South HAms, Devon
is not short of beautiful places to visit
Information
The Location of our luxury Self Catering Barns lie a few miles north of the market town of Kingsbridge nestling in the peaceful valley of Grimpstonleigh. After driving down a quaint lane off the Kingsbridge to Totnes road you will find Lower Grimpstonleigh Luxury Self Catering Barns. Nearest Towns are Kingsbidge, Salcombe and Dartmouth. Our nearest Beaches are to be found at Salcombe, Bantham, South Milton, Hope Cove and Thurlestone to name but a few.
Lower Grimpstonleigh is the ideal location for exploring both Dartmoor National Park and the South Devon coastline, with its spectacular scenery and unspoilt sandy beaches. Surrounded by meadows and woodland, Lower Grimpstonleigh is a paradise for adults and children at any time of the year.
Various artifacts have been unearthed at Lower Grimpstonleigh including pottery from the stream next to stunning Cider Barn, dating back to medieval times and beyond, including a flint arrow head. The star find being, part of a riding stirrup identified by the local museum as 13th Century, discovered during the conversion and restoration of Cider Barn.
We are very lucky to live so close to many beautiful beaches which are just a short drive from Lower Grimpstonleigh.
Thurlestone & South Milton Sands
Large family and dog friendly at South Milton. Sandy beaches protected by reef of rocks which are ideal for rockpooling. The well known Thurle rock stands in the centre of the Bay at the end of this reef. Good for snorkelling and diving. South Milton Beach Hut Café is great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Dog friendly all year.
Bantham
Large flat sandy beach, ideal for surfing, rock pooling and sand dunes and large car park (Pay). Bantham Surfing Academy is located on the beach where you can book surf lessons or hire equipment (banthamsurfingacademy.co.uk). Great food and drinks are served from a vintage bus – great burgers and pizzas as well as alcohol. Dogs are allowed at Bantham all year round, however restrictions do apply between May 1st – 30th September. During these months Dogs are only allowed on the estuary side of the main beach.
Bigbury on Sea
Large sandy beach with tidal causeway from Bigbury to Burgh Island. One of the main surfing beaches in the area – can be windy. Has a great café (Venus), shop and toilet facilities as well as Discovery Surf School (discoverysurf.com). Dog restrictions on the right side of the beach.
Blackpool Sands
Lovely fine shingle beach in a sheltered bay. Popular with families with watersport activities and places to eat and drink. Dog ban 1st March – 31st October.
Torcross/Slapton Sands
Long stoney beach popular with fishermen. Beach shelves away. Good eating places. Slapton Ley is a nature reserve with bird hides.Strete Gate is at the other end of Slapton Sands from Torcross. This whole area is well known around the world, as it was used during WW11 by the Americans who were practising for the D Day landings and many men lost their lives to a German U Boat.
East Portlemouth & Millbay
Sheltered sandy beaches in Salcombe harbour with access across the estuary by passenger ferry to Salcombe. East Portlemouth & Millbay are ideal beaches from which to watch the sailing life of Salcombe pass by. Café & toilets. Family friendly beach.
Hope Cove (Harbour Beach)
Large sandy beach sheltered by the harbour wall set next to the fishing village of Hope Cove with its facilities – pub/café/car park etc. Safe beach for children ideal for sandcastles & rockpooling.
Hope Cove (Mouthwell)
Small sandy beach next to village of Hope Cove. Dog ban from May to September.
North Hallsands
Shingle beach on the South West Coast Path, between Slapton Sands and Start Point. Wonderful views across the bay – dogs allowed and car parking.
Salcombe (North Sands)
One of Salcombes many beaches which is large, flat and sandy. Ideal for children, dogs allowed all year. Car park and restaurant (The Winking Prawn).
Salcombe (South Sands)
Beautiful sandy beach at the mouth of Salcombe Harbour, a mile or two out of town, accessible by car and by ferry from Salcombe. At the top of the hill above the beach is the NT Overbecks. Dog Ban May – Sept.
With great beaches on our door step, it’s tempting just to go to the beach however The South Hams has so much more to explore. We would therefore recommend the following great family days out:
Woodlands
The largest theme park in Devon, not far away on the road to Dartmouth. From little kids to adults there’s something for anyone and everyone! With one of the largest and best indoor play areas in the South West, amazing water rides, a zoo farm and much more, there’s fun to be had rain or shine. A great value family day out.
www.woodlandspark.com
Water Sports
No trip to the area is complete without some surfing so why not learn from the professionals and have some lessons. Not only do they offer surfing but other watersports such as Stand Up Paddleboarding and canoeing.
Bantham Surfing Acadamy: banthamsurfingacademy.co.uk
Discovery Surf School: discoverysurf.com
National Trust
There are plenty of National Trust properties in South Devon, many of which are only a short drive from Lower Grimpstonleigh www.nationaltrust.org.uk/days-out/regionsouthwest/devon
Golf
Lower Grimpstonleigh is in the ideal location for 3 golf courses.
- Bigbury Golf Club: www.bigburygolfclub.co.uk
- Thurlestone Golf Club: www.thurlestonegolfclub.co.uk
- Dartmouth Golf Club: www.thedartmouthhotel.co.uk
Local Walks
We have some great walks from your doorstep which includes Avon Valley Woods. Ask James or Milly for details or look on the facebook page.
