Our South Hams guide

Beaches, Days out, Destinations

Posted by Kate W on 12th December 2023

Bantham Beach from the air

The South Hams in Devon is an enchanting place for a holiday, but it's often overlooked, as it's set right down the very bottom of the county, between the bustling port city of Plymouth and the picturesque English Riviera.

From the stunning South Hams beaches that line the coast to the local attractions dotted throughout the towns and villages, we're about to dive into all the very best that the region has to offer visitors.

Read our guide to the South Hams for some holiday inspiration, or click the button below to begin browsing our South Hams cottage retreats.

South Hams cottages


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Old cottages by the water in Salcombe in the South Hams

About the South Hams

The South Hams is a stunning region made up of beautiful countryside and coast, and it encompasses sections of both Dartmoor National Park and the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Wonderful attractions to plan into your holiday itinerary include Cadover Bridge, Bolt Tail and iconic Thurlestone Rock. Dartmouth Castle, cared for by English Heritage, looks like it belongs in a fairy tale and has plenty to do for young and old alike. Agatha Christie also has close links with South Hams as she was born and spent much of her life living in the English Riviera, and was greatly inspired by the South Devon landscape.


Start Point lighthouse at sunrise

South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was first designated in 1960, and today is one of 46 protected regions across the UK, with impressive scenery, coastal towns and villages, and golden beaches. Get to know the best things to do and places to go our our guide to beautiful South Devon

This AONB borders Dartmoor National Park in the north and has miles of coastline to the south, so there's no shortage of excellent landscape to uncover, no matter which direction you turn. It boasts a host of delightful Devon attractions, natural wonders and conservation sites throughout the region too. Your adventures don't have to end in scenic South Devon either, North Devon is home to a biosphere reserve, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Exmoor National Park and was the UK's first Surfing Reserve. Find out more about the entire enchanting county in our Discover Devon guide

South Devon cottages


Stoke Gabriel village view from above

The towns and villages

Between the rolling hills and natural vistas of the South Hams, you'll find fantastic, historic towns and villages, many of which date back to Anglo-Saxon times.

Vibrant Totnes, Dartmouth and the market town of Kingsbridge are popular, picture-postcard towns that everyone's heard of, boasting boutique shops, charming attractions and local pubs. But, for a local's insight into the region, we've picked out a few lesser-known gems that we think you need to read about, including a stylish coastal town, an ancient Anglo-Saxon lookout, and a village filled with history.


Pretty lookout across Salcombe and Kingsbridge Estuary and sailing boats on the estuary

Salcombe

On the Kingsbridge Estuary, Salcombe is a lovely coastal town, perfect for a break in South Devon. This town boasts independent shops, art galleries and a fascinating history that revolves around the maritime trade on the estuary.

Sit in the harbour and watch the sailing boats bobbing to and fro in the estuary during a trip to this charming town, or head down to Salcombe's beaches – North Sands or South Sands – for a day of family fun by the sea. There are also plenty of lovely places to eat out in Salcombe so you can recharge and refuel as you get to know this town. 

Salcombe cottages


Start Bay near East Prawle

East Prawle

On the southernmost point of the South Hams sits Prawle Point, a magical outcrop of rock that's a lovely place for a stroll along the South West Coast Path. Prawle derives from an Anglo-Saxon word that means 'lookout hill', the perfect name for this scenic viewpoint.

Prawle Point is the gem in the crown of the remote and peaceful village of East Prawle, where a local pub awaits to fuel you after your seaside walk. A landscape of deep, rolling hills and wooded valleys, with the sea as a backdrop; on a trip to East Prawle and Prawle Point, you'll feel as though you've escaped to the edge of the world.


Sailing boats in a harbour and drone view over Stoke Gabriel

Stoke Gabriel

Often referred to as a quintessential English village, Stoke Gabriel is one of the prettiest villages in Devon and is a must-visit during your South Hams holiday. It sits on one of the creeks of the River Dart, yet is within a couple of miles of the towns and attractions of the English Riviera.

This quiet destination is perhaps most famous for its mill pond and crab fishing – great for families – and has a couple of places to eat out too. Enjoy riverside and woodland walks, or venture to local beaches during a holiday in Stoke Gabriel.

