The Area
Welcome to the heart of the South Hams, where Parkland is nestled within the South Devon National Landscape—an area renowned for its warm summers, mild winters, and outstanding natural beauty.
The area has something for everyone, whether you enjoy walking along the stunning South West Coast Path or exploring the network of picturesque inland green lanes. Discover charming small towns and quaint villages, or visit magnificent gardens and historic houses throughout the region.
There is no shortage of visitor attractions, alongside opportunities for sailing, watersports, fishing, and golf. Alternatively, you may prefer to spend a relaxed day on one of the many beautiful local beaches, finishing with a meal at one of the area’s excellent restaurants or cafés.
We invite you to explore the information pages on our website, where we hope you will find everything you need to plan your visit. If you require any further information or advice on what to see and do, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Activities
South Devon offers a wide range of watersports, coastal adventures, and outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for those looking for things to do in South Devon.
For more active visitors, the area is perfect for surfing, kayaking, and paddle boarding, with some of the most popular beaches in South Devon including Bantham, Bigbury-on-Sea, Thurlestone, South Milton, and Hope Cove.
Salcombe is a leading destination for sailing and boating, offering boat hire for experienced sailors as well as tuition for beginners. It is well known for its scenic sailing routes and coastal exploration.
The sheltered estuary at Kingsbridge is ideal for paddle boarding and kayaking, with calm waters that are well suited to both beginners and more experienced paddlers.
For a more relaxed experience, enjoy a scenic cruise from Dartmouth, taking in the natural beauty of the River Dart and the surrounding South Devon coastline.
Attractions
South Devon offers a wide range of visitor attractions and places of interest for those looking to explore at a relaxed pace. From scenic coastal locations and countryside viewpoints to award-winning attractions, there is plenty to discover throughout the region.
For those interested in history, culture, or horticulture, South Devon is home to an excellent selection of historic houses, museums, and abbeys. Visitors can also enjoy beautifully maintained gardens and spectacular landscapes, ideal for peaceful days out, gentle exploration, or scenic drives.
Whether you are planning a relaxing break, a cultural visit, or time spent discovering the South Devon countryside and coastline, the area offers a variety of experiences suited to adult visitors seeking something a little more tranquil.
Beaches
The South Hams coastline is lined with a stunning selection of sandy beaches and secluded pebbled coves, ideal for a relaxed day by the sea. Many also provide direct access to the South West Coast Path, making them perfect for scenic coastal walks and exploration.
Popular beaches include Bantham, Bigbury-on-Sea, Thurlestone, South Milton Sands, Hope Cove, South Sands, Mill Bay, and Blackpool Sands, each offering its own character and spectacular coastal scenery.
Along the coastline you will also find a mix of well-served beaches with cafés and traditional village pubs nearby, ideal for a leisurely lunch or refreshments after a morning by the sea. For those seeking a quieter experience, there are also more secluded coves where you can unwind and enjoy the natural surroundings, with open sea views and peaceful coastal landscapes.
Eating Out
South Devon offers a wide range of places to eat, from fine dining restaurants and traditional village pubs serving home-cooked dishes, to relaxed seaside cafés and classic fish and chips by the coast. Wherever you choose to dine, you will find excellent options within a short drive to suit every occasion.
The area is known for some of the best pubs in South Devon, many set in charming villages or coastal locations. These traditional pubs offer a relaxed atmosphere, often serving locally sourced food, fresh seafood, and locally brewed ales, making them a popular choice after a day exploring the coast or countryside.
Salcombe is a popular destination for eating out in South Devon, with waterfront restaurants, cafés, traditional village pubs, and classic fish and chips. It is also famous for the iconic Salcombe crab sandwich, a local speciality enjoyed along the estuary, as well as the much-loved Salcombe Dairy ice cream.
Kingsbridge, Dartmouth, and the surrounding small local villages all offer a variety of places to eat, including cosy village pubs, riverside dining, and relaxed cafés, each reflecting the character of the South Devon countryside and coast.
Local Towns
We have included information about the towns in our area within the South Hams, South Devon. The region is home to a selection of distinctive towns, each with its own character and appeal.
The market town of Kingsbridge, the resort town of Salcombe, and the historic towns of Totnes and Dartmouth all offer something different, from coastal scenery and waterside settings to independent shops, history, and culture.
Together with the surrounding villages and countryside, they provide an excellent base for exploring South Devon at a relaxed pace.
Local Information
Make the most of your stay with helpful local information, including live weather updates, surf and tide conditions, transport options such as taxis and buses, and access to scenic walking routes to explore the surrounding coastline and countryside
Wellbeing
The surrounding South Hams area is home to a growing wellbeing scene, offering everything from beach yoga and holistic treatments to wood-fired saunas by the sea.
Parkland is perfectly placed to help you unwind — whether that’s a coastal walk, a morning yoga session on the beach, or a restorative sauna experience surrounded by nature.
What's On
Discover some of the key events taking place in the local area. For further information and the latest listings, please visit www.southhams.com/events or your local tourist information centre.
