Kingswear Holidays
With its brightly painted cottages clinging to the hillside, Kingswear sits at the mouth of the River Dart with outstanding views to Dartmouth and the sea.
Why Holiday in Kingswear?
Just a 5 minute ferry crossing from Dartmouth, and a short car journey from Brixham (on the other side of the head), this peaceful village puts you right in the heart of South Devon and everything it has to offer.
The Dartmouth Steam Railway is one of the area’s most unique attractions. From Kingswear, it winds along the river Dart before turning inland to reach Paignton. You don’t have to be a train enthusiast to experience how marvellous this little railway is. From the comfort of your window seat, you can take in the beauty of the South Hams. Why not hop off at one of the stops along the way and explore the English Riviera some more?
Places to Eat in Kingswear
With views across the river to Dartmouth and Dartmouth Castle, Kingswear’s picturesque waterfront is the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat or a drink. Despite its small size, the village has a handful of delightful pubs and restaurants and is just a stone’s throw from all that the neighbouring town has to offer.
Things to do in Kingswear
Kingswear is the perfect village for water sport lovers. Located at the mouth of the estuary, there is plenty of space on the water for all. From sailing boats to canoes and paddleboards, the harbour is always buzzing with activity.
If you can’t get enough of the water, take a trip to one of the beaches nearby. Some of South Devon’s best beaches, such as Blackpool Sands and Thurlestone Sands, are within easy reach when you are staying at one of our Kingswear holiday cottages.
Beautiful coastal trails wrap around the village and are perfect for those who are after a more active holiday. Either take the Dart Valley Trail and follow the river inland to Greenway and Stoke Gabriel or opt for a breezier route across the headland on the Southwest Coastal Path over to Brixham. Stop at Berry Head and see if you can spot Mew Stone just out to sea.
Things to do
More Kingswear Inspiration
Taste of Summer: A Food Lover’s Guide to Devon
Taste of Summer: A Food Lover’s Guide to Devon There’s something truly magical about summer in Devon. The golden evenings, the scent of sea air mixed with barbecues, and the slow rhythm of countryside living. Whether you’re staying in a spacious holiday home with friends and family or hosting a wellness retreat in the South Hams, food is often at the heart of the experience. Devon’s vibrant culinary scene is built on its rich agricultural roots, its access to the coast, and its community of passionate producers and chefs. From private chefs who come to you, to doorstep deliveries of organic wine and veg, and charming farm shops that overflow with local treasures, there are endless ways to savour the season. Here’s your guide to the very best food experiences in Devon this summer, a blend of indulgence, simplicity, and connection to place. Private Chefs & Food Catering in Devon Image credit to Wild Artichokes, Devon Hosting a dinner without lifting a finger is one of life’s ultimate luxuries, and in South Devon, it’s easier than you think. Whether you’re celebrating a big birthday, gathering your favourite people under one roof, or running a catered retreat, a private chef allows you to relax and enjoy the moment while someone else takes care of the kitchen. Devon’s private chefs bring a wide variety of culinary styles and specialties to the table. Le Guest Chef, headed by a former chef of The Millbrook, is known for their elegant, Devon-inspired dishes using local, seasonal ingredients whilst Nick Pearce Cooking and Stewart King come with a passion for local, seasonal produce. For something with a royal edge, Kate Pennell, once the personal chef to King Charles III, crafts bespoke menus with precision and flair, ideal for refined dinner parties. If you’re looking for Mediterranean flavours and a relaxed al fresco feel, chefs like The Wandering Cook and Wild Garlic infuse their menus with sun-soaked simplicity. Their experience in fine dining meets Devon's abundance of fresh produce in the most effortless way. Meanwhile, Devon Cooks, led by Nina Groves, is perfect for families or laid-back groups looking for wholesome, flavoursome meals made with heart. New to the scene but already making a strong impression, Katie Michaels combines Cordon Bleu training with Michelin-starred experience to deliver refined, seasonal menus with creativity and confidence. Based between Somerset and North Cornwall, she travels across the South West to cater for private dinners, group stays, and celebratory events. Want something a bit quirky or off the beaten