Dittisham Holidays
You may have not even heard of Dittisham (pronounced ‘Ditsum’ by the locals). Tucked away on the west bank of the meandering River Dart, just a short ferry ride from Dartmouth, this beautiful riverside village ticks all the boxes for a romantic escape, relaxed family holiday or a get together with friends. Dittisham is a great base for exploring the River Dart by kayak or paddleboard and hiking the undulating south Devon countryside and it’s just a short drive from Dartmouth.
Dittisham is a great option if you’re planning to holiday with your dog. Our luxury dog friendly cottages in Dittisham offer the perfect self catering option with excellent walks on the doorstep. The village has a mini-market and a post office, a couple of pubs and an excellent cafe.
Browse our Holiday Homes in Dittisham
Why Holiday in Dittisham?
Tucked away in the south Devon countryside this charming village offers pure escapism from everyday life. Wind down and relax, take in the sea air as you glide along the river in your kayak or relax on a lounger with a book. Dine on the freshest local seafood and enjoy the company of family and friends. If you fancy heading to the beach, we have some stunning, unspoilt beaches just a short drive away with good facilities and plenty of space for dogs and children.
Places to Eat in Dittisham
This charming riverside village may be small but there are a number of excellent places to eat in Dittisham with a couple of good pubs and a riverside cafe serving excellent locally caught seafood. Nearby Dartmouth is easily accessed by ferry or car for some of the best restaurants including Motch Tonks’ Seahorse and Rockfish and Ellie Wentworth’s The Angel and the Embankment Bistro. So whether you’re looking for pizzas with the kids, fine dining or the best fish and chips – you’ll find it here!
Things to do in Dittisham
Dittisham may be small but it’s perfectly formed and a great base if you’re keen on watersports, walking and chilling out on the riverbank. The River Dart is easily accessed from the pontoon, a popular spot for launching kayaks, canoes or stand up paddle boards. The Dart Valley Trail passes through the village so it’s perfect for exploring the undulating south Devon countryside. Dittisham is just a short drive or ferry ride from the historic town of Dartmouth with its independent shops, galleries and excellent restaurants. So if you’re planning a holiday in Dittisham, we’ve selected a few of our favourite activities to help with your planning.
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Sunday roast season: The best South Devon roast dinner
Sunday roast season: The best South Devon roast dinner There are lots of things to look forward to when it comes to winter by the sea, from sunny, frosty mornings to cosy evenings by crackling fires, but perhaps chief amongst the seasonal joys is the traditional South Devon Sunday roast - especially if it follows a coastal walk or a bracing surf. This timeless ritual is the stuff that warm memories are made of, and with the wealth of South Devon farmers, producers, pubs, and restaurants, we're here to make the case for why Devon does it best. What makes a great South Devon roast? South Devon is spoiled for choice when it comes to superb produce. We're incredibly lucky to have fantastic local farmers and suppliers, who bring fresh fare to market, whether you want homegrown chillies, artisan cheeses, fresh eggs, seasonal veg, local meats, ciders, baked goods and more. Whether you're cooking at home or dining out, roast dinner experiences in Devon hit different. You can even explore for yourself and cook at your holiday home, with a trip to some fantastic farm shops to stock up. Favourites include, but are not limited to: Stokeley Farm Shop If you're in the South Hams, take a trip to Stokeley Farm Shop near Torcross, and you will discover a world of foodie favourites and artisan fare, all in one place. Have a cup of coffee, a slice of cake, and wander from the deli counter to the butchery, and the groceries for a whole host of Devon-based products. The Village Farm Over at East Portlemouth, The Village Farm is a certified organic livestock farm dedicated to celebrating all things local, as well as preserving the region’s wildlife. There's a cafe and an organic farm shop where they sell their own produce as well as plenty of other locally made items. Aune Valley For culinary connoisseurs looking to create a Devon-inspired dinner, it's hard to beat Aune Valley. A family business spanning three generations, they are farmers at heart, with a fantastic cafe at their site in Loddiswell, as well as a farm