8 unforgettable things to do in Kingsbridge

Nestled on the banks of an estuary and surrounded by rolling green fields, the charming market town of Kingsbridge is not only one of the most picturesque destinations in the South Hams, but in all of Devon. 

Where natural beauty and coastal charm combine; this delightful town is a hub for its rural community of quiet parishes and seaside villages. So, if you’re looking for things to do in Kingsbridge, be prepared to be utterly spoiled by the region’s popular attractions, glorious beaches and plenty more. 

To get the most out of your Kingsbridge getaway, why not book a few nights in one of our cottages nearby? With properties for solo travellers, couples, and large groups of friends and family, our collection is sure to have something for you!

Cottages in Kingsbridge

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Paddle the Kingsbridge Estuary

Meandering for 5 miles through Devon’s rich countryside before reaching Kingsbridge, the Kingsbridge Estuary is the jewel in the town’s nautical crown. This glistening natural feature offers an ever-changing landscape of mudflats, sandbanks and salt marshes, and there’s only one way to see it in all its glory – bobbing along the water on a paddleboard. 

If this sounds like your cup of tea, then you’ll be happy to hear that Waterborn SUP is ready and waiting on the estuary’s banks. Offering one of the most peaceful things to do in Kingsbridge, this paddleboarding activity centre offers private and group lessons, local tours, paddleboard yoga classes, and equipment hire.

If you’re new to the water sport, then book a one-hour session to learn the basics. To see the best of the area, join one of Waterborn’s well-reviewed half-day or full-day tours, or to grab a board and head for the water yourself, the team offer board hire from one hour up to a whole day.

Kingsbridge Cinema

If you’re looking for things to do in Kingsbridge on a rainy day, then the town’s town hall-turned-cinema awaits your visit. Set in the heart of Kingsbridge just metres from the water, Kings Cinema boasts three screens and a busy calendar of varying films and special events. 

One of the best things to do in Kingsbridge as a couple or with the family; Kingsbridge Cinema not only offers films ranging from arthouse indies to Hollywood blockbusters, but also a great choice of exclusive events and performances across the year. 

Make sure to check the cinema's website ahead of your visit to plan your getaway around any upcoming films and shows, and don’t forget to check for the special offers that might save you a little money to spend on popcorn and ice cream instead!

South Devon Chilli Farm

The popularity of chilli peppers and spicy food has rocketed in a modern world of online chefs and foodie fans. This growing trend of Scoville scales and heat challenges didn’t shy away from Devon, in fact it boomed, thanks to the South Devon Chilli Farm Kingsbridge. 

Based in the South Hams, this fast-growing local producer is well-known across Devon and is no stranger to the many food and farmers' markets around the county. Beyond browsing the farm's online shop, chilli connoisseurs are now invited to visit the farm itself to get hands-on with the plants and walk the display tunnels for some spicy inspiration. 

After an adventure around the farm and plant nursery, visitors will love the on-site shop where all things chilli chocolate, preserves, sauces, seeds and more await. If you don’t buy a chilli to chop that night, then splash out on a growing kit to try it for yourself. Who knows… you might just open your own farm in years to come!

Explore seaside villages

If you’ve completed your list of things to do in Kingsbridge and fancy a day of coastal charm, then you’ll be happy to learn that the market town is surrounded by Devon’s coastline – home to seemingly endless seaside towns and villages. 

Just 8 miles away on the vast waters of Start Bay lies the fishing village of Beesands; a quaint, coastal settlement that attracts walkers and lovers of the outdoors thanks to its enormous beach, freshwater lake and various coast path walking routes. After beach and clifftop hikes, explore the scenic chapel on the sand’s edge and stop for a pint and bite to eat in the historic Cricket Inn. 

Slightly closer to Kingsbridge, the tranquil village of Hope Cove invites all lovers of quiet days by the sea, beautiful scenery and olde English charm. Here, enjoy a choice of two delightful beaches, both backed by sloping hills dotted with historic fishing cottages and up-and-coming eateries serving delights from the fields and waters around. 

Set in a National Landscape, the coastal village of Torcross is a magnet for beach-goers, history lovers and walkers alike. Perched at the end of the incredible Slapton Sands, this quiet corner of Devon played a lesser-known but vital role in WWII, made evident by the Sherman tank that still stands in Torcross today.

