Places to Visit
There are many things to do in the area surrounding Foxglove - click the links below to jump to that section:
Places | Beaches | Golf Courses | Eating Out
A market town just a short drive away. If you go cross the country lanes it takes about 12 minutes! If you go through Sherford back on to the main A379 it’s about 20 depending on the traffic. There is a large Somerfields which is good for the ‘big’ shop. It is worth stocking up on basics as being quite remote it’s a nuisance if you run out of milk. Tesco on line has even made it this far . We normally park at the quay. There’s a leisure centre with full size indoor pool just beside it and an excellent Tourist Information office .There’s often a ‘market’ of some sort going on there. The main street is quite a climb but there’s some interesting shops along the way, not to mention tantalizing bakeries and fresh fish shops.’ The ‘Mangetout’ deli does delicious cheese scones (amongst other healthy goodies of course!).
The ‘Reel Cinema’ is really good, very old fashioned in the seating arrangements but it has 3 screens and keeps up to date with box office movies. You can also have a pre film meal and it’s licensed so you can take a drink in to the film with you. We recommend the popcorn.
Dartmouth
Just 10 miles in the other direction and well worth a visit. The drive takes you through some lovely coastal scenery. Parking is not easy and I would recommend the park and ride. Otherwise it’s a question of luck! We tend to park on one of the higher up streets. Bit of a trek back but normally an ice cream takes away the pain of the hill. Views across to Kingswear are lovely. Good, traditional shops here. There’s a nice park for sitting or picnicking and listening to the frequent entertainment on the bandstand. It’s fascinating too ,to just wander along the quay and watch the many boats pottering around or take one of the numerous river cruises.
Again some wonderful tempting treats from the home made bakeries and Cornish pasty shops- definitely a meal in itself. You can take a ferry across to Kingswear. The steam train ride up towards Paignton is fun. There’s also a couple of National Trust places worth a visit: Coleton Fishacre and Greenway.
Salcombe
This bustling yet relaxed town sits at the south tip of the South Hams. Salcombe is a joy to explore. There’s always something new to discover and it’s surrounded by beautiful countryside and spectacular coastline. It’s not just a sailors paradise. For the novices there are trips up and down the estuary. You can take the Rivermaid as far as Kingsbridge. If you want a beach day there is a ferry to South Sands where there is a small beach and a variety of water sports, then you can walk on to Northsands. We prefer the more sheltered beaches on the East Portlemouth side: Smalls Cove, Mill Bay and Sunny Cove. In fact our favourite way to reach Salcombe is to walk along the coastal path from East Portlemouth towards Gara Rock. The scenery is wonderful. Having worked up an appetite walk back and take the ferry from East Portlemouth to Salcombe and have lunch at one of the many cafes and restaurants.
Just outside Salcombe is the fascinating National Trust property of Overbecks. It has an exotic coastal garden with tremendous views over the Salcombe Estuary. There is a wonderful children’s playroom on show too.
Totnes
For a ride out visit Totnes, which has been tastefully redeveloped over recent years.
Totnes, an ancient borough sitting on a steep promontory next to the river Dart, devotes itself in almost equal measures to arts and crafts, to history and architecture, and to eccentric lifestyles. Totnes is an absolute gem of a town - a must-do for your holiday itinerary.
Nice shops and eateries plus a fort to visit. The Dartington Cider Press Centre is a must whilst you are in the area, with treats for everyone and you can do all your holiday gift shopping in one trip! Great homemade food too, to purchase for home or have for lunch.
Plymouth
About 22 miles away but well worth a trip if you want a rest from the beaches. Access to the Dartmoor National Park with its wide open spaces and dramatic tors is good from the road to Plymouth. Buckland Abbey,former home of Sir Francis Drake lies just outside and is a great place to visit. After seeing the house there are several walks on the estate to choose from and the views are well worth the effort.
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Beaches
The area has an abundance of beaches, varied to suit all tastes.On the Bigbury to Salcombe stretch there is great surfing.Hope Cove
There are 2 sheltered beaches here, sandy and safe with lots of rock pools to air those nets. It’s also good for sailing, windsurfing and diving. Apparently dolphins and seals have been spotted here. There are 2 pubs in the village for good food and cream teas.
Thurlestone
A nice wide sandy beach. You can walk along the cliff top path to Bigbury Bay, and look over to Burgh Island. The Village Inn in Thurlestone Village is good for food.