shop. Riverford Organic Farmers We can't mention local farms without talking about the famous Riverford. Leading the veg revolution since 1986, it's just outside Totnes, and offers produce that's 100% organic. They're best known for the veg boxes, but they also offer farm-fresh essentials like eggs and milk so you're ready to whip up a fabulous South Devon Sunday lunch. Best South Devon roast dinners If you want to eat out, whether it's a restorative late lunch or a delectable dinner, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to South Devon roast dinners. From fine dining to coastal inns, family-friendly locations to restful retreats for two, there's something for every vibe and occasion. Amongst our top recommendations, you might like to try: Cary Arms & Spa, Babbacombe In a magical location with views of the Jurassic coastline, the Cary Arms is a beachfront inn that offers romance and natural splendour. Multi-award-winning, it dates to the early 17th century, and once hosted Prince Albert for tea! Its restaurant is a destination in its own right, serving an array of local fare, from Lyme Bay lobster and their catch of the day to grass-fed Devon beef. With that pedigree, it's little wonder their South Devon Sunday roast is a hit, whether you opt for roasted topside of beef with garlic and thyme, or slow roasted stuffed pork belly with an apple cider jus. The Cricket Inn, Beesands A true Devon gem, The Cricket Inn is an unassuming beachside inn in the tiny village of Beesands, which is inviting whether you pop in after a daytime jaunt along the pebble beach, or for a leisurely South Devon roast dinner in the evening. Having opened in 1867, while the village once capitalised on its small boat fishing trade, the advent of large trawlers has left the sector diminished. Nonetheless, a few fishermen still work from the beach and proudly bring their catch to the inn as an addendum to a menu dedicated to local suppliers. They also add a charge for tap water, for the purposes of donating it to the Devon Air Ambulance. Having been awarded an AA rosette, their offering is complete with a South Devon Sunday lunch where 'second innings' includes choices like stripling of beef and roast pork loin, or alternative offerings like salt baked celeriac with honey roasted parsnips and seasonal greens. The Crabshell Inn, Kingsbridge In an enviable waterfront location in Kingsbridge, The Crabshell Inn is a buzzy cornerstone of the local community, offering a family-friendly atmosphere, a vibrant bar, and all-day dining. Watch the world go by as you sip on your drink of choice and tuck into seasonal fare that will leave you suitably sated. Their Sunday roast options mean there's plenty to choose from, whether you opt for classic roast turkey; a delectable brie, cranberry, and mushroom wellington; or a plant-based apricot and chestnut roast. The Dartmouth Arms, Dartmouth In a beautiful riverside setting, The Dartmouth Arms is a traditional pub in historic Bayards Cove - an area famed for hosting the Mayflower on her way to America in 1620. Warm and welcoming, it's the place to go for a ploughman's or a pint, so it's little surprise they are a contender for the best Sunday roast in Devon. Their three-course Sunday menu is a mouthwatering extravaganza, where the main event gives you a choice between roast beef, lamb, or a nut roast, complete with all the trimmings (stuffing, roasted potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, cauliflower cheese, homemade gravy and seasonal veg). A Sunday dinner in South Devon prepared by a private chef Of course, if you really want to show off with restaurant-grade food in the comfort of your own holiday home, then nothing will make you feel indulged quite like a private chef preparing your very own South Devon roast dinner. Catering to your every want and need, when you book a holiday with Finest Stays, you can choose to step things up a gear with catering that goes the extra mile. Whether it's a special occasion, or simply ‘just because’, top chefs can come to your home and prepare a South Devon Sunday roast of dreams, without you having to change out of your PJs. We can even arrange for a photographer to join if you want to mark an occasion like an anniversary or birthday. Find our more about our private chef experiences A Sunday roast and South Devon stay the Finest way Whether you are looking for a cosy South Devon escape for two brimming with nostalgia; a family holiday; or a super-luxe getaway to celebrate a special occasion, at Finest Stays we have something for everyone. Enjoy beautiful places to stay as well as recommendations for the best Sunday roast in Devon. All you need to do is get in touch, and we can do the rest. Find your dream Devon escape