Discover nearby beaches

Kingsbridge is perfectly positioned for lovers of both the countryside and coast, with the market town set less than 5 miles from some of Devon’s best beaches. Just a 15-minute drive away are the golden sands of Bantham Beach – one of the UK’s best surf spots. Overlooking Burgh Island and backed by sand dunes and gastropubs galore, this is a fantastic destination for families.

Visiting the award-winning beach at Bigbury is one of the best things to do in Kingsbridge thanks to the incredible scenery on offer. Not only do the golden sands present the chance for a traditional beach day under the sun, but visitors here get a first-class view of the famous Burgh Island, and can even visit Agatha Christie’s former writer’s retreat via the memorable Burgh Island Sea Tractor.

Otherwise known as Thurlestone Beach, South Milton Sands is not just vast and pretty, but exposed, meaning this is the place to be if you love water sports. Beyond the sand and activities here, walkers and nature lovers are spoiled with various coastal path trails, nature reserves and scenic picnic spots where they can easily while away an afternoon.

Walks around Kingsbridge

If you’re looking for things to do in Kingsbridge that are free and celebrate the region’s natural beauty, then look no further than the town’s wealth of spectacular walking trails. From short strolls around the town to all-day hikes that traverse the surrounding hills and villages, hikers and cyclists alike are truly spoiled. 

For an easy route that showcases the very best of Kingsbridge, follow the Kingsbridge Town Trail. This 2-mile circular route should take less than an hour to complete and leads walkers past the town’s most historic buildings and along the banks of the Kingsbridge Estuary. 

For a slightly more challenging trail, follow the Kingsbridge and Bowcombe Creek route that starts in the town before heading for the surrounding hills that offer splendid views of Kingsbridge and its waters. Quiet and undulating, this 2.5-mile walk is a great choice for lovers of local wildlife and scenic picnic spots. 

The Kingsbridge to Frogmore circular trail is one for fitter, more experienced walkers. This 7.5-mile walk should take between three to four hours to complete, but in return promises great bird-spotting opportunities and even better views of Kingsbridge and the surrounding waters and fields.

Eating out in Kingsbridge

To match Kingsbridge’s allure is the market town’s eclectic choice of restaurants, cafes and pubs that offer some of the best places to eat in Devon. After days spent exploring the region, these welcoming eateries offer the perfect evening of local fare and West Country charm.

For local restaurants serving dishes to remember, head to the popular Dream Turkish Kitchen, or for more foreign flavours, Maha Bharat awaits. If you fancy taking away and eating by the water, head to family-friendly Pizza Planet or The Cod Father, not forgetting to stop by Scoops Ice Cream Parlour for dessert.

If you’re hankering for a fresh pint and a bite to eat at a local pub, then you’ll love Kingsbridge’s offering of inns that combine tradition with coastal quirkiness. The Crabshell Inn epitomises this with its funky interior and delicious menu, as does Creeks End Inn and The Seven Stars.

Shopping in Kingsbridge

If you’re looking for things to do in Kingsbridge that celebrate the market town’s heritage and local producers, then enjoy a morning or afternoon of mooching through the high street’s independent stores, boutiques and charity shops.

Amongst the various Kingsbridge shops, you’ll find quiet antique stores like Mark Davis Antiques and Kingsbridge Antiques Centre where you may find a historic, local memento to take home. Or for galleries that shine a light on local artists and sculptors, visit Mayne Gallery, Carmen and Rafaele Home and Interiors, or Velarde Gallery.

Standing out from the many Kingsbridge shops is the popular Kingsbridge Craft Market that runs every year in May. Promoting local, talented makers and producers, this outdoor market offers visitors a front-row seat of Kingsbridge’s growing arts and crafts scene.

Map of things to do in Kingsbridge

To help guide you through our favourite things to do in Kingsbridge, explore our map below.

Holiday cottages in Kingsbridge

With so many things to do in Kingsbridge for solo explorers, couples, families, and groups of friends, one day might not be enough to see it all! Get the most out of your visit by extending your Kingsbridge getaway with a stay in one of our holiday cottages nearby.

Cottages in Kingsbridge