Hey Guys, South Devon is a wonderful place, depending on where you are staying there is such a variety of days out within a half hours drive which is perfect for a weekend away or a family holiday.
I stayed for a week with my family at the holiday park at Challabrough bay which doesn’t seem amazing on the surface but location wise – we had so much choice for amazing days out so I thought I’d share with you just a few of my highlights from the area.
Dartmoor national park is huge and if it’s your thing you could spend a whole week just exploring the beautiful Moors and tors for days. In one afternoon we only saw the tiniest part but it was so beautiful. I’m not sure if Datmoor ever gets blue skies and it somehow wouldn’t seem right if it wasn’t foggy. We parked near Burrator reservoir which was breathe taking than went for a big trek in the fog to the top of Sheeps tor which looks down on the reservoir. If like me that’s more than enough hiking for you drive over to Princetown which is home to the famous Dartmoor prison and the wonderful Dartmoor brewery for a pint of Jail Ale. Or if you’d rather a cream tea I recommend the Two bridges hotel.
The small market town of Buckfastleigh, situated on the edge of Dartmoor is worth a visit. Famous for Buckfast Abby is just stunning full of history surrounded by beautiful gardens and we always take home a bottle of the meadery Buckfast wine.
Dartmouth is a place I have visited time and time again since my childhood holidays. A beautiful harbour town full of endless views and cute shops. As a child, a highlight was getting the old fashion steam train from Paignton to Dartmouth. If there is one thing you must do is get some ice cream from Dartmouth Ice cream company.
Next, we have Hope Cove which is a new discovery for me. A beautiful beach town near Dartmouth and Salcombe it really took my by surprise how beautiful it was. There is three wonderful small beaches to chose from with just 3/4 amazing eateries. I could have spent days reading on that beach surrounded by paddleboarders and fishers. We got take out food and beers on the beach from The Cove.
Start Point light house was a hidden find for us on the drive home on evening through a village called Stokenham (near Kingsbridge) park up for a beautiful walk along the coast. The sea was so clear, with views across South Devon and we even spotted soem dolphins. In the day the lighthouse is open as a museum but it was still worth the walk.
The real highlight for me is Burgh Island. Burgh Island sits off Brigbury-on-sea and is famous for the historic Burgh Island hotel. The hotel has kept its Art decor interiors and many stars stayed there from The Beatles to Agatha Cristie who stayed here to write. Not sure if I’ll ever step foot in the hotel but what a day out none the less. The tide here is fascinating apparently the only in the world where two tides meet at high tide so the high tide sea is actually really shallow. But don’t fear if the tide is in you can take the iconic sea tractor across to the island. On the surface, there isn’t much on the island if you aren’t royalty visiting the hotel but enjoy a beautiful walk around the island. The views from the top are spectacular, take some binoculars or a zoom lens and you can clearly see across to the likes of Hope Cove with 360-degree views it’s so much to take in. Then make sure you visit The Pilchard inn which is a very old fashioned sailors pub for a pint.
Where we stayed at Challagbrough bay it’s a five-minute walk along the coast path until you can see across to Burgh Island which is amazing.
I am already planning my next trip to South Devon and have so many restaurants on my list to try in the area.
Love Charlotte xxx