Stoke Gabriel cottages


Blackpool Sands near Stoke Fleming

Stoke Fleming

Stoke Fleming lies on Devon's south coast, just 100 metres from the South Hams beaches lining Start Bay and a couple of miles from popular Dartmouth and the estuary of the River Dart. It's a delightful coastal village with its own individual atmosphere, with a cafe and shop providing the ideal spot for a coffee between coastal adventures.

This settlement is surrounded by wonderful places to explore, with Little Dartmouth Nature Reserve found just east of the village, and the shingle bay of Blackpool Sands to the west.

Stoke Fleming cottages


A misty morning at Shaugh Prior and view of Shaugh Bridge

Shaugh Prior

Visitors venture to the cosy little village of Shaugh Prior in the Plym Valley for the start of the walking trail through ancient oak woods and granite crags that leads all the way to picturesque Shaugh Bridge.

You'll be amazed at the history that is hidden here; on a visit, you'll discover the remains of a 19th-century iron mine, quarry tramway, and brick kiln. Wigford Down rises above the location where the rivers Plym and Meavy join, and up here, you'll find prehistoric stone structures including a prehistoric fort and hut circles.

Dartmoor cottages


Photo of a burger and chips on a board

Food and drink

South Devon and the South Hams have a reputation for great local produce that you can tuck into, produce that is showcased in a range of quality establishments all over the region so we've done our best to round up a few of the top pubs and restaurants in the South Hams. Try the catch of the day in a seaside eatery in a coastal town, or chow down on a Sunday roast in a village country pub in the South Hams, there's no shortage of excellent places to eat and drink.


Two glasses of beer on a table and hops

South Hams Brewery

If you're one for top-quality beer, the South Hams Brewery and Taphouse in Stokesley is the place to go. For over 17 years, the South Hams Brewery has been producing award-winning craft ale and over the years, has expanded into Devon cider and soft drinks too. The Taphouse is an industrial-style, contemporary venue that hosts live music nights, and there's a garden centre and farm shop just next door if you'd like to pick up local produce to take back to your cottage.


Burgh Island drone view and close up of Pilchard Inn

Pilchard Inn

The Pilchard Inn is a must-visit primarily for its fantastic location – it's on the shores of stunning Burgh Island! This historic pub dates all the way back to 1336 and has a wood-beamed interior and stone-flagged floors, offering a cosy space to relax after crossing the causeway. Enjoy a warm Devon welcome and a pint while overlooking the sea at this lovely pub.


View across the water of The Seahorse Resturant

The Seahorse Restaurant

For something special, why not head to the Michelin-starred Seahorse Restaurant? Set in the stunning coastal town of Dartmouth, right beside the River Dart, this is one of the best fine-dining restaurants in the South Hams and a real draw if you've got a special celebration coming up. Their menu consists of a mix of Italian-inspired and seafood dishes and they have an impressive wine menu you can browse too.


Fish and chips and drone view of Start Bay

Start Bay Inn

A more relaxed, dog-friendly pub on the South Devon coast, Start Bay Inn offers hearty lunches in an easy-going environment. It's great for children and walkers and is right next to Slapton Sands in Torcross. It dates back to the 14th century and today, the pub specialises in seafood, so you can sit on their seafront patio and enjoy their catch-of-the-day dish.


View across Bantham Beach to Burgh Island

The beaches

There are so many fantastic beaches all around the South Hams that it's tricky to decide which ones to include in our round-up! We finally chose two big family South Hams beaches and two smaller, more chilled-out places for a peaceful seaside trip. A couple of other places that deserve a mention include the wide sandy shores belonging to the fishing village of Beesands, and the shingle spit that is Slapton Sands. Or for more seaside adventures, take a look at our Devon beach guide


Bantham Beach view from above

Bantham Beach

One of South Devon's most popular beaches, Bantham nestles at the mouth of the River Avon and is a large, sandy beach, perfect for water sports and traditional seaside exploits. It has parking, a summer kiosk and a village store selling a range of lovely local products.

Bantham cottages


Sea tractor at Bigbury Beach and person with dog on beach

Bigbury Beach

Bigbury Beach is a fantastic, family-friendly, South Hams beach with a large expanse of sand and the fantastic Burgh Island Sea Tractor that can carry you across to Burgh Island at high tide; this island is an iconic South Devon landmark. It's dotted with rock pools, so youngsters can peer in and discover all manner of creatures washed up from the deep. At low tide, you can walk across to beautiful Burgh Island too.

