Coastal Retreats Devon
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EXPLORE DARTMOUTH

DISCOVER DARTMOUTH

Places to go and things to do!

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Whether you are planning a beach holiday, activity holiday, walking holiday or a mixture of all three, there is something for everyone in the South Hams. Go to EXPLORE DARTMOUTH Tourist Information for a full list of everything available in the area.  If walking is what you are after then take in the stunning local scenery with a walk along the nearby South West Coast Path, there are so many walks to choose from, and all of them have something special to offer. 

​You can also find water adventures available through groups such as Canoe Adventures, Sea Kayak Devon, Sea N Shore and Discovery Surf School.  For more details on exploring the area click HERE 

Boats & Ferries

A trip to the South Hams isn't complete without taking to the water at some point during your stay.  If you don't have, or don't want to hire your own boat there are lots of trips available. The Castle Ferry is a fun & affordable boat ride and the perfect way to reach Dartmouth Castle.  The Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat Company offers a variety of wonderful scenic cruises along the River Dart between Dartmouth and Totnes and also out to sea.  Combine this with the wonderful Kingswear to Paignton Steam Train a great day out for all the family, young and old. The historic Lower Ferry Dartmouth is a good way of travelling between Dartmouth & Kingswear by car, where you can then drive on to visit towns such as Brixham, Paignton & Torquay.  If you are planning to make a visit to Agatha Christie's Greenways then the Greenway Quay & Ferry Service is the best way to go. Or enjoy the perfect private river cruise on either The Banquet Boat or The Fizz Boat & enjoy an exquisite selection of food & fizz as you cruise the River Dart in style between Dartmouth and Totnes. (both can accommodate up to 12 guests)

For all available River & Boat activities and details of Boat Hire please click HERE

Gyms & Personal Training

If you plan on keeping up your training regime whilst you are away (to keep all those calories from Fish & Chips and Devon Cream Teas at bay!) then look no further than Willpower Fitness.  About a 15 minute drive from the centre of Dartmouth, Will Wood & his team offer both group and personal training sessions & can put you through your paces in a fun and relaxed environment whilst you are away.
Alternatively there is MKS Fitness Dartmouth, who have a wide range of cardio & strength machines, and they also offer classes including boxing, spinning & yoga, plus personal training. The Gym is open everyday 5am - 10pm.

Eating & drinking

There are so many fabulous pubs, restaurants & cafés to choose from in the area.  In the village of Stoke Fleming itself Trattoria Spaggia is a small Italian restaurant serving delicious Pasta & Seafood.  The fabulous village pub, The Green Dragon, is a local institution, popular with both locals and visitors alike for real ales & excellent pub grub, as well as Pizzas to eat in or takeaway.  The village hotel Stoke Lodge, also serves good food and is open to non-residents. Just a 1-minute drive down the hill is Blackpool Sands who have a wonderful Cafe/Lounge/Restaurant as well as a takeaway.

If you are heading into Dartmouth to eat then Andria and The Seahorse both serve exceptional food.  The Sail Loft Dartmouth Bar/Kitchen/Lounge is perfect for drinks, sliders & pizzas. YARN serves the most amazing burgers and a delicious brunch, and is open for drinks in the evening. If cocktails are your thing, then Bar 1620 Dartmouth serve the best cocktails in the SouthWest for sure, booking is essential. Our favourites include the Bayards Cove Inn, The Dartmouth Arms,  Rockfish and Café Alf Fresco (aka Alf's!) is a MUST for breakfast or brunch. The Wheelhouse Restaurant is popular for Fish & Chips, &  you can eat-in or takeaway, or stylish Browns Hotel & Restaurant for tapas and fine wine, or try the ever popular Royal Castle Hotel.

If you want to go slightly further afield The Tower Inn in Slapton is fantastic and has a lovely garden overlooking the tower at the rear and The Cricket Inn at Beesands is located right on the beach overlooking Start Bay and has fabulous sea food, its the perfect pub to go to after a walk round Start Point and a trip to Start Point Lighthouse.

