For those of you visiting Devon who want somewhere charming, and quiet but still bustling with activity, you might want to take a look at the town of Kingsbridge. This small town can be found in the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty right on the head of the Salcombe Estuary.
To truly immerse yourself in the friendly culture of this town, you’ll need somewhere to stay. Being located in such a beautiful area of Devon, there are an abundance of lovely places to stay including the Thurlestone Hotel. Family-owned for over 100 years, it is a luxury four star accommodation with spa and golf facilities on site. There is even a beach just five minutes away, so you can enjoy the delights of the town and relax near the sea all in one day! For those of you that like getting back to basics and really immersing yourself in the local landscape, take a look at Slapton Sands Camping and Caravanning Club site. Based just on the outskirts of Kingsbridge, you’re still only a few minutes from the beach, the Slapton Ley Nature Reserve and on a main bus route allowing you to explore the wider area.
Image: View from the Thurlestone Hotel, photo credit: Thurlestone Hotel.
Once you’ve settled yourself and dropped off your bags, it’s time to start exploring. Kingsbridge has a lot to offer, including a rich history and you can find many hidden treasures like mosaics, a miniature railways and more. The regular market is one of the most historic in the county and is celebrating its 800th year this September. Kingsbridge is a great access point for Burgh Island. In low tide, it is possible to walk out to the island where you’ll find an impressive art deco style hotel and plenty of connections to Devon’s favourite crime writer, Agatha Christie, but at high tide, you’ll have to use one of the historic sea tractors that take you to and from the island via Bigbury Beach. The tractors themselves are unique enough as both a transport option and a visitor attraction.
Image: Burgh Island.
Another picturesque place to visit in the town is Hope Cove Beach. Hope Cove is made up of two sandy beaches in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which Kingsbridge sits in. If water is your thing, this is a great area of Devon to visit, not only is it quieter than many of the other towns in this area of Devon, but you have plenty of opportunity to explore the coast. Not only is there the beaches, but the town sits on the Salcombe Estuary where there are places to go sailing or explore the coast on a paddle board. As well as this, the town is on the South West Coast Path, so you can explore the wider area.
Image: Hope Cove
Once you’ve enjoyed the wonderful scenery that can be found in this part of the world, why not relax by stopping off at Salcombe Gin? The distillery is a popular attraction and offers tours of their gin making areas as well as the chance to sample some locally made gins. Make sure to make use of one of the many cafes, and restaurants and then head to the bar at Salcombe Gin to enjoy their cocktail menu before heading back to your accommodation.
