Local Towns in the South Hams

An attractive market town full of interesting independent shops, galleries, pubs, restaurants and much more. Recently crowned Gold winner in the national finals of Britain in Bloom there is much to discover on foot and by e-bike.

Discover more about this bustling town at the head of the estuary by following the links below. The Tourist Information Centre is probably the best place to start but here are a few other pointers:-

Cycling

Kingsbridge is a hub for most cycle routes and from here you can reach all of the region’s other towns and villages within 18 miles. Our favourite route is a circular tour of the estuary crossing by ferry at Salcombe linking up with part of the National Cycle Network route 28. In the showroom we have a stock of OS maps available to purchase so you can plan your own adventure.

Pubs and Restaurants

You can’t visit Kingsbridge without stopping at the Crabshell Inn on Embankment Road. Here you’ll find some of the best local beers and delicious food all within one of the most beautiful waterside settings in the area.

Lying at the mouth of the Kingsbridge Estuary and benefitting from a naturally formed harbour this is a beautiful, historic town iconic within the sailing community.

Discover more about this popular sailing centre by following the links below. The Tourist Information Centre is again probably the best place to start. Don’t miss the Regatta during August this year.

Visit the Salcombe Information Website

Cycling

Salcombe lies on the National Cycle Network route 28 and by following this route either East or West you can easily reach a number of beaches, small towns, villages and other areas of interest to explore. East Prawle and Gara Rock are two places worth checking out and can be reached on a leisurely ride. There is a 12 mile circular cycle route from East Prawle which is worth following and can be viewed here. Ensure you keep your battery topped-up though as some of the hills around here are quite challenging!

Pubs and Restaurants

The Ferry Inn just off the Fore Street is a perfect spot to take in all the activity on the estuary and they do a good lunch too! This is also the place where the foot ferry takes you over the water to East Portlemouth. Bikes can be taken aboard for an extra 60p per crossing. Bear in mind there are some steps here and its easier going down them with a bike than up!

Home of the historic Royal Naval College and with a long and rich connection to the sea, the town sits on the West bank of the River Dart. A popular tourist destination, there is much to see and do in this charming town including a working steam railway, some fantastic restaurants and many unique shops.

You can find out what is happening and when through the following link to the tourist information centre. Look out for the food and music festivals which are well worth a visit.

Cycling

Head west from the town and follow the coast road to Kingsbridge which offers some of the most stunning scenery in the entire South West. This 16 mile route to Kingsbridge takes in the Slapton Line which is a 2 mile long beach used to practice D-Day landings during the war.

By taking a ferry across the River Dart you can access a whole new region, The English Riviera taking in the towns of Brixham, Paignton and Torquay along the way.

Pubs and Restaurants

Rockfish is a local chain of restaurants started in Dartmouth by celebrity chef, Mitch Tonks and famous for its seafood. There are plenty of other pubs and places to eat to suit all ages and tastes but if it’s breakfast/brunch you’re after don’t miss out on Café Alf Resco in Lower Street.

Totnes is a historic market town dating back to 907AD and boasts a large number of listed buildings and an impressive motte-and-bailey Norman Castle. Set at the head of the River Dart it is known as a transition town promoting sustainable living and even has its own currency, the Totnes pound. With many independent shops, a great market and totally unique cinema it is well worth a visit.

Click here to learn more about what’s happening in this fascinating town.

Cycling

Totnes has a good dedicated mostly traffic-free trail which runs from the town to Dartington in the North and down to Ashprington, south of Totnes. A PDF copy of this trail is available here or pick-up a hard copy in our hire centre.

Pubs and Restaurants

Home to many cafes and restaurants and, with a particularly good variety of food outlets selling vegan and vegetarian food, you will not go hungry in Totnes whatever your preference.

Standout places we have tried include Seeds2 restaurant in the High Street for vegetarian food and Rumour wine bar, also in the High Street selling a wide variety of dishes.

Modbury is officially a large village, rather than a small town and gained some recent notoriety when it became the first area in the UK to ban plastic bags from its shops. Built around the main road between Kingsbridge and Plymouth, Modbury has a collection of interesting shops, pubs and a modern gallery.

Click here to learn more about the history, shops and accommodation in this large village.

Cycling

There are no specific trails in Modbury but from here you can easily reach a number of beautiful unspoilt beaches and countryside from a network of small, low traffic roads. Only 11 miles away is the wonderful Plym Valley Trail which offers ten miles of traffic-free trails leading out of Plymouth and on to the western edge of Dartmoor. The trail joins up with the Devon Coast to Coast route taking you all the way to Ilfracombe in North Devon if you have 99 miles in your legs!

Pubs and Restaurants

Unusually for a village, Modbury boasts an impressive three pubs and a winebar so plenty of choice for food and drinks along with a number of coffee and light lunch outlets.