Kids

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Family-Friendly Devon Breaks Near Blackpool Sands
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Looking for the perfect family-friendly holiday in Devon? Our properties near Blackpool Sands & Dartmouth are designed with families in mind, offering child-friendly accommodation in the heart of the stunning South Hams.
A Family-Friendly Stay at WAVESWe welcome children of all ages at WAVES, our spacious and well-equipped family-friendly apartment. To make your stay as stress-free as possible, we provide:
High chairs, travel cots & changing mats for little ones
DVDs, toys, books & board games to keep kids entertained
Plastic plates, bowls, cups & cutlery for easy mealtimes
Child-Friendly Options at The Annexe & The Old ButchersFor families with babies or young children, The Annexe and The Old Butchers are also great options. These properties can comfortably accommodate little ones in a travel cot or on a sofa.
So Much for Families to See & Do!Blackpool Sands Beach (15-minute walk) – A beautiful, sheltered beach perfect for swimming, sandcastle building in the beach sandpits, & watersports. The beach also has a café, & beach sauna, shop & toilets.

Stoke Fleming Village Park – A fantastic play park for children of all ages, just a short stroll away.

South Hams Family Attractions – Enjoy crabbing in Dartmouth, boat trips on the River Dart, woodland adventures at Pennywell Farm, and outdoor fun at Woodlands Family Theme Park.
Book Your Perfect Devon Family Break Today!With child-friendly amenities, easy access to beaches, and plenty of activities for all ages, our holiday properties near Blackpool Sands are perfect for a memorable family getaway in Devon.

Beaches

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Discover Stunning Beaches Near Our Stoke Fleming Holiday Homes
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Our holiday properties in Stoke Fleming are perfectly located for exploring some of the most beautiful beaches in Devon—and even the UK! Whether you're looking for golden sands, crystal-clear waters, or scenic coastal walks, you'll find breathtaking beaches just a short walk or drive away.
Here are just a few of the top beaches near Stoke Fleming, all within 45 minutes or less from our accommodations:
​Blackpool Sands - approximately 15 minute walk
Slapton Sands - approximately 10 minute drive 
Sugary Cove - approximately 10 minute drive
Castle Cove - approximately 10 minute drive
Beesands - approximately 20 minute drive
East Portlemouth Beaches - approx 30 minute drive
North & South Sands Salcombe -  approx 40 min drive
Bantham Beach - approximately 30 minute drive

Nearby Family Friendly Attractions
Woodlands Family Theme Park
Dartmouth Outdoor Heated Swimming Pool
Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company
National Marine Aquarium
Dartmoor Zoo
Pennywell Farm
Paignton Zoo
Plymouth Snowsports Centre
Dartmoor Treasure Trail
Splashdown Quaywest Water Park

​For a full list of Days out with the children please click HERE

Golf

Golfing in South Devon – Championship Courses Near Dartmouth
For golf enthusiasts visiting Dartmouth & the South Hams, there are exceptional golf courses just a short drive away, offering stunning coastal views, challenging fairways, and top-tier facilities. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a casual player looking for a scenic round, these courses provide the perfect experience.

Dartmouth Golf & Country Club – Championship Golf Close to Dartmouth
Distance: 4 miles inland | 10-minute drive
Dartmouth Golf & Country Club is the only Championship Golf Course in the South Hams. Designed by renowned architect Jeremy Pern, this exceptional course is set in rolling Devon countryside, offering a challenging yet enjoyable game for golfers of all abilities.
  • Championship Course (Par 72 | 7,200 yards) – Built to USGA Championship specifications, this prestigious course has hosted the West Region PGA Championships six times. Expect sweeping fairways, undulating greens, meandering streams, and 12 water features, all strategically designed to test even the most skilled golfers.
  • Dartmouth Course (Par 66) – A shorter but equally enjoyable course, perfect for a more relaxed round.
Why Play Here?
Year-Round Playability – Excellent drainage and all-season tees
Spectacular Landscape – Scenic views and dramatic Devon countryside
Perfect for All Levels – Championship challenges and relaxed rounds available

Churston Golf Club – Historic Course with Panoramic Coastal ViewsDistance: 10 miles | 20-minute drive
Churston Golf Club, one of Devon’s most picturesque and historic courses, is set along the beautiful Torbay coastline. Founded in 1890, this 18-hole, par 70 course is known for its fast greens, tree-lined fairways, and spectacular sea views over Brixham and Torbay.
Why Play Here?
Breathtaking Coastal Views – Play against the backdrop of Tor Bay
A Course for All Abilities – A fair but challenging layout, perfect for beginners and seasoned golfers alike
Rich in History – Established over 130 years ago, offering a traditional yet modern golfing experience