Bantham
Probably the one we visit most- and not due to the lure of the Sloop Inn- great food, beer etc at any time of year. There is a generous car park and the children love the trek through the dunes before collapsing on the beach. A wonderful surfing beach and great for beach rounders and cricket once the tide has gone out. It is linked to Bigbury beach but you cannot actually walk from one to the other as there is the river Avon to cross which never seems to recede quite enough for you to wade through.
Bigbury Bay
The perfect beach: sun, sand, sea……You can walk across to Burgh Island at low tide. A tractor service is available if you don’t make it back before the tide comes in! Good facilities for changing, showers etc
The beaches on the other side of the Salcombe estuary lack the big waves but are as equally impressive.
Blackpool Sands
Just off the A379 towards Dartmouth . Great fun to be had here. Winsurfing, kayaking,snorkelling….
Lots of facilities ,beach cleaned every day and good parking. Ideal for a day on the beach. The beach shop caters for every need and the café has a good range of food should you forget your picnic.
Torcross
A wide expanse of sand and pebbles. The Nature Reserve of Slapton Ley is just across the road from the beach.
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Golf Courses
Once you’ve mastered the basics on the Stancombe pitch n putt you may prefer the challenge of a ‘full size’ course.
There are 3 in the area.
Thurlestone Hotel
An 18 hole course with fabulous cliff top views. £38 per round - Tel: 01548 560405
Dartmouth Golf and Country Club
Either a Championship Course - or a more accessible 9 hole course. You can play 18 holes for this of course. Booking is essential and can be done up to 7 days in advance. £38 weekday, £48 at the weekend although there are frequent special offers available - Tel: 01803 712650
Bigbury Golf Club
A stunning course. Wonderful views over to Burgh Island. It’s best to telephone for tee times as there are certain times blocked off for members. £40 per round. - Tel: 01548 810412
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Places to Eat
It will be impossible for me to mention the vast array of eateries with menus to cater for every taste and budget in the area. Here are some of the one’s we’ve enjoyed testing!
The Tower Inn, Slapton
A delightful 14th Century inn tucked away in the unspoilt village of Slapton. There are separate lunchtime and evening menus and daily specials. Booking is recommended - Tel: 01548 580216 - Post Code: TQ7 2PN for those with sat nav.
The Sloop Inn, Bantham
A 14th Century Inn just a walk away from Bantham sands. Great place any time of the year. Children friendly! Need to book as it is very popular - Tel: 01548 560489/560215.
The Tradesman’s Arms
On the road to Slapton. Excellent food although not that big so booking recommended as it is becoming increasingly popular. Lots on the menu for the children too.
Very friendly service. Everything written on a blackboard – no paper menus- so have to have a good memory! Tel:01548 580313.
The Globe Inn, Frogmore
Right on our doorstep and full refurbishment completed May 2007. Great menu. Very reasonable and something for everyone. Service is good and they have even recently introduced a take away pizza service (collect though, not deliver).
Again, best to book just to be on the safe side - Tel: 01548 531351
The Start BayInn, Torcross
Famous for its ‘fish and chips’ and seafood specialities. Enormous portions so be careful what you order! Great for the children although seating is limited and as you cannot book ahead be prepared to get there early and wait. Under 14s are only allowed in the upstairs bar. Venue is super - sea is just behind. Recently featured in the Times’ review of the best restaurants to take the kids nationwide. Hence it’s even greater popularity.
The Pigs Nose, East Prawle
Wonderful pub, lovely location overlooking the sea as well as the village green. Apart from an excellent varied menu the pub often has live music evenings - Tel: 01548 511209 - Post Code TQT 2DY
The Old Chapel Inn, St Anne’s Chapel, nr Bigbury
Wonderfully atmospheric refectory restaurant, situated in lovely countryside close to the superb beach at Bigbury. More for a special meal out than an ‘off the beach-don’t want to cook’ sort of an evening. Booking is recommended - Tel: 01548 810241 - Post Code TQ7 4HQ
The Fortescue Inn, East Allington
Superb restaurant for a special evening and very handy being only 2 miles away. Lovely varied menu although quite expensive. Recommend the scallops! Also has a less formal bar which has an excellent menu catering for all tastes - Tel: 01548 521 215
The Tree House, Mill Street, Kingsbridge
Great place for all occasions and budgets. Menu ranges from burgers and pizzas to fresh baked fish dishes and unusual starters. Definitely recommend the aubergine chips as a starter. Recommend booking - Tel: 01548 854740
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