Exploring South Devon in a VW Campervan

May 3, 2015December 19, 2017 Vanessa James 0 Comments

Exploring South Devon in a VW campervan is the perfect way to experience its stunning beaches and Devon at its best. With coves, islands, sandy shores, villages and moors, below are some of the highlight not to miss!

Salcombe SatNav TQ8 8LH

Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (ANOB), Salcombe has something to offer everyone. It is surrounded by picturesque villages, magnificent coastal scenery and stunning beaches. Look out for the magnificent views of the Kingsbridge estuary from the town- it is easy to see how popular the area is with the sailing fraternity! Take a ferry to East Portlemouth beach with its picturesque coves and fine soft sand.

The town is vibrant and busy, a great place for a little retail therapy! If you are looking for a place to eat, there is a wide choice of restaurants and bars along Fore Street, serving the best of Devon produce. In the summer months it is advisable to take advantage of the ‘park and ride’ service (situated on the A381) in order to avoid having to negotiate the picturesque but narrow streets around the town.

Bigbury–on-Sea SatNav TQ7 4AZ

A large sandy beach with a tidal causeway linking to Burgh Island, very popular with families offering safe fun especially for children. Life guards are on duty during summer months. When the tide is in you can still reach the island by hitching a ride on the popular and unique ‘sea tractor’. Bodyboarding, surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing are popular pastimes on this beach with hire facilities available right on the beach. Check out the café that specialises in selling organic and local food. Its ‘surf ‘n’ turf’ is one of the best in the area. On site parking is available with easy access to the beach from the car park.

Hope Cove SatNav TQ7 3HW

Only a few miles away from Salcombe, Hope Cove is a picturesque fishing village and once a favourite haunt for smugglers! If you need a place to relax and unwind this is an ideal destination. Parking is available in Outer Hope with a short walk along the coastal path to Inner Hope. Hope Cove offers sheltered, sandy beaches, small shops, and a choice of places to eat close by. Walk the coastal path to Salcombe and discover this spectacular stretch of coast. The open access pathway at Bolberry Down makes it easy for all ages to get a taste of the south Devon coast.

Dartmouth SatNav TQ6 9AP

Sat at the mouth of the River Dart, boats are big in all senses in Dartmouth. This is the place to immerse yourself in England’s heritage. Take time to explore Dartmouth Castle or Britannia Royal Naval College where the queen met her future husband. The Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta takes place annually over three days at the end of August. A short ferry trip across the river takes you to Kingswear where you can pick up the steam train to the English Riviera. Or climb aboard the river taxi for a visit to Greenaway, crime writer Agatha Christie’s former home that is now owned by the National Trust. There are plenty of great cafes and restaurants in the town with a heavy emphasis on locally caught seafood. A ’park and ride ‘ service is available just outside Dartmouth on the A3122 where it joins with the A379.

Bantham SatNav TQ7 3AN

If you want to experience one of the best surf beaches in Devon then Bantham beach is the place for you. It is also an ideal beach for swimming and paddling for all the family. It remains unspoilt with the aim of keeping it as natural as possible so if you are there for the day you will need to take a picnic. There is a large carpark available with a walk over the dunes to the beach. Encourage everyone.