path? Eat Nice Be Nice serves up ethical, home-grown food from a converted Land Rover Defender and will soon be opening their own private restaurant in a walled kitchen garden. And if you fancy something to take away or enjoy without the formality of a sit-down dinner, Wild Artichokes and The Greedy Table both offer creative drop-off catering, from rustic feasts to refined dishes ready to reheat and serve. Booking a private chef isn’t just about the food, it’s about turning your evening into an event, with thoughtful touches, warm service, and the chance to experience Devon’s flavours in the comfort of your holiday setting. Food & Drink Delivery Services in Devon Image credit to Riverford Organic Farmers If you’d rather take the DIY approach to dining but still want convenience and quality, Devon’s food and drink delivery scene is bursting with fresh, local goodness. From organic farm boxes to boutique wineries and independent producers, everything you need can be delivered straight to your door. Riverford Organic, based just outside Totnes, is one of the UK’s best-known organic farms, and for good reason. Their vegetable boxes are filled with seasonal, hand-picked produce from Devon soil, and their recipe kits make it easy to create fresh, nutritious meals for groups without the hassle of planning. Whether you’re catering for vegetarians, feeding a family, or preparing a wellness retreat, Riverford is a summer staple. Wine lovers can enjoy a real taste of the region thanks to Sharpham Wine & Cheese. Nestled in the Dart Valley, this award-winning vineyard produces elegant English wines that pair perfectly with sunshine and seafood. You can order bottles of white, rosé, sparkling, or red, along with their creamy Sharpham cheeses, direct to your door for a ready-made Devon tasting evening. Looking for local meat for the barbecue or artisanal baked goods for a relaxed brunch? Many independent producers also offer delivery, including Aune Valley Meats and South Devon Chilli Farm. Whether it’s fresh sourdough, spicy preserves, or sausages and steak for the grill, Devon’s larder is just a click away. For larger groups or longer stays, consider pre-ordering grocery boxes or hampers ahead of your trip. Many delivery services offer flexible packages tailored for self-catered holidays, so you can arrive with a fridge stocked with the best the region has to offer. Farm Shops & Foodie Spots in the South Hams Part of the charm of holidaying in South Devon is the chance to explore its country lanes, market towns, and farm shops, each one filled with character, community, and culinary treasures. If you’re keen to build your own feast, plan a barbecue, or pack the perfect beach picnic, these are the places to go. Ben’s Farm Shop in Yealmpton and Staverton is a must-visit for organic produce, sourdough bread, and handmade deli items. Their commitment to sustainable farming and low-waste packaging makes them a favourite among locals and visitors alike. It’s the kind of place where you pop in for eggs and leave with a basket full of Devon-made delights. Near Loddiswell, Aune Valley Farm Shop is a go-to for premium cuts of meat, sausages, and marinated skewers, ideal for summer barbecues. Their adjoining café is perfect for a pit stop, offering hearty breakfasts and fresh coffee. Stokeley Farm Shop, just outside Torcross, is another gem. It offers a well-stocked butcher, bakery, and local wines and ales, along with an on-site café and a huge outdoor seating area, great for kids and groups. It’s a proper one-stop shop for a day of exploring and provisioning. In Salcombe, the Salcombe Deli and Salcombe Meat Company make it easy to stock up without leaving the town. Meanwhile, Valley View Farm Shop near Loddiswell offers beautiful views along with seasonal fruit and veg, local dairy, preserves, and ice cream, plus picnic benches to enjoy a bite with a view. Many of these shops also sell gift items, from locally made gin to eco-friendly homewares, so you can take a little piece of Devon home with you. Your Summer, Served Whether you’re enjoying an elegant meal prepared by a private chef, sipping chilled English wine on the terrace, or browsing a farm shop for the evening’s barbecue, Devon makes it easy to eat well and live well. This summer, immerse yourself in the tastes, stories, and traditions that make this region such a special place to visit. From field to fork, coast to kitchen, South Devon’s food scene is a celebration of flavour, simplicity, and togetherness. And for those unforgettable moments shared around the table, Explosures, a local photography team led by Kathryn, can be on hand to capture it all, creating lasting memories of your stay. Browse our South Devon holiday homes.
