General

Buckland-Tout-Saints is situated at the centre of the South Hams area of South Devon and is therefore the perfect place to use as a base to explore this wonderful part of the United Kingdom.

The South Hams is an area of outstanding natural beauty that benefits from a sub-tropical climate unique to this part of Britain. Extending to Plymouth in the West, to Dartmouth in the East, to Salcombe in the South, and to the Dartmoor National Park in the North, the spectacular countryside includes rolling farmland and moorland, steep and craggy cliffs, fishing villages and smuggler’s coves, and the most beautiful of beaches, rivers and estuaries. Picturesque farms, thatched cottages, and places of historic interest abound. The mild climate produces Palm trees and other exotic plants, and a riot of colour exists from early spring to late autumn.

Dartmoor

Within ten miles from Buckland-Tout-Saints one can reach the edge of one of the greatest natural spectacles of England. Made famous by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s "Hound of the Baskervilles", Dartmoor consists of beautiful rolling hills and moorland interspersed with over 200 granite tors. Streams, lakes and reservoirs filled with crystal clear water abound and the population is mainly made up from wild deer, ponies and high-flying buzzards.

Towns

Kingsbridge

Situated in the centre of the South Hams less than two miles from Buckland-Tout-Saints, Kingsbridge lies on the north end of the beautiful Salcombe Estuary. Although nowadays a recreational boating place, a hundred years ago Kingsbridge used to be a busy commercial port and market town.

This picturesque south facing town built on the side of a hill, houses a thirteenth century church and an extremely interesting museum, alongside quaint shops, pubs and restaurants.

Salcombe

This is Devon’s most southerly town and is undoubtedly set in one of the most beautiful locations.

It used to be very much a fishing port, but today is a sailing and boating centre well known to yachtsmen and women from around the world. At the entrance to the Estuary is the remains of a medieval castle which guarded the harbour nearly five hundred years ago. Clothing shops and numerous small restaurants fill the narrow streets and it is the original home of the famous Salcombe Dairies Ice Cream. On the opposite side of the Estuary is East Portlemouth where there are many wonderful coves and sandy beaches.

Totnes

First mentioned during the reign of Edgar (959 AD) Totnes is historically one of the finest towns in Britain. Located on the River Dart it boasts the remains of an early Norman Castle and two medieval gateways. Many sixteenth and seventeenth century houses line the main street.

The ruins of Berry Pomeroy Castle lie two miles to the east and Dartington Hall lies the same distance to the north. At Dartington you can discover how the world-renowned Crystal Glassware is created.

Dartmouth

The beautiful port of Dartmouth lies at the mouth of the River Dart. It is an extremely well known yachting centre and is famous for the Britannia Royal Naval College, the impressive buildings of which overlook this bustling town. Seafood restaurants and antique shops abound amongst the narrow streets.

Plymouth

Plymouth has been made famous by the achievements of Drake, Cook and Raleigh, all of whom set sail from this Port. So too did the Pilgrim Fathers when they sailed from the Barbican in the Mayflower on their epic voyage to America. Sir Francis Drake, who was once Mayor of the City, played his famous game of bowls on Plymouth Hoe before defeating the Spanish Armada at sea.

The City is also renowned for it’s "Plymouth Gin!"

Exeter

This historic city is Devon’s capital and is Roman, Saxon and Norman in origin. The first King of England built its medieval walls, and ancient underground passages and catacombs still exist today. Although extensively bombed in the war, the magnificent Cathedral and surrounding buildings in the Cathedral Close survived, so too did many other extremely old and fascinating buildings, which are now shops, pubs and restaurants.

Places of interest for adults

Historic Houses & Castles

Castle Drogo, Totnes Castle, Berry Pomeroy Castle, Dartmouth Castle, Dartington Hall, Buckfast Abbey, Cothele House, Buckland Abbey, Saltram House.

Gardens

Eden Project, Cothele Gardens, Rosemoor, Colleton Fishacre, Overbecks, Heligan, Killerton, Saltram, Lanhydrock & numerous others.

Golf

Thurlestone, Bigbury-on-Sea, Dartmouth Country Club, Moretonhampstead.

Water Sports

Sailing, swimming, diving, water skiing, fishing etc – all within a few miles of Buckland-Tout-Saints

Shooting

Arranged locally.

Places of interest for children

Beaches

(Within an eight mile radius of Buckland-tout-Saints)
Blackpool Sands, Slapton Sands, Lannacombe Beach, East Portlemouth, Salcombe, Hope Cove, Thurlestone, Bantham, Wonwell Beach.

Nature Parks / Zoos

Monkey Sanctuary – Looe, Wild Life Park – Sparkwell, Butterflies & Otters – Buckfastleigh, Paignton Zoo – Paignton.

Other

South Devon Railway – Buckfastleigh.
Moorwellham Quay – Gunnislake.
Kitley Caves – Yealmpton.

N.B. The above is only a small selection of towns and places of interests.
If you require any other information please contact us by phone or e-mail.