Things to do in Kingsbridge
Being in Kingsbridge puts you in the beautiful area of South Hams, with its cobbled streets and tiny passageways, the town is a tourist attraction in its own right. There are plenty of interesting things to see and down in and around the town centre including several historic buildings and the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Of all the interesting buildings, one that is well worth a visit is called The Shambles and is the home to the town’s regular local markets. Each day sees different stalls and traders offering a wide range of locally produced items. The Shambles is the town’s original market hall which dates back to Elizabethan times.
Visit Captain Montagu's home
Many of the fine homes and buildings in the town date back to this time, Captain Montagu’s former home, Knowle House, is a popular destination for tourists looking for things to do as is the Cookworthy Museum which is housed in the former Grammar School. The museum is named after William Cookworthy who art fans might remember as the person who discovered China clay. He was born in Kingsbridge and the museum contains an exhibition of the finest English Porcelain, which he is best known for. There are nine galleries displaying several different exhibits throughout the building and once you’re done wandering around, you can head outside to the walled garden which looks beautiful in the spring and summer months. The museum is located on Fore Street, which features many of the town’s most interesting buildings. One that is sure to catch your eye is the Old Town Hall, now the home of Reel Cinema, which has three screens and shows a wide variety of films. The top of the building is adorned with an unusual three faced clock, which was apparently built to prevent the residents of the town’s workhouse from knowing the time.
A town of great walks
Being part of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you’ll find an abundance of beautiful countryside to explore either by foot or by bike. Kingsbridge is known locally as a town of great walks, there are hundreds of walks to choose from across the area and the South West Coast Path is easily accessible. The path will take you through the various coastal trails and onto the neighbouring beaches. The town is also the head of the Kingsbridge Estuary and you’ll find that there are plenty of things to see an do in Kingsbridge Quay. The Estuary is a great place to visit if you are a water sports enthusiast, there are organisations offering sessions in kayaking, sailing and paddleboarding among other options.
Kingsbridge has an eclectic selection of shops and eateries many of which are independently owned and showcase local produce. The town’s pubs, restaurants and cafes serve a number of locally sourced wears including local craft beers, ales and cider as well as wine and gin created in the nearby distillery at Salcombe and the vineyards on the outskirts of the town.
For additional information and to pick up maps of the town, make sure to visit the Kingsbridge Information Centre which is conveniently located in the Town Square. The staff are all local and extremely knowledgeable about the town and its surrounding attractions, so make it your first port of call!
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