South Hams Coast & Countryside
We are perfectly located to access some of the finest coast and countryside in the country. We’re in the middle of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and close to over 80 miles of designated Heritage Coast.
Coast & Beaches
South Devon has 49 miles of stunning designated heritage coastline, stretching between Wembury Beach and Sharkham Point and Berry Head – perfect for exploring.
Our closest beaches, Blackpool Sands and Slapton and Strete Gate Beach, are only 6-8 minutes away. All have good facilities and swimming areas, launching for kayaks, café and toilets.
More rugged and remote are Mattiscombe and Lannacombe beyond Start Bay Lighthouse. Both are a twenty minute drive and have fantastic walks around them as well as sandy coves. Just a little further are the breathtaking sandy beaches at Salcombe.
For surfing, kite surfing and walking head to Bantham or Bigbury- on- Sea, which overlook famous Burgh Island. Surf lessons are available here.
Countryside
Our lodges are located in the heart of the South Hams in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
We are situated right next to the River Gara, which flows to nearby Slapton Ley. This is the largest freshwater lake in the SW and a National Nature Reserve – A special site for many native and visiting birds and popular birding area.
The best way to experience this lovely area is on foot. For ideas for walks visit the South Devon AONB website.
Rivers
The South Hams itself boasts the rivers Yealm, Erme, Avon and Dart. All of these rivers originate on Dartmoor and flow down to the sea passing lovely towns and villages such as Totnes, Dartmouth, Noss Mayo, Dittisham and Bantham.
There is also the Salcombe-Kingsbridge estuary which is actually a ria or flooded valley.
And also within easy reach are the Teign, the Plym and the Tamar. There are plenty of inland rivers to find peaceful spots for picnics as well as the beaches.
Wildlife
The South Hams features a number of different and important wildlife habitats. These range from salt marshes, ancient woodlands and reedbeds to eelgrass and coastal grasslands.
Throughout the year you can experience some unique wildlife events including the murmurations of huge clouds of starlings in the autumn and winter, large shoals of mackerel churning the water in the summer, basking sharks and possibly (although rarely) a whale!
For more information on the unique habitst and wildlife of the area visit the South Devon AONB website.
Dartmoor
Dartmoor is the largest and wildest area of open country in Southern England.
With over 450 miles of public rights of way, there is an abundance of walking routes. Dartmoor also boasts a variety of cycle routes, both on and off road, making it as challenging as you want it.
And there is also horse-riding, climbing, letterboxing, geo- caching or kayaking.
To get the most from your visit to Dartmoor visit the Dartmoor National Park website.