South Devon’s South Hams is a pocket of the country where sea air soothes the soul, cream teas come with a view, and there’s a timeless charm to every winding lane. Whether you’re staying in one of our beautifully curated holiday homes in Salcombe, Dartmouth, Noss Mayo or beyond, here’s our handpicked list of 101 ways to spend your time in style.

Waterside Pubs Worth the Journey

1. Sip a Salcombe-brewed ale at The Ferry Inn as the sun sets over the estuary.
2. Walk the coast path to the Hope & Anchor in Hope Cove for lunch with a sea breeze.
3. Dine al fresco at The Ship Inn, Noss Mayo – tideside tables and top-notch food.
4. Arrive by ferry to The Ferry Boat Inn, Dittisham – as magical as it sounds.
5. Watch the boats drift by from The Steam Packet Inn in Totnes.
6. Grab a pint at The Sloop in Bantham, a stone’s throw from the beach.
7. Walk off a roast with a river ramble from The Waterman’s Arms in Ashprington.

High-End Dining & Local Favourites

8. Book a table at The Seahorse in Dartmouth – seafood heaven.
9. Savour elegant dishes at Twenty Seven by Jamie Rogers in Kingsbridge.
10. Treat yourself to fine dining with sea views at Gara Rock, East Portlemouth.
11. Dine cliffside at The Beachhouse in South Milton – rustic, romantic, remarkable.
12. Try the tasting menu at The Elephant in Torquay – refined and local.
13. Brunch in barefoot luxury at The Winking Prawn, North Sands.
14. Share wood-fired pizzas at The Crabshell Inn, Kingsbridge, overlooking the quay.
15. Enjoy crab sandwiches and champagne at The Oyster Shack, Bigbury.

Iconic Snacks & Sweet Stops

16. Stock up on old-school sweets at Cranch’s in Salcombe.
17. Order a cone of Salcombe Dairy ice cream – honeycomb is a local favourite.
18. Bite into a warm pasty from Salcombe Bakehouse – fuel for any walk.
19. Taste artisan fudge at Roly’s in Dartmouth.
20. Sip award-winning Salcombe Gin at their waterside bar.
21. Pick up a picnic from Stokely Farm Shop near Torcross.

Walks with a View

22. Hike from Hope Cove to Thurlestone along golden beaches and rolling cliffs.
23. Amble the South West Coast Path around Hope’s Nose and Thatcher’s Point.
24. Explore the Bolt Head loop from South Sands – dramatic and rewarding.
25. Wander the woodland trails of Sharpham Estate near Totnes.
26. Stroll from Bantham to Bigbury via Burgh Island (and maybe a sea tractor ride).
27. Meander around the Avon Estuary near Aveton Gifford.
28. Enjoy a circular walk at East Soar – wildflowers, sea views, and a walker’s hut.
29. Walk the John Musgrave Heritage Trail near Kingswear.
30. Take in the views at Start Point Lighthouse.

Kid-Friendly Fun

31. Catch the steam train from Kingswear to Paignton – all aboard!
32. Get hands-on at Pennywell Farm near Buckfastleigh.
33. Paddle and rock-pool at South Sands Beach.
34. Go back in time with a visit to Kents Cavern prehistoric caves.
35. Hop aboard the Sea Tractor to Burgh Island.
36. Visit Totnes Rare Breeds Farm – owls, goats, and guinea pigs galore.
37. Try crabbing off the pontoon in Dittisham.
38. Ride the miniature railway at Dartmouth’s Coronation Park.
39. Explore the pirates’ playground at Victoria Park in Kingsbridge.
40. Walk with alpacas at Dartmoor Llama Walks.

On the Water

41. Kayak through the creeks of the Kingsbridge Estuary.
42. Paddleboard at high tide in Newton Creek.
43. Embark on a coastal wildlife boat tour in Torbay.
44. Take the tiny ferry from South Sands to Salcombe – a five-minute delight.
45. Join a RIB ride from Dartmouth for a bit of splash and speed.
46. Book a sailing lesson in Salcombe – the breeze is part of the charm.
47. Go wild swimming off the rocks at Soar Mill Cove.
48. Catch the ferry across the Dart to Greenway House.
49. Try coasteering at Gara Rock.
50. Hop on a scenic river cruise from Totnes to Dartmouth.

