonderful spot is often surrounded by sailing boats and paddleboarders all enjoying its calm waters and stunning surroundings. Although a steep path leads down to the beach, it’s easier to access than Old Cellars, and makes for a memorable day by the water. If you’ve got a dog in tow, then you’ll be happy to hear that they’re welcome on this beach all year round.
Mothecombe Beach
Slightly further afield are the golden sands of Mothecombe Beach, a wonderful stretch of sand perfect for a day of sunbathing, beach games and a spot of rock pooling at one end. Just under 5 miles along the coast from Noss Mayo, Mothecombe Beach offers a car park and facilities before a short walk down to its shoreline. As one of the few beaches in the area that doesn’t allow dogs through the year, this is another lesser-known and tranquil spot to enjoy with friends and family.
Noss Mayo parking
If you’re on the hunt for Noss Mayo parking, then you’ll be pleased to hear that the two car parks in the village are free to use, although one comes with a twist… that being Noss Mayo Tidal Car Park. Found in the heart of the village, the bottom end of this car park, as its name suggests, is subject to high tide. When the tide is out, there’s plenty of room to park which gives easy access to the village. But at high tide, one end of the car park is submerged by the river, and it’s not unknown to see unsuspecting cars fall victim to the waters – so check the tide times ahead of your visit!
The second free car park is at no risk from rising tides and is found less than 200 metres from the village centre. Tennis Court Car Park offers space for around 20 cars and is just a short stroll down Foundry Lane from the heart of Noss Mayo. If you arrive to find that both car parks are full, then try your luck and you might just find a spot of street parking in and around the village.
If you fancy a scenic stroll from your car to Noss Mayo, then park in the National Trust Warren Car Park. Although a mile and a half away from the village, the walk back to the car is a great way to burn off your pub lunch, and offers rewarding countryside views along the way.
Map of Noss Mayo
To help visualise our guide to Noss Mayo, we’ve pinpointed all the Noss Mayo pubs, Noss Mayo beaches and Noss Mayo parking featured in this blog.
Holiday cottages in Noss Mayo
Now that you’ve read our guide to Noss Mayo and you’re armed with the best pubs, Noss Mayo walks, beaches and more, why not extend your stay in this gorgeous coastal village? With a range of contemporary and airy cottages available, you’re sure to find a property to help you relax and embrace your Devon getaway. Hit the button below to explore our range of self-catering holiday cottages in Noss Mayo.
Holiday cottages in Noss Mayo