South Hams - South DevonThe South Hams is a relatively unknown part of Devon that has remained one of the quietest parts of the South Devon coast. Yet it is fabulous walking country, with a string of beautiful beaches all sporting top awards. If you are looking for quiet beaches & coves, hidden haunts and romantic isolation, then look no further.
Much of the coast is owned by the National Trust and is sprinkled with small rivers and estuaries, many with a maze of tidal inlets fed by small streams. Beaches that must be visited include the beautiful Blackpool Sands beach, near Dartmouth and Bigbury-on-Sea with its famous sea-tractor over the causeway to Burgh Island and Agatha Christie connections (Evil under the Sun was written while she stayed at the hotel and was based on the island).
If surfing is more your style, then go to Bantham beach, just across the river from Bigbury, which is the best surfing beach in South Devon.Just a bit further west along the coast and you will have views across the Plymouth Sound. With the Naval dockyards based here, your view across the Sound will inevitably be enlivened by warships at anchor or on the move, with the huge breakwater on the horizon.
If you want a bit more civilisation, then there are the nearby towns of Kingsbridge, Dartmouth and Salcombe to explore. Kingsbridge is at the head of the estuary and is generally thought of as the capital of the South Hams. It is a lovely town with many interesting shops, pubs, cafes and even a cinema!
Dartmouth is made up of a mesh of narrow lanes, stairways and corridors, with plenty of Elizabethan streetscapes, making it is must-see for anyone visiting this part of Devon. The town has a reputation for good food, antiques and local arts & crafts. The natural deep water harbour has been the driving force behind the town's history as a port and military centre. The magnificent Britannia Naval College sits up the hill overlooking the town, and is now open to the public, while Dartmouth Castle protects the mouth to the estuary.
Salcombe is a beautiful place, with tiny streets, interesting shops and pubs and many large yachts moored in the estuary to admire!The cottages at Carswell Farm Cottages are dotted around our working organic dairy farm, set in unspoilt countryside on the stunning South Devon coast. The cottages are just a few minutes walk from the coast and are ideally situated to explore this beautiful part of Devon.
Katherine Harding, Carswell Farm Cottages©
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