No two South Hams holidays are ever the same, and this region in South Devon is one of the most beautiful in the county. Here you’ll also discover a place that’s deeply connected to nature and the sea of course, and with most of the region being a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you’ll have stunning scenery as the backdrop to your holiday adventures. 

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A local’s guide to holidays in the South Hams…

 

 

Things to do in South Hams

Our South Hams holiday cottages are just as popular with walkers, dog owners and foodies as they are with couples and families, in fact with so much variety to its towns and villages, there really is a break to suit everyone. From dreamy Dartmouth and its fabulous foodie scene, to the tucked-away Torcross and its beautiful Ley. Just a short drive away is the rugged beauty of Dartmoor National Park, which means walks and pub lunches can be enjoyed in equal measure too.

A very dog-friendly part of the world too, most restaurants, pubs and shops will welcome your dogs as warmly as they welcome you, and with miles of coastline offering a host of sandy stretches like Bantham Beach, South Sands, Bigbury-on-Sea and Slapton, there will be plenty of opportunity for outdoorsy escapades together.  There’s a wonderful atmosphere to the place too, so no matter where you choose to stay you’ll never be far from sailing regattas, the fluttering bunting of fetes and festivals, village food events and everything in between. 

 

Attractions in South Hams

With so much to see and do in the area no two days need be the same, from steam train trips and sailing to picnics at places like Greenway House  and Coleton Fishacre. If you have children in tow, Woodlands Family Theme Park is one of the best year-round days out for the whole family with plenty of rides to enjoy both inside and out. For a slower pace, head to the market town of Totnes with its independent shops, cobbled streets and historic castle. Nearby is the historic Dartington Estate with its beautiful grounds and gardens. 

 

Beaches in South Hams 

An incredibly beautiful stretch of coastline means that beaches here range from rugged and secluded where you need to do a little hiking to get to them, to easily accessible and buzzing with activity. Bantham Beach is a firm favourite and is also perfect for those learning to surf.

Bigbury Bay is a large sandy beach close to the peaceful village of Bigbury-on-Sea. Great for a spot of windsurfing or kitesurfing, this one sits in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This beach is joined by a causeway to the beautiful Burgh Island, where Dame Agatha Christie penned some of her bestsellers. If you’ve ever read ‘And Then There Were None’, this little island was the inspiration for the novel.  

 

FAQ’s about South Hams

  • Where is South Hams?

    South Hams is a district of South Devon which is known for its beautiful scenery and fabulous towns and villages. It lies along the southern coast in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which stretches from Dartmoor National Park all the way down to the coast. To the east of the district lies Torbay (Torquay, Paignton and Brixham), and to the west is Plymouth.

  • Why is it called South Hams?

    Hams is a derived from the Old English word “hamme” which means a sheltered place or river meadow and refers especially to the arable farmland along the River Dart. South is simply its location within the county.

     

  • Which towns are in South Hams?

    Best-known for its coastal towns like Dartmouth and Salcombe where sailing and seafood are top-notch, the area is also home to many attractive countryside towns of varying sizes like the historic market town of Totnes, and Ivybridge (the largest in the district) on the southern edge of Dartmoor. Other notable towns and villages are Kingswear (opposite Darmouth on the Torbay side of the River Dart), Kingsbridge which lies at the head of the Kingsbridge Estuary, Modbury, Hope Cove and Stokenham.

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