Pennywell Farm
A bit further away, on the dual carriageway near Buckfastleigh, they picked up the top visitor attraction at the Devon Tourism award last year.
www.pennywellfarm.co.uk
01364 642023.
South Devon Railway
Takes you back in time to the golden age of steam, and runs from Totnes and Buckfastleigh, can also access at Totnes, the Rare Breeds Farm, and at Buckfastleigh, Dartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterflies to make a day of it.
www.southdevonrailway.co.uk
01364 644370.
Dartmouth Steam Railway
Also takes you back in time, and runs between Dartmouth and Paignton. The scenery on this picturesque line is breathtaking – from Paignton along the spectacular English Riviera Geopark coast line to Kingswear, and then a ferry ride across to Dartmouth.
www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk
Paignton Zoo
With over 2,500 different animals across 80 acres – you’re in for a really wild time at Paignton Zoo, one of the South West’s most exciting visitor attractions. It’s a place to roam, discover and get in touch with your inner animal.
www.paigntonzoo.org.uk
National Aquarium Plymouth
The National Marine Aquarium is the UK’s largest aquarium, located in Britain’s Ocean City, Plymouth. It is run by the Ocean Conservation Trust, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the Ocean and is a great few hours for kids and adults. Whilst you’re here, try Rockfish for lunch / dinner, just outside the main entrance.
www.national-aquarium.co.uk
Kings Cinema Kingsbridge
Blockbusters and handpicked screenings in a quirky building with a blue clock on the roof. https://kingsbridge.merlincinemas.co.uk/
Salcombe sea n’shore
For the more adventurous then this is a must – take a rib from Salcombe and not only will it get your adrenaline pumping but you may even get to spot dolphins and seals They also offer other activities such as coasteering which is the ultimate way to explore the South Devon Coast
https://sea-n-shore.com/
Dittiscombe Equestrian Centre
Offers fantastic tuition with highly skilled instructors. No matter if you are 5 or 105 riding is fun and exhilarating. They offer private lessons for riders 5 years + http://www.dittiscombeequestrian.co.uk
Having small children ourselves, we appreciate how important it is that you are able to feel relaxed when you leave your little ones. We would therefore recommend the following babysitters who we have used and trust to look after our own children:
Caroline Platt: 07714 443358
Cathy Shea: 07980 633956
There are plenty of fantastic restaurants near-by, with many of them making the most of the amazing local produce that we have on our doorstep. So whether it’s fine dining, a more casual beach hut or take-away, we would suggest the following:
Twenty-Seven, Kingsbridge
An award winning fine dining restaurant that focuses on local produce. It also does take-aways Thursday-Saturday. The chef Jamie Rogers was a semi-finalist in Masterchef: The Professionals.
www.27devon.co.uk
Hope Cove House
Seaside restaurant in Hope Cove, South Devon. One of our favourites – great food in a beautiful setting overlooking the beach – what’s not to love.
hopecovehouse.co
Startbay Inn Torcross
Great Fish restaurant with a family atmosphere- downside no bookings so you may have to wait at busy times. Also does meat dishes and good ales.
www.startbayinn.co.uk
The New Inn, Moreleigh
Dating back to the 17th Century, the New Inn is one of our closest pubs and serves great steaks, lamb and fish.
www.thenewinnmorleigh.co.uk
The Village Inn Thurlestone Hotel
located next to the Thurlestone Hotel, this is a lovely and very popular pub which gets very busy, especially in the summer. Does great food.
www.thurlestone.co.uk/dining/the-village-inn
The Sloop Inn, Bantham
A great pub just next to Bantham beach. Opposite is the Valley View Café which is part of the local shop in Bantham. It has a great terrace at the back with incredible views of the estuary – hard to find a better spot for breakfast.
thesloop.co.uk
The Oyster Shack, Bigbury
Located just off the tidal road, the Oyster Shack does fantastic fresh and locally caught fish in a relaxed and upbeat atmosphere.
www.oystershack.co.uk
The Crabshell Kingsbridge
A fabulous location by the estuary with outside eating and Good food – family friendly. Gets extremely busy so book if you can early – Pizza’s are amazing!
thecrabshellinn.com
Seahorse Restaurant – seahorserestaurant.co.uk
Rockfish Dartmouth – seahorserestaurant.co.uk
Both owned and run by celebrity chef Mitch Tonks. The Seahorse is a fabulous and award winning restaurant with outstanding food and wines and Rockfish is more family friendly and less pricey but does equally great fish If you want something special The Seahorse is fabulous.
The Beach House, South Milton
Situated right on the beach at South Milton Sands. Very small but so need to book for dinner and sometimes lunch. Great for Breakfast or coffee too – gets busy in high season.
beachhousedevon.com
The Bull in Totnes
Nestled at the top of the Totnes high street & overlooking Rotherfold square, The Bull Inn is an organic, ethical pub and hotel. Open seven days a week from 8am until late, they serve supplier-led, seasonal breakfasts, lunch and dinner.
www.bullinntotnes.co.uk
You can have your supermarket groceries delivered to your Barn. The following supermarkets deliver to us: Tesco’s, Waitrose, Sainsburys and Asda.
Please arrange a delivery slot for after your arrival as we can’t guarantee to be in to accept it and add the name of your Barn to the address when ordering.
- Top Barn
Lower Grimpstonleigh
East Allington
Totnes
Devon
TQ9 7QH
- Cider Barn
Lower Grimpstonleigh
East Allington
Totnes
Devon
TQ9 7QH