New Year's events in South Devon
New Year's events in South Devon Whether you want to party the night away on New Year’s Eve in South Devon, or wake up fresh as a daisy on 1st January for a bracing sea swim, while there's always something magical about seeing out the old and bringing in the new, nowhere sets intentions better for a happy, healthy year ahead than South Devon celebrations. Here are a few of the Devon hotspots and ideas, whether you want fireworks and fizz, a cosy night in by the fire, or a party at an amazing holiday home with your nearest and dearest. New Year’s Eve South Devon street party in Dartmouth Dartmouth is known for being one of the most iconic locations for New Year’s Eve in South Devon, with midnight fireworks over the River Dart and lots of local events to add to the street party atmosphere. Local pubs and bars, such as Bar 1620 Dartmouth, are known for hosting live music and special offers. The George and Dragon is another one that likes to go all out, with their G&D Fancy Dress Party, while cosy cafes are well known for providing the perfect pick-me-up in the morning. New Year's Dartmouth party pad: Harbour View A waterside apartment, 2 Dart Marina is a luxurious bolthole in the perfect location for watching the fireworks without leaving the comfort of your holiday home. Restful and stylish, you're at once in the ideal place to get involved with the festivities and to get home when you're all partied out! Find out more South Devon celebrations in Salcombe For many, Salcombe is the ultimate South Devon holiday destination - and there's plenty of reasons why. You would recognise that estuary anywhere, creating the perfect backdrop for a beautiful start to the New Year. The town's bars and restaurants are brimming with excitement come 31st December, with a glamorous New Year's Eve party at South Sands Hotel, or a gorgeous tasting menu at the Harbour Hotel's Jetty Restaurant. Meanwhile, on New Year's Day, the RNLI hosts a fun run starting in Island Street so you can race into 2026, or join the brave at heart for a traditional New Year's Day swim in the estuary. Room for everyone: White Horses Gather family and friends for a joyful celebration with a stay at Vine House overlooking Batson Creek. Sleeping up to 8 people, this is the ideal place for heading into town for an evening out, then returning to see in the New Year together with views of the estuary washing in health and happiness. Find out more Party island at Bigbury-on-Sea The traditional Burgh Island Hotel party is arguably the most glamorous ticket in town. The famous, Art Deco hotel hosts a vintage-inspired black-tie soirée overlooking the Atlantic, which transports you back in time. It features cocktails and canapés in the Palm Court Bar, dinner, music, dancing, and cabaret. As the clock strikes midnight, fireworks will light up the sky above, heralding the arrival of 2026. On New Year's Day, head to The Pilchard Inn for a hearty and restorative lunch by the beach. Group getaway: Northside Continue the sense of glamour with a group getaway in the peaceful folds of South Devon. Sleeping up to 10 people, Northside offers every luxury, from cosy afternoons by the wood-burning stove to laughter-filled evenings around the dining table. Find out more Crafts and creativity in Kingsbridge With festive lights still twinkling, the market town of Kingsbridge is picture perfect around Christmas and New Year, and the community's proprietors merrily rise to the occasion with a host of seasonal South Devon events to see in 2026. The Old Warehouse promises a dinner and party complete with a glass of Prosecco on arrival and live music 'til 1am. Head over to The Sloop at Bantham for a New Year’s Eve South Devon Party with a buffet dinner and bubbles at midnight. Or, perhaps a jaunt around Kingsbridge Christmas Market is more your speed. Running until 4.30 on 31st December, it invites you to discover trinkets and treasures from talented local makers. A romantic retreat: The Wild Hare A cosy, one-bedroom hideaway for two, The Wild Hare is an enchanting place to stay, brimming with country charm, but also offering amenities including an outdoor hot tub. In a tranquil location, The Wild Hare boasts tranquil communal gardens, exposed beams and a wood-burning stove. Find out more New Year’s Day dips An unofficial South Devon tradition to christen the New Year is to take a dip in the sea. Arguably the best cure for a hangover, a brisk swim (or Baltic dash) into the water is the cleansing rush that ensures