Local Towns in South Devon

We have added some information below about the towns in our area in the South Hams in South Devon. The market town of Kingsbridge, the resort town of Salcombe, historic Totnes and Dartmouth, home to Britannia Royal Naval College.

Kingsbridge (1 mile)

Kingsbridge is a bustling, friendly market town which lies at the head of the Kingsbridge and Salcombe Estuary. The town is often referred to as the ‘capital’ of the South Hams.

Many activities take place on the Quay area, weekly trade markets and the twice monthly farmers market offering an abundance of local produce, and of course the annual Music Festival in June and Fair week in July. The town has ample parking on the quayside, which also gives you easy access to the towns leisure centre which boasts an indoor swimming pool. On the opposite side you will find the recreation ground with putting green, lean bowls, tennis courts, large play park and small cafe.

Fore Street leads away from the quay and is lined with a variety of shops for that everyday purchase or for something special. The town hall is home to a cinema, and also hosts weekly craft fairs. To the top of the town you will find the Cookworthy Museum, located in the old school and it tells the tale of our local history and rural life of days gone by.

Kingsbridge has a fine selection of welcoming pubs and restaurants, along with a selection of coffee shops and takeaways – Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Pizza, Fish and Chips…

Kingsbridge is easily accessible from Parkland, the bus stop at Sorley Green takes you straight down into town and stops at the quay area.

Salcombe (7 miles)

Devon’s most southerly town, located at the mouth of the estuary and a busy marine and resort town, the ideal place if you are a boating or water-sports enthusiast. The town has a small commercial fishing fleet, whose catch is sold all over the world, but also in the towns own fishmonger. You will find many businesses offering boat hire, fishing trips, coastal cruises and tuition in all water-sports.

The narrow main street is lined with an array of shops, many with a nautical theme, along with ‘brands’ such as White Stuff, Crew, Fat Face, Jack Wills and Seasalt, you will also find small independent shops such as Amelia’s Attic and Cranchs Pantry.

You will definitely enjoy the variety of pubs and restaurants in Salcombe, many of course serving the catch of the day. The town is also famous for Salcombe Dairy Ice Cream – well worth a visit for a sample or two!

Please be advised that parking is limited in the town and during the summer season it is recommended to use the park and walk service (steep hill), or take the 164 bus from Sorley Green which is just 500 yards from Parkland.

Totnes (12 miles)

An ancient market town situated in an upper valley of the River Dart. The town is famous today for its weekly pannier market and Elizabethan charity mornings. The main High Street is dominated by architectural delights, especially the clock tower. Totnes is well known for its craft shops and antiquarian book shops, along with whole food shops and cafes offering the finest selection of local, organic produce. There is plenty to do in and around the town, with a variety of museums and the historic castle prominent on the hillside.

From Totnes you can take a trip back in time on the South Devon Railway, the steam train runs from the edge of the town, near to the Rare Breeds centre, the train meanders to Buckfastleigh following the banks of the River Dart. At the destination of Buckfastleigh you can visit the Otter and Butterfly sanctuary, or meander further into the town where you will be met by the sight of the famous Buckfast Abbey, a living Benedictine monastery, why not stop and purchase some Buckfast Honey or mead – famous all over the world!

There are various car parks in Totnes, but we would recommend taking the bus from Sorley Green, just 500 yards from Parkland.

Dartington (13 miles)

Just a short distance from Totnes, with the world famous Dartington Arts College and Hall, along with the Cider Press Centre, a large craft centre offering a variety of local and worldwide merchandise.

From the Totnes quayside enjoy a cruise down the Dart which is abundant with wildlife and stunning scenery, to the historic port of Dartmouth, or stop en route for a visit to Greenway – the once home of Agatha Christie.

Dartmouth (13 miles)

Situated at the mouth of the River Dart, with the Britannia Royal Naval college dominant on the hillside. The towns main asset is its deep water harbour, which is popular for visiting naval vessels, small cruise liners, pleasure craft and a small commercial fishing fleet. Dartmouth is also a popular destination for sailing with many companies offering boat hire and tuition, along with estuary and coastal cruises. You can also enjoy the ‘round robin’ – cruise to Totnes, bus to Paignton and then the steam train back to Kingswear.

The towns streets are filled with an array of shops and art galleries, you will always find that little something which is a little different from the shops in Dartmouth. The park and ride is recommended during the summer season, especially during the annual music festival period (May) and the Royal Regatta at the end of August, a very popular event for locals and visitors.

You can also catch the bus from Kingsbridge which takes you on a scenic coastal ride to Dartmouth.

For more information about Local Towns and Villages in South Devon, please visit the local South Hams visitors directory.