Indoor Activities & Rainy-Day Attractions in Devon
The ultimate guide to indoor Devon attractions & rainy-day activities perfect for families & couples. Plan a memorable rainy day out in Devon with Finest Stays.
The Best Restaurants in Devon
The Best Restaurants in Devon Here in Devon we are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to foodie finds. Devon's delicious array of restaurants really does have something for everyone. Here is our top 10 best restaurants - trust us, you'll want to save this for later! Andria - Dartmouth Food so sensationally good that the Good Food Guide UK has placed them in the top 100 UK restaurants in 2023. This gorgeous and beloved little restaurant on Lower Street in Dartmouth serves locals and visitors truly delightful dishes—well worth booking, in our opinion. The Seahorse - Dartmouth This beautifully elegant bistro with an open kitchen and leather banquettes is one to book for that very special occasion. Fresh fish arrives daily from small boats landing just a few miles from the door, and their wine selection is simply divine. River Exe Café - Exmouth A boat trip to this wonderful floating restaurant is an absolute treat. Yes, that's right—it's a restaurant on the water! The River Exe Café is a unique, award-winning restaurant floating in the River Exe, serving some of the most delicious dishes, including oysters, mussels, and beautiful seafood sharing platters. The Elephant - Torquay Situated by the beautiful Torquay harbour, this Michelin Star restaurant is a must-visit. Many of their ingredients are grown and reared from the restaurant’s very own dedicated farm in Brixham, South Devon. Gidleigh Park - Newton Abbot Set majestically on the bubbling upper reaches of the River Teign, Gidleigh Park enjoys an exquisite location on the very edge of Dartmoor National Park. Their Michelin Star restaurant is truly spectacular, using only the best seasonal ingredients, many freshly harvested from their own kitchen garden. Gather - Totnes A cosy restaurant in the beating heart of Totnes, the Gather kitchen showcases dishes using locally sourced and wild foraged ingredients from the fields, shoreline, rivers, and hedgerows. We recommend booking the tasting menu for the full "Gather" experience. You won’t regret it! Emelia - Ashburton A small Italian eatery and wine spot located in the charming market town of Ashburton. Watch the chefs prepare truly sensational, authentic Italian food, and get ready to be utterly delighted! The Beach House - South Milton When it comes to restaurant locations, it doesn’t get much prettier than this. Overlooking Thurlestone Rock, the Beach House is located on South Milton Sands, part of the National Trust Estate. Conde Nast recommended and beloved by locals, this laidback foodie destination sits in a rustic beach house right on the sand. Open year-round, with plenty of outside seating for the summer and a snug, cosy atmosphere inside for the winter. Le Petit Monde - Bideford In France, "Le Petit Monde" means your circle of friends—people that come together to enjoy and share. That’s precisely the feeling you’ll get at this lovely little French bistro in Bideford. Expect fantastic French food (even frog legs, if you’re feeling brave!) and, as you might expect from an authentic French restaurant owned by a French couple, the wine menu is second to none. The Bull Inn - Totnes The Bull Inn is a fantastic organic, radical, and ethical pub with a seasonally-led restaurant. It serves ingredient-driven dishes cooked from scratch, and their genuinely seasonal menu changes daily before every service. In our opinion, this is a must-visit—the food and atmosphere here are quite simply superb.
Best South Devon Days Out
South Devon is a great place for a holiday, whether you’re a first timer or a seasoned visitor, you’ll soon discover there’s something for everyone.