a fresh start to set you up for the next 12 months. Take to the sea at popular beaches like North Sands, South Milton Sands, Hope Cove, and Bantham, all of which offer immense natural beauty, not to mention seaside sustenance at restaurants and cafes where you can warm up in style. Dive right in: The Lanterns For those who want to dive right in on New Year's Day, a stay at The Lanterns leaves you without any excuses. The property sits right on the cliffside in Hope Cove, complete with its easy access to beaches for wild swimming, coastal walks and an abundance of dining options. Find out more Classic coastal walks and pub lunches It would be remiss not to go on a coastal walk on New Year's Day, taking in the views along the South West Coast Path as you stroll. Perhaps you will set out early and do a lengthy hike from Salcombe to Bantham, or maybe you will do a gentle jaunt, taking a loop around the headland from East Soar or Snape's Point. Breathe deep and take full advantage of being in this beautiful area, stopping off in the middle or at the end for a hearty pub lunch replete with ingredients from Devon's local larder. Favourite haunts include The Victoria Inn in Salcombe, The Cricket Inn at Beesands, The Hope and Anchor at Hope Cove, or The Village Inn at Thurlestone - to name a few. Step out for a stroll: Mandalay With views over the North Sands valley and out to sea, Mandalay is a little world of its own but it offers easy access to all the best things Salcombe has to offer. A substantial house sleeping up to 10 guests, it is beautifully located for heading straight out for a walk up to the South West Coast Path, and ending right back at your holiday home. Find out more New Year coastal breaks in finest style Whether you’re raising a glass at a glittering gala, watching fireworks over the harbour, or taking a windswept walk along the cliffs on New Year’s Day, South Devon offers a refreshingly beautiful start to the year ahead. With its blend of coastal charm, community spirit, and timeless scenery, it’s the finest place to begin 2026 - all you need now is the perfect place to stay. Find your perfect pad for New Year in South Devon
South Devon winter walks and cosy coffee stops
South Devon winter walks and cosy coffee stops One of the top things to do in winter in South Devon is to get outside into the dramatic landscape for a jolly good hike, before settling in for well-deserved coffee and cake at the abundance of cosy cafes. In the mood for bracing South Devon winter walks, from cliff top trails to woodland wanders? Pop on your wellies, wrap up warm, and head to a few of our favourites for guaranteed rosy cheeks, feel-good-factor, and soul soothing sustenance as your reward. A gentle jaunt around Daddyhole Plain in Torquay In the area known as the English Riviera, Torquay sits in a horseshoe-shaped bay and is known for its palm trees, Victorian villas, and impressive marina. There are lots of walks in the surrounding area, but for a gentle jaunt, the twoo-mile loop around Daddyhole Plain offers views of the harbour and the bay itself. Taking you through a conservation area, rich in rare plants and wildlife, including its own colony of the nationally endangered horseshoe bats, it’s a walk brimming with intrigue. Coffee shop: Meadfoot Beach Cafe Located at the bottom of the steps leading up to the plain, Meadfoot Beach Cafe is in an enviable location overlooking the water and the Blue Flag beach. Understated, warm, and welcoming, they are dog-friendly and offer a menu that ranges from hearty fare to great cakes. The Revelstoke Drive and Noss Mayo circular loop For a winter walk that spans woodland, picturesque villages, and far-reaching ocean views, the Revelstoke Drive and Noss Mayo walk is a circular loop, starting in the National Trust car park on Hannaford Road. Around four miles in total, it's guaranteed to work up an appetite, with a healthy number of Devon hills to climb. Before you get back to the car park at the end, you go through the old fishing village of Noss Mayo - then it’s time for that well-earned cup of tea. Coffee shop: The Green Deli Add a slight detour to your loop and head into Newton Ferrers for a visit to The Green Deli - an independent deli-cafe, specialising in local produce. Proponents of fresh bread and proper coffee, they serve breakfast, lunch, and all the bits in between, and also have plenty for you to take home as well. A South Devon winter walk from Little Dartmouth Taking you towards Dartmouth Harbour, this enchanting four-mile loop offers estuary views and vistas of boats bobbing along. See how many different species of wildlife you can