Thurlestone Golf Club – Coastal Golf with Stunning Views
Distance: 35-minute drive | Clifftop & Links Golf
Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Thurlestone Golf Club offers a picturesque blend of links and clifftop terrain, delivering breathtaking views of Bigbury Bay, Thurlestone Rock, the Avon Estuary, and Burgh Island.
  • A True Coastal Gem – This 18-hole course has been compared by golf legend Peter Alliss to the world-famous Pebble Beach in California.
  • An Exhilarating Golfing Experience – While the fairways are generous, the coastal winds add an exciting challenge to every round.
Why Play Here?
Unrivalled Ocean Views – Enjoy golf with stunning sea and estuary backdrops
Ideal for Holiday Golf – A balance of challenge and enjoyment for all players
Rich in History – The course overlooks coves once used by smugglers

​Plan Your Golf Getaway in Dartmouth
Our luxury holiday accommodation in Stoke Fleming is perfectly located for golfers visiting South Devon. Stay with us and enjoy easy access to Dartmouth Golf & Country Club, Churston Golf Club, Thurlestone Golf Club, & other top courses in the area.

Book your stay today and experience world-class golf on Devon’s stunning coastline!

Book Your Stay for Dartmouth’s Biggest Events in 2025!
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Planning a trip to Dartmouth, Blackpool Sands, or the South Hams for one of the region’s spectacular annual events?
Stay in one of our beautiful holiday properties in Stoke Fleming, perfectly located for exploring Dartmouth & beyond. Whether you're here for live music, sporting challenges, literature, food, or festive celebrations,
we offer the ideal base for your visit.

Upcoming Dartmouth Events & Festivals - Stay With Us!
 Dart Music Festival (16th-18th May) – Enjoy a weekend of live music across Dartmouth’s stunning waterside venues.
Dartmouth Triathlon at Blackpool Sands (8th June) – Compete or support athletes in this epic swim, bike, & run event at the iconic Blackpool Sands.
Dartmouth Pride (28th June) – Celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and community spirit at this vibrant Pride festival.
Shakespeare Week (29th July - 2nd August) – Experience open-air theatre performances of Shakespeare’s greatest works in stunning settings.
Dartmouth Royal Regatta Sailing Week (23rd-30th August) – Witness world-class sailing and rowing events in Dartmouth’s stunning harbour.
Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta (27th-30th August) – A lively mix of boat races, air displays, fireworks, and family fun.
Tribal Clash (30th-31st August) – Watch or take part in this exhilarating team fitness competition on the beach!
International Agatha Christie Festival (13th-21st September) – Celebrate the world-famous crime writer with talks, tours, and special events.
Dartmouth Book Festival (20th-21st September) – Meet renowned authors, poets, and storytellers at this literary festival.
Dartmouth Food Festival (24th-26th October) – A food lover’s paradise, featuring local produce, top chefs, & delicious tastings.
Candlelit Dartmouth (28th-30th November) – Step into the festive season with twinkling lights, Christmas markets, and seasonal cheer.

Why Stay With Us?
Prime Location – Just minutes from Dartmouth & Blackpool Sands
Beautiful Coastal Accommodation – Perfect for couples, families & groups
Dog-Friendly Options – Bring your four-legged friend along

Secure your stay today and make the most of your Dartmouth event experience!

Events & Festivals 2025

Devon County Show - 15th-17th May
Dart Music Festival - 16th-18th May
English Riviera Air Show - 30th May - 1st June
Bovey Tracey Craft Festival - 6th-8th June

Dartmouth Triathlon at Blackpool Sands - 8th June
Dartmouth Pride - 28th June
Electric Bay Festival Torquay - 12th July
Kingsbridge Fair Week - 19th-26th July
Shakespeare Week - 29th-July - 2nd August 
Totnes & District Show - 27th July
Torbay Steam Fair - 1st-3rd August
Salcombe Regatta - 2nd-9th August
Plymouth Fireworks Championships - 13th-14th August

Dittisham (Ditsum) Regatta -  16th August
Torbay Royal Regatta - 23rd-25th August
Dartmouth Royal Regatta Sailing Week - 23rd-30th August

Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta - 27th-30th August
Tribal Clash - 30th-31st August
Kingsbridge Show - 6th September
Devon Open Studios - 6th-21st September

International Agatha Christie Festival - 13th-21st September
Dartmouth Book Festival - 20th - 21st September

Dartmouth Food Festival - 24th-26th October
Candlelit Dartmouth - 28th - 30th November
  • Coastal Retreats
  • Waves
    • Book Waves
    • Find Waves
    • FAQ
    • Reviews
  • The Annexe
    • Book The Annexe
    • Find The Annexe
  • The Old Butchers
    • Book The Old Butchers
    • Find The Old Butchers
  • Contact
  • Dogs
  • Things to Do Nearby