Holidays in Challaborough offer guests the perfect seaside retreat on Devon’s beautiful South Hams coastline.
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Challaborough is a charming coastal village located in the South Hams district of Devon, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and well known for its beautiful beaches and stunning scenery. The village has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere and though small, offers a beach shop and cafe, as well easy driving distance to the supermarkets and shops of nearby Kingsbridge and Modbury.
Burgh Island
The iconic Burgh Island with its famous art deco hotel lies just across the bay from Challaborough. This small tidal island / hotel duo has hosted famous guests like Agatha Christie, Winston Churchill, Noel Coward and The Beatles. At low tide visitors are able to walk to the island, and during high tide, a unique sea tractor is used as transport.
The coast path
One of the South West Coast Path’s most popular routes, the 3 mile Challaborough to Bigbury-on-Sea coastal walk combines natural beauty, historical landmarks, beaches and scenery along the way. And takes about an hour and a half to complete depending on your pace and the time spent enjoying the views and landmarks along the way.
Beginning at Challaborough Beach or from the holiday park, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Bigbury Bay which is known for its golden sands, clear waters, and iconic landmarks such as Burgh Island. Along the route, you’ll also pass several smaller beaches and coves, some of which have rock pools for exploring, and which are terrific spots to stop for a picnic.
Teeming with wildflowers such as sea thrift, heather, and coastal grasses, this area is a feast for the eyes, and you may even spot seals and dolphins swimming offshore. Be sure to check the tide times before setting off though, as certain sections of the path may be affected by high tides.
Bigbury Golf Club
A multi-award winning golf course in a breathtaking setting, Bigbury Golf Club is situated on the coast overlooking Bigbury Bay and Burgh Island. It is about a 15-minute drive from Challaborough and enjoys panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and coastline. A GolfMark accredited Top 100 course, it features an 18-hole, par 70 golf course that is known for its scenic beauty and challenging layout.
The course is well-maintained and offers a mix of parkland and links-style holes. Golfers can expect undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and well-manicured greens. The club has a friendly atmosphere and caters to golfers of all skill levels with visitors able to book a tee time in advance online. Visit the website here
Challaborough’s best asset is its sandy Blue Flag beach which stretches nearly 600 meters in a horseshoe shape along the coastline. Flanked by cliffs on both sides, its sheltered position makes it an ideal spot for sunbathing, sandcastle building and picnics while its shallows are ideal for parents with younger children.
The surrounding landscape creates a beautiful backdrop, and this is a popular spot for lovers of the ocean with paddleboarding and kayaking lessons and equipment available from local ABC Watersports company based in the bay.
When you’re not whiling the days away on its own lovely sandy beach or paddling in the bay, you can explore the other nearby beaches at Bigbury-on-Sea and Bantham or visit the picturesque towns of Salcombe and Dartmouth which both lie within easy reach.
Challaborough Beach is a great place for dogs (and their owners) to stretch their legs, however as with most family-friendly beaches in the area, dogs are not permitted on the sands from 1st May to 30th September. Alternatively, the beach to the west of the causeway at Bigbury (just 9 minutes’ drive from Challaborough) welcomes dogs throughout the year.
Ferrying visitors across from the beach at Bigbury, to the fabulous Burgh Island, the sea tractor is a must-try experience when staying in Challaborough. It operates daily at high tide but only if weather conditions are favourable which means no big waves or rough seas.
While there are no traditional pubs within Challaborough itself, The Fishermans Rest in Kingsbridge is just 15 minutes’ drive away and here you’ll find good, honest homestyle grub with real ales from Devon’s Otter Brewery
The nearest supermarkets, including a Tesco Superstore and Morrisons can be found in Kingsbridge, about 25 minutes’ drive from Challaborough.
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