When travel writer Bill Bryson visited the South Hams he described the big view and coastal sweep of Start Bay in the South Hams as “one of the very loveliest in England.” He’s got it right, and we’ll tell you why …

The South Hams is the southernmost part of Devon and stretches from Dartmoor National Park in the middle of the county to the south coast. It runs west to east between Plymouth and Dartmouth, with an incredible 100 miles of walking routes along the South West Coast Path, and five estuaries in between. Some of it is managed by the National Trust for eco-farming and wildlife; and much of it is protected and enhanced by the work of the South Devon National Landscape.

As a holiday destination the South Hams really does have it all: it’s highly prized by wild swimmers, surfers and paddle boarders for its clean waters and is much loved by the sailing fraternity for the safe harbours at Dartmouth and Salcombe. It’s become a foodie heaven for all things crab, craft beers and cider, is adored by dog-owners and walkers, and definitely a go-to place for nature lovers.

Quite rightly it’s treasured by returning visitors for its charming and iconic rolling hills, and precious unspoilt coastal landscapes. 

As Bill Bryson discovered, Start Bay is a great place to get your bearings. With its huge sweeping sea views it’s easy to spot gannets, bluefin tuna, seals and dolphins. The village of Torcross on the beach is a good choice for a view of the bay whilst sampling the local fish and chips or a cream tea. At Start Point Lighthouse a guided tour to the top will open up a huge vista – maybe even as far as Dorset on a clear day.

Keen walkers can stride out along the exhilarating Atlantic coast at East Prawle, or enjoy jaw-dropping views from the headlands at Bolberry Down and East Soar. More gentle stretches can be found along Slapton Ley, a national nature reserve close to historic Slapton village. The unspoilt rivers Dart, Avon, Erme and Yealm can be explored by canoe or on a paddleboard to discover small beaches, reeds and salt marshes, and the secretive wildlife of these tranquil waterways.

Outdoor family days might include checking the rock-pools at South Milton sands to find the beautiful bright green Snakelock Anemone, building the best sandcastle at Mill Bay opposite Salcombe, or crabbing with buckets off the harbour wall at Kingsbridge estuary.

There are approximately 25 beaches in the South Hams, most of which are dog-friendly and many have lifeguards during the Summer months. There is such a variety to choose from, each with its own microclimate: swim in warm lagoons at Gara Rock beach; admire the stunning rock formations at Great Mattiscombe sands; snuggle your toes into the soft sands of Bantham or Bigbury-on-Sea; or make a dam in the pretty river which flows onto the beach at Blackpool Sands. It’s always best to check facilities for each as these can change through the seasons.

There are myriad other small coves off the beaten track too so, if you’re looking for more remote beaches with a fabulous coastal view, take a picnic and drop down to one these from the South West Coast Path.

With a verdant backdrop of farms, and sheltered valleys for vineyards and orchards, the South Hams is host to many artisan food and drink producers.

You will find top chefs such as Jamie Burnard of 27 in Kingsbridge and now at 33 by the Sea in Bolberry, and Mitch Tonks of Rockfish fame in Salcombe and Dartmouth serving the best and freshest food on offer. The old favourites are still with us – The Tower Inn at Slapton village, the Tradesmans Arms in Stokenham and The Cricket Inn in Beesands. New additions to the area which are getting great reviews are The Old Warehouse in Kingsbridge for a relaxed vibe, and new owners of the Bear and Blacksmith in Chillington.

Kingsbridge, Totnes, Salcombe and Dartmouth towns are all prettily located next to river estuaries. They have unique shops and eating out places to suit different tastes and budgets with farmers’ markets, cafes, tea rooms and restaurants. Ferries often leave from these towns, taking you on coastal nature trips, out to sea on a paddle steamer, or to National Trust favourites such as Agatha Christie’s summer home Greenway.

So, a visit to the South Hams will be your jumping off point for both exploring and relaxing in a special part of South Devon. We hope you’ll want to come and discover it for yourself and become one of the regular visitors who’ll then wish to keep it a secret!

You can find more from the informative Dittiscombe website – look for their Guide to South Hams page and the Towns & Villages page.

Also a visit to either of the Tourist Information Centres in Kingsbridge and Salcombe is a must.

Dittiscombe Estate & Cottages is a rural retreat where guests can press that pause button. Just 2 miles from Start Bay beaches and Slapton village, the cottages are open all year round with unique access to a rewilded space for nature watching, all managed for the enjoyment of guests. There are 4 pretty stone barn cottages (3 of which are pet friendly), sleeping 1-4 guests, with wifi, log-burners, private gardens and direct access to the nature trails. Make your booking here.