spot along your way, not to mention the ruins of the old Civil War fort, Gallants Bower. Start at Little Dartmouth National Trust car park, and enjoy the journey. Coffee shop: Dartmouth Castle Tea Rooms For a cup of tea with a difference, stop off at Dartmouth Castle Tea Rooms and tuck into savoury snacks, sweet treats, and superb coffee surrounded by the ramparts of Dartmouth Castle. The impressive artillery fort was built to protect Dartmouth harbour, with parts of it dating to the 1380s. Adventure along The Avon Estuary from Bantham For those in the mood for an adventurous day out, the 8.8 mile walk along The Avon Estuary is a treat. Start in Bantham Sand car park, and roam from muddy lanes to the tidal road, wooden banks along the estuary, and over the historic salt marsh bridge. Along the way, keep an eye out for herons near Cockleridge, Curlews, and perhaps swimming trout and salmon. Coffee shop: Gastrobus X Bosko Bus Set yourself up for the day's exertions with breakfast baps, burritos, locally roasted coffee and baked goods at the Gastrobus X Bosko Bus, located in the carpark at Bantham beach. The popular food truck is known for its range of fare, including plenty of healthy options. Check the opening times before you head out to avoid disappointment. The scenic route from Salcombe to Soar Mill Cove A 6.6-mile curricular route from North Sands car park in Salcombe, along to Bolt Head, past Starehole Bay, all the way to Soar Mill Cove, the South West Coast Path takes you on one of the most breathtaking routes on a challenging hike that's well-worth a caffeine hit at the end. A spectacularly beautiful walk that invites you to keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, wild flowers, and more, you can pick up a snack at East Soar Outdoor Experience's Walkers' Hut honesty cafe to keep you going before finishing off at the famous Winking Prawn. Coffee shop: The Winking Prawn If you have not yet been to The Winking Prawn, then now is your chance. This beachside cafe has been welcoming guests for almost 30 years, and is a landmark in its own right. Recently featured in the Hollywood movie, The Roses, its shabby chic interiors are warm and welcoming - visit for breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea, cake, ice cream, and summer barbecues. You might opt to swap out coffee and cake for a pint of prawns and a glass of wine, or our personal favourite, deep-fried popcorn shrimp with sweet chilli dip. You can even pick up a pink prawn hoodie as a holiday souvenir. Stroll from Salcombe to East Portlemouth and Gara Rock Perhaps one of the most iconic walks in Salcombe is when you take the Salcombe Ferry over to East Portlemouth, and make your way along the coast path up to Gara Rock. Roughly four miles once you're on the East Portlemouth shore, it gives you a different view of this picture-perfect coastal town from the other side of the estuary, wiggling along the coast past popular beaches all the way to Gara Rock Hotel. Stop off there for lunch, coffee, cake or a tipple, and then take the easy way back to the ferry - mostly downhill through woodland. Coffee shop: Gara Rock Hotel Ultra stylish, Gara Rock Hotel is a clifftop retreat that always offers a warm welcome to guests, and is also dog-friendly. Step onto the underfloor heating after a bracing stroll, and into a contemporary but cosy space with panoramic views of the crashing waves below. Hope Cove hike to Bolberry Down For a circular loop with coffee or lunch in the middle, a hike from the beautiful Hope Cove, up along the coast path past an Iron Age (700BC to 43AD) promontory fort, and along to Bolberry Down is a joy. Upwards on the way out via Bolt Tail, and largely downhill on the way back, take in the most incredible views that stretch all the way towards Bigbury Bay and out into the deep blue yonder. It's just under five miles in total. Coffee shop: Thirty-Three by the Sea Owned by Jamie Burnard of Kingsbridge’s Twenty-Seven restaurant, Thirty-Three by the Sea sits proudly on the headland in the middle of this walk, and is a vibrant space open for teas, coffees and light bites all the way through to seafood feasts. A stroll from Bantham to South Milton Sands Start in the Bantham car park by the beach, and head out for a bracing stroll along the coast towards South Milton Sands (you can turn back at Thurlestone Sands for a slightly shorter route). A circular jaunt, you get the most impressive views of the crashing waves as you go along the golf course and past Leas Foot Sands. If you continue to South Milton Sands you can refuel at the Beachhouse, or continue back to the end of your walk and