Devon Coastal Towns

Devon offers a wide and varied choice of Coastal towns and villages to visit and experience.  At one extreme there is Torquay, the jewel in the crown of the English Riviera with its long established credentials of a large seaside resort.  At the other is charming and welcoming Shaldon which describes itself as a drinking village with a fishing problem.

 

30 minutes from our Dartmoor Holiday Cottage

Teignmouth (15 miles from the cottage)

Packed full of family friendly activities.  Teignmouth has a fantastic free play park on the promenade, a pier with amusements, a skateboard park, crazy golf and miles of golden sand.  It also offers water sports and boating trips, mackerel fishing is the favourite with our family.  You can also take a short ride to Shaldon on Britains oldest passenger ferry service dating back to 1296.

Shaldon (15 miles from the cottage)

Just across the river from Teignmouth, Shaldon is charming and very pretty offering independent boutique shopping with lots of seaside café’s, pubs and even a tiny zoo.  It has 2 beaches, one which is accessed through a ‘secret tunnel’ which was originally used by smugglers adding some excitement for our younger guests.  Shaldon is one of our favourite days out.

 

40 minutes from our Dartmoor Holiday Cottage

Torquay (17 miles from the cottage)

Heart of the English Riviera with popular and varied beaches, palm trees, Thatcher’s Rock, a long splendid promenade and pier, from which to fish.  Torquay is full of varied and interesting history: a medieval monastery,  the haunted Spanish Barn where the captured sailors from the Spanish Armada were kept, the birth place of Agatha Christie etc.  Torquay offers a great varied day out with many Visitor Attractions such as Prehistoric Caves, Miniature Buildings, a Zoo and Aquarium, there’s even Dinosaurs.

Topsham (23 miles from the cottage)

Full of history and fascinating architecture dating back to the days when Topsham was a bustling merchant town – look out for the Dutch gabled house down by the quay, built in the 17th century for one of the country’s wealthiest merchants.  Take advantage of a free 90 minute walking talk, every Wednesday and Saturday during spring and summer.   There are also numerous independent shops selling everything from handmade gifts to beautifully designed furniture.  If you like a rummage around antique shops you will find plenty here to keep you busy, not least the warehouse by the quay which spreads over several floors.

 

50 minutes from our Dartmoor Holiday Cottage

Brixham (23 miles from the cottage)

Quaint small fishing town where life centre’s around the harbour.  Perfect for an afternoon of crabbing off the quay, enjoying an ice cream (or two!) and finishing off with a visit aboard the Golden Hind.

Plymouth (36 miles from the cottage)

Probably most famous for Plymouth Hoe, where Sir Francis Drake insisted on finishing his game of bowls before defeating the Spanish Armada.  Although Plymouth has a modern shopping centre, the original harbour area “The Barbican” is full of charm with old buildings, many shops and galleries.  This is where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail.

 

1 hour from our Dartmoor Holiday Cottage

Dartmouth (26 miles from the cottage)

Pretty medieval town with a strong maritime history and home to the Britannia Royal Naval College. With its picturesque setting and fine shops, restaurants and sailing facilities it’s an ideal destination for a great day out.  The annual Dartmouth Regatta is the highlight of the annual Dartmouth week and features a range of racing events.

Salcombe  (38 miles from the cottage)

Lots of yachts and fabulous shops.  A great place to take to the water by hiring either sailing or motor boats.  And of course, a maritime museum to boot!

 

Devon Towns also worth visiting:

Exeter (20 miles from the holiday cottage)

Vibrant capital of Devon with catacombs, Elizabethan houses, cathedral and a stone wall around.

Tavistock (34 miles from the holiday cottage)

Really attractive and busy market town with fine Victorian architecture.  Lots of shops and cafes.

Totnes  (20 miles from the holiday cottage)

Pretty Devon town with a bohemian feel and a castle.  Great for shopping, eating and drinking.  During summer season local people and traders dress up in costume every Tuesday morning and hold an Elizabethan market. 

Now explore nearby Devon Beaches