Culture, History & Hidden Gems

51. Visit Overbeck’s Garden – exotic plants and clifftop views.
52. Explore the ruins of Salcombe Castle at low tide.
53. Wander the artsy lanes of Totnes – full of galleries and independent shops.
54. Visit the Elizabethan market in Totnes (every Friday).
55. Tour the Dartington Estate – gardens, history, and a touch of magic.
56. Pop into the Salcombe Maritime Museum.
57. Discover Agatha Christie’s Greenway House.
58. Climb the steps of Dartmouth Castle.
59. Explore the WWII history of Slapton Sands.
60. Find the secret garden at East Portlemouth (ask a local).

Beach Bliss

61. North Sands – a classic family beach with café charm.
62. South Sands – golden, gently sloping and near the ferry.
63. Mill Bay – peaceful and perfect for paddling.
64. Thurlestone Sands – iconic arch and wide, wild views.
65. Bantham – surf, sand and views to Burgh Island.
66. Ansteys Cove – waters that resemble the mediterranean.
67. Hope Cove – picture-perfect and sheltered.
68. Mattiscombe – a hidden gem near Start Point.
69. Blackpool Sands – award-winning and elegant.
70. Sunny Cove – a local secret near Salcombe.

Shopping & Artisan Finds

71. Browse Fore Street in Salcombe for coastal chic.
72. Find vintage treasures in Totnes’ weekend market.
73. Pick up nautical homeware at Will Bees Bespoke in Salcombe.
74. Buy handmade candles in Dartmouth.
75. Pop into Ashby’s of Salcombe for outdoorsy bits and bobs.
76. Taste local cheeses at Ben’s Farm Shop.
77. Discover Totnes’ independent bookshops.
78. Try Devon-made skincare at Greenfibres, Totnes.
79. Browse contemporary crafts at Harbour House, Kingsbridge.
80. Sample olive oils and dressings at The Riverford Field Kitchen shop.

For the Romantics

81. Watch the sunset from Bolt Tail.
82. Picnic on the grass above Gara Rock.
83. Toast marshmallows on a beach bonfire at Bantham.
84. Walk hand-in-hand through the bluebell woods of Loddiswell.
85. Dine by candlelight at The Seahorse.
86. Take a private boat charter at dusk.
87. Book a couples’ spa treatment at Salcombe Harbour Hotel.
88. Share oysters and fizz at The Oyster Shack.
89. Watch the stars from your Finest Stays terrace.
90. Simply stroll – the coastpath is poetry in motion.

Just Because…

91. Visit during Salcombe Regatta for traditional seaside fun.
92. Join a yoga class on the beach at Thurlestone.
93. Try your hand at surfing (Bantham’s the spot).
94. Read a book with toes in the sand.
95. Paint the view from your balcony.
96. Listen to the church bells over the estuary.
97. Enjoy a lazy Sunday roast at The Journeys End Inn, Ringmore.
98. Wake early to catch the fishermen unloading at Brixham.
99. Forage for wild garlic in spring.
100. Take the kids on a nature trail at East Soar.
101. Do absolutely nothing at all – just soak up the magic of South Devon.

Bonus Picks: Dog-Friendly & Wellness Gems

Dog-Friendly Favourites

• Let your pup paddle at Mill Bay or North Sands.
• Enjoy the dog-welcoming terrace at The Victoria Inn in Salcombe.
• Walk from Noss Mayo to Stoke Point – great views and wagging tails guaranteed.
• Grab a bowl of water and a pasty on the lawn at The Gara Rock Hotel.
• Head to South Milton Sands – dog-friendly year-round.

Wellness by the Waves

• Book a beachside wood-fired sauna at Goodrington or Blackpool Sands.
• Join a guided cold-water swim session followed by hot tea.
• Enjoy a wellness day at Salcombe Harbour Hotel’s spa.
• Book a yoga and paddleboarding session in the Kingsbridge Estuary.

Whether you’re here for coastal adventures or culinary delights, these 101 (plus a few extra) experiences capture the essence of a stay with Finest Stays – charming, luxurious, and unmistakably South Devon.