Bigbury-on-Sea cottages


View across the river to East Portlemouth

East Portlemouth

East Portlemouth is one of South Devon's quieter beach locations; set on the Kingsbridge Estuary opposite Salcombe, it offers a laidback place for a morning beside the sea. It's made up of a series of smaller beaches and coves with a calm and relaxed vibe and is a lovely place for a swim, walk or picnic with sea views.

East Portlemouth cottages


South Milton Sands and view of Hope Cove

South Milton Sands

South Milton Sands is a perfectly located sand and shingle beach, with a fantastic choice of other beauty spots all around so you can enjoy a full day exploring this section of South Hams coastline. A wide, sandy beach cared for by the National Trust, South Milton Sands boasts rock pools, dunes, wetlands, a cafe and the iconic Thurslone Rock archway. A couple of miles south, you can also visit Hope Cove and Bolt Tail headland.

Kingsbridge cottages


Coast Path sign between Prawle Point and Start Point

South West Coast Path

See the coastline from a different perspective with an adventure along the remarkable South West Coast Path. It loops around the entire Devon and Cornwall coast, starting in Minehead in Somerset and ending up in Poole, Dorset.

Some keen walkers attempt the entire coast path, but there are many wonderful easy-access sections in the South Hams that you could follow for a peaceful morning or afternoon stroll with impressive sea views.


View of Bolt Tail headland and part of Hope Cove

Hope Cove, Bolt Tail and Bolberry Down Circular

Follow this wonderful Hope Cove, Bolt Tail and Bolberry Down Circular Walk that stretches for nearly 5 miles and take in some of the South Hams' most beautiful places on the coast. We've already mentioned Hope Cove and Bolt Tail headland in this guide as they are both true gems set along the South Devon coastline, and this moderate walk is the perfect way to discover them both. Stretch your legs along the sandy shores of Hope Cove and around Bolt Tail, where you can spot the remains of an Iron Age hillfort.

You'll pass through the enchanting coastal grasslands of Bolberry Down too, which is cared for by the National Trust and is rich in wildlife due to their conservation efforts. Look out for plants such as thrift and yarrow, and birds like skylarks, meadow pipits and rare Dartford warblers. Check out our guide to more National Trust places to visit in Devon for more inspiration for your holiday. 

Length: 4.8 miles 

Difficulty: Moderate

Hope Cove cottages


A rocky section of Bantham Beach and the iconic Thurlestone Rock

Thurlestone to Bantham Circular

Beginning at Bantham Beach Car Park, this is a fairly moderate section of coast path that takes you past ancient grounds known to have once been home to Saxons and smugglers. On this Bantham to Thurlestone Circular Walk, there are stiles along the way so be prepared to climb over them, and there's a scattering of quiet beaches and coves you'll see along the way too, including Broad Sands, Yarmouth Sands and Leasfoot Sands. 

You'll also find a pub and church on this route so you can take the opportunity to grab some refreshments or step inside the church for a peaceful moment. During the summer, you are sure to meet other holidaymakers, but during the cooler months, it's a quiet route and you'll have stretches of it all to yourself. 

Length: 3.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate 

Thurlestone cottages


Beesands Beach view from a clifftop

Beesands and Hallsands

Hallsands' cliffs are home to a breeding colony of kittiwakes which are a sight to see, while the glittering shores of Beesands will be your backdrop for most of the journey on this Beesands and Hallsands Walk.

But perhaps the most interesting place you'll pass on this scenic South Hams walk is the lost village of Hallsands. In 1897, dredging began on the coast by Hallsands and large quantities of shingle and sand were removed to build the Royal Navy dockyard at Keyham, Plymouth. Coastal erosion sped up after this work took place as the village's natural coastal defences were gone and, although the licence to dredge was revoked in 1902, the village was finally lost to the sea in 1917. 

Length: 3.75 miles

Difficulty: Moderate 

Beesands cottages


South Hams map

Start planning your holiday by checking out our map of the places we've mentioned.

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Visit the South Hams, Devon

Plan your break to this magnificent Devon holiday destination, boasting towns and villages with a fascinating history, golden beaches perfect for families, and magical wildlife-rich beauty spots.

We have a wide range of accommodation for you to discover, from hot tub retreats to stylish coastal lodges, so click the button and get inspired today or head over to view our full Devon cottages collection.

South Hams cottages

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.