stop off at The Sloop Inn at the end. Coffee shop: The Beachhouse or The Sloop Inn The Beachhouse at South Milton is the stuff of storybooks - a literal beach shack serving fresh fare in a buzzy environment. After a devastating fire destroyed the original premises in the summer of 2025, they have returned as a quirky pop-up, and we are absolutely here for it! You can also head to The Sloop Inn at Bantham for post-walk sustenance in the popular 14th-century inn. It is steeped in tradition and history, and has mastered the art of superb fish and chips. Deer Park Trails in Dartington The Dartington Estate near Totnes is a magical place, boasting more than 800 acres of forest, rivers, and wildlife-rich countryside. Within it, you're invited to walk as you please, whether it's enjoying the glorious Grade II listed gardens, or on longer adventures. The Deer Park is particularly beautiful for exploring, whether you go on their short, one-mile trail, which is great for pushchairs, or the longer route along the River Dart, which is just over two miles. Coffee shop: Garden Café Also within the Dartington Estate are a number of foodie favourites, from the White Hart Pub & Restaurant, to The Green Table, Montreal-Style Bagels, and the Garden Café. All offer something special, but we particularly like the Garden Café for its collection of home baked cakes, scones, cookies and tea cakes. Explore Blackdown Rings Blackdown Rings is a unique location for exploration, offering an impressive viewpoint and geological intrigue. Consisting of an Iron Age hill fort with a Norman motte and bailey castle within the prehistoric embankment, it's a location with lots of history. There's a fairly easy circular walk of around half a mile in length, which is a great way for the whole family to get out into the fresh air. It's also very close to Andrew’s Wood, a Devon Wildlife Trust nature reserve, which offers three different walking routes, all of which take about 40 minutes long. Coffee shop: Heron Valley Coffee Shop & Bar After getting your fill of fresh air, hop in the car for the three-minute drive to Heron Valley Coffee Shop & Bar in Loddiswell, which is surrounded by orchards, high up on the banks of the Avon River Valley. A beautiful place to warm up, they serve wood-roasted coffee, and a carefully curated menu of delicious dishes. It's also the site of Weaver Green, so you can shop for gorgeous, recycled and sustainable home furnishings at the same time! Beach walk from Holbeton to Mothecombe Beach Mothecombe Beach is a real (fairly hidden) treasure of a beach location, set in a secluded corner of South Devon. Accessible only on foot, it's a privately owned beach on the Erme estuary, close to Holbeton, and dogs are allowed on the sand from 1st October to the end of April, making it ideal for Devon winter walks. The gentle stroll from the village to the beach is just under two miles through quiet country lanes, and is a lovely way to venture out into the fresh air. Coffee shop: The School House Devon The School House Devon is perfect for warming up after a run around on the sand. In the heart of The Flete Estate, it's a five-minute walk from Mothecombe beach, with a Mediterranean influenced vibe and everything from breakfast to sourdough pizzas on the menu. There's always a cake of the day, as well as more substantial dishes. When you're ordering your sides, don't forget to add the rosemary salted fries. Perfect places to stay in South Devon Whether it’s a windswept coastal path or a gentle riverside stroll, winter walking in South Devon is about slowing down and savouring the season, but of course, it wouldn’t be complete without somewhere to stop, find sustenance, and enjoy the feeling of a well-earned rest. Stay in a hideaway so you can step straight out of your door and onto a footpath, or book a holiday home in the heart of town so you can flop into the nearest cafe whenever you feel like it. With South Devon coffee shops tucked into beachside corners and scenic locations, Devon winter walks come with comfort and style waiting at the end. So, lace up your boots, breathe in that fresh sea air, and reward yourself with the warmth and welcome that makes our beautiful corner of the world special at all times of the year. For more things to do in winter South Devon and the best places to stay, explore Finest Stays
10 Things to do in Devon this Christmas
Escape the hustle and bustle of the pre Christmas frenzy and come and join us in Devon this Christmas. Where the market towns morph into winter wonderlands, the streets are buzzing with festive delights and the harbours festooned with coloured lights.
