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Wales | KNAP MILL HOUSE Knap Mill, a former miller's residence set in 3 acres of land with it's own charming stream, is a luxurious cottage enveloped in the countryside of the South Hams, surrounded by rolling hills, perfect for a getaway escape with your loved ones. |
 | WOODCOCK COTTAGE Perfect for some time out as a family in the beautiful South Hams, Woodcock Cottage is a spacious cottage with modern touches. Set on the beautiful Courtlands Manor Estate, Woodcock Cottage is one of converted barns tucked in a sleepy Devon valley. |
 | THE BARNS @ DOWNTOWN The Barns@Downton is a stunning three-bedroom Eco-friendly barn conversion located just outside the beautiful riverside village of Dittisham near Dartmouth and is a wonderful place for a family of six to stay while exploring the surrounding area including the immediately adjacent South Devon AONB. |
Kingsbridge is a charming, traditional English market town situated on the Kingsbridge Estuary in Devon, surrounded by lush countryside and quaint villages all within close proximity. The Estuary creates a serene, idyllic setting for those wanting a relaxing holiday, as well as providing the opportunity for water-sports for more active travelers.
In and around the town
The town boasts an eclectic mix of independent shops, each of them unique. There is an assortment of clothes shops, each tailored to different styles, so you will be spoilt for choice if you’re looking to update your wardrobe. For antiquity collectors, there is a wealth of antique shops to choose from, including Mark Davis Antiques and Kingsbridge Antique and Craft Centre, both of which are guaranteed to have something distinctive to catch your eye. The town is well-known for its artistic identity, so take the opportunity to appreciate the local art by visiting the Mayne Gallery, Tidal Gallery, or Red Propeller Gallery.
The vast array of cafés and delicatessens means that you won’t go hungry when staying in Kingsbridge! The Bake House and Mangetout are popular amongst locals and tourists and supply freshly-baked products every day. If you’re in self-catered accommodation, eco-friendly shopping is available by shopping in the zero-waste convenience store Green & Wild. Save a Packet offers a similar experience, allowing customers to choose how much of a product they purchase, therefore avoiding excess waste.
Take a stroll down the delightful Promenade to reach Kingsbridge Pontoon, which is a great place to soak up the sun on a summer’s day. There are plenty of cafés to entice you in on this route, including The Old Bakery and Harbour House Café. At the marina, cool down with an ice cream from Salcombe Dairy Ice Cream & Sorbets.
The Estuary is not only a glorious spot for relaxing and sunbathing, as it also provides a chance to try water-sports, such as kayaking, sailing, and paddle boarding. North Sands Water Sports hire out equipment, and you can visit them in Salcombe, or they will deliver straight to your accommodation. Crabbing is also a popular past-time on the Estuary, which is a great outdoor activity for the kids.
Nearby locations
You can walk alongside the Estuary down to a South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this being a stunning body of water surrounded by the rugged rural landscape and panoramic views of the countryside. This would be the perfect spot to enjoy a tranquil picnic with an unforgettable view.
Keep walking south for another hour, or alternatively take a 15-minute drive, to the charming village of Salcombe, where there are sandy beaches right on the estuary. The village is intimate yet bustling with activity from its cafés and shops, as well as a marina. Just south of Salcombe is Overbeck’s Museum and Garden, a National Trust property from the Edwardian era with a luscious tropical garden where visitors can soak in a fantastic panorama of the Estuary. Take a 30-to-40-minute walk from East Soar to Overbeck’s along a disused runway for some extra exercise, and reward yourself at Gastrobox, a takeaway coffee truck located at the property.
A 15-minute drive south-west of Kingsbridge lies Hope Cove, a lovely village on the coast with two beaches to choose from. There is a three-hour National Trust circular walk from the headland Bolt Tail which encompasses the countryside surrounding the village and takes you through green meadows with incredible views of the sea. Relax and unwind in the evening with an intimate meal in one of the pods situated on the beach at the Lobster Pod Bistro.
Unique experiences
Kingsbridge’s Cookworthy Museum makes for a fun and educational day out to discover the history of the town and the lives of those who formerly lived there. See historical artifacts and photographs chronicling the town’s development, as well as wandering in the peaceful walled garden.
Salcombe Brewery offers a guided tour of its facilities and is a must-see for those wanting to sample locally brewed beer. The Brewery is easily accessible, being only a five-minute drive away from Kingsbridge, or alternatively, you can enjoy a walk through the countryside which will take just under an hour. Salcombe Gin School offers a more hands-on experience, where visitors can learn to distill their own gin as well as sample some Salcombe Gin and Tonic with a range of additional botanicals suited to any taste.
Travel further outside of Kingsbridge to Torquay for a magical trip to Babbacombe Model Village. This is not to be missed, as it has won multiple awards as well as having been featured on TV. Oddicombe and Babbacombe Beach are also spectacular, so visitors should take the opportunity to make time for a trip there whilst in this part of Devon.