Lorna’s guidebook

Lorna
Lorna’s guidebook

Activities/Attractions

the steam railway from Paignton to Dartmouth is a joy. You can stop at various points along the way, and can include a river cruise in Dartmouth. Actually, you can do the route in a number of ways including a boat from Torquay. All info on their website.
110 locals recommend
Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat Company
Queen's Park Road
110 locals recommend
the steam railway from Paignton to Dartmouth is a joy. You can stop at various points along the way, and can include a river cruise in Dartmouth. Actually, you can do the route in a number of ways including a boat from Torquay. All info on their website.
My no 1 recommendation for younger children (although older children also love cuddling the animals in our experience). Our 10 year old still loves it here. Brilliantly run, and indoor play in case it rains (and if it rains you get a free ticket to come back another day). Book ahead online.
95 locals recommend
Pennywell Farm
Lower Dean
95 locals recommend
My no 1 recommendation for younger children (although older children also love cuddling the animals in our experience). Our 10 year old still loves it here. Brilliantly run, and indoor play in case it rains (and if it rains you get a free ticket to come back another day). Book ahead online.
Great for older children: zorbing, Go Ape, Zip Wires, etc. Also lots of fun for younger children so good if you have different ages to cater for: kayaks, pirate ship, big play equipment.
59 locals recommend
River Dart Country Park
59 locals recommend
Great for older children: zorbing, Go Ape, Zip Wires, etc. Also lots of fun for younger children so good if you have different ages to cater for: kayaks, pirate ship, big play equipment.
Good for older children: bike tracks, Zip Wires etc. Great walks and some play equipment for younger children. Cafe, loos.
88 locals recommend
Haldon Forest Park (Forestry England)
Bullers Hill
88 locals recommend
Good for older children: bike tracks, Zip Wires etc. Great walks and some play equipment for younger children. Cafe, loos.
on the doorstep! you can walk from the house by going across the field opposite, and turning right and following the trail up the hill and around.
13 locals recommend
Stover Country Park
13 locals recommend
on the doorstep! you can walk from the house by going across the field opposite, and turning right and following the trail up the hill and around.
fun theme park - rides for smaller and older children. Book in advance.
175 locals recommend
Crealy Theme Park & Resort
Sidmouth Road
175 locals recommend
fun theme park - rides for smaller and older children. Book in advance.
Catholic Abbey with monks still in situ - and making the famous buckfast tonic wine! Great for toddlers as lots of nice gardens to run about in. Dog friendly. Nice big national trust style place (not actually national trust). Canteen style restaurant, and a pizzeria. On Sundays you can listen to the choir rehearse before mass in the afternoon.
72 locals recommend
Buckfast Abbey
72 locals recommend
Catholic Abbey with monks still in situ - and making the famous buckfast tonic wine! Great for toddlers as lots of nice gardens to run about in. Dog friendly. Nice big national trust style place (not actually national trust). Canteen style restaurant, and a pizzeria. On Sundays you can listen to the choir rehearse before mass in the afternoon.
Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary
Dart Bridge Road
55 locals recommend
Finlake is a holiday park 10 mins up the A38 towards Chudleigh. They have an indoor and outdoor pool with large slides, cafe, restaurant etc. Good for rainy days. They also do activities like archery, sea scooters, and it’s nice to do a bike ride around. Free parking, easy to get to. Electric car charging points.
Finlake Falls
Finlake is a holiday park 10 mins up the A38 towards Chudleigh. They have an indoor and outdoor pool with large slides, cafe, restaurant etc. Good for rainy days. They also do activities like archery, sea scooters, and it’s nice to do a bike ride around. Free parking, easy to get to. Electric car charging points.
Part of the larger Finlake holiday park, nice stables. They cater for all levels - from taking small children out on led walks to long hacks for experienced riders. Book in advance.
Finlake Riding Centre
Part of the larger Finlake holiday park, nice stables. They cater for all levels - from taking small children out on led walks to long hacks for experienced riders. Book in advance.
Adults only spa at the Finlake holiday resort. Pool, jacuzzi, steam rooms, treatments. Non members can book sessions in advance.
Sirona Spa
Adults only spa at the Finlake holiday resort. Pool, jacuzzi, steam rooms, treatments. Non members can book sessions in advance.
Sailing courses and lessons in teignmouth. Well run, including children’s courses.
9 locals recommend
Sea Sports Southwest
New Quay Street
9 locals recommend
Sailing courses and lessons in teignmouth. Well run, including children’s courses.
Surf school at bigbury-on-sea, (which is worth a visit in its own right for the stunning beach and sea tractor trip over to burgh island). The surf school is well established and runs short courses as well as one off family sessions to get you started.
15 locals recommend
Discovery Surf School
15 locals recommend
Surf school at bigbury-on-sea, (which is worth a visit in its own right for the stunning beach and sea tractor trip over to burgh island). The surf school is well established and runs short courses as well as one off family sessions to get you started.
The Templer Way is a famous walking trail from coast to moor (shaldon to haytor, or vice versa). We happen to live around midway-you can pick the trail up by the locksbridge cafe around the corner. Maps and info available at the ‘explore Devon’ website - search for templer way (Airbnb doesn’t allow links) and I will leave a printout in the house manual.
Templer Way, Teigngrace, Newton Abbot TQ12 6QP, UK
The Templer Way is a famous walking trail from coast to moor (shaldon to haytor, or vice versa). We happen to live around midway-you can pick the trail up by the locksbridge cafe around the corner. Maps and info available at the ‘explore Devon’ website - search for templer way (Airbnb doesn’t allow links) and I will leave a printout in the house manual.
I’ve included darts farm under activities as well as shops because it does both. You can buy fantastic produce in the farm shop, but there are also walks and nice play equipment for younger children so you can make a morning of it. (And cycle or walk on to topsham and the turf locks to make a day of it, too).
Darts Farm
I’ve included darts farm under activities as well as shops because it does both. You can buy fantastic produce in the farm shop, but there are also walks and nice play equipment for younger children so you can make a morning of it. (And cycle or walk on to topsham and the turf locks to make a day of it, too).
Dartington is a large estate around 25 minute drive away. It has lovely countryside walks, a nice cafe, a good pub (the White Hart) and lots of arts events and festivals happening all year round. Worth checking the website for ‘what’s on’ whilst you’re here. There are also the ‘shops at dartington’ nearby including The Cider Press and Dartington Glass.
22 locals recommend
Dartington Trust
22 locals recommend
Dartington is a large estate around 25 minute drive away. It has lovely countryside walks, a nice cafe, a good pub (the White Hart) and lots of arts events and festivals happening all year round. Worth checking the website for ‘what’s on’ whilst you’re here. There are also the ‘shops at dartington’ nearby including The Cider Press and Dartington Glass.
An old fashioned theatre being run by a small local cinema chain. Lots of parking nearby at the multi story in Newton abbot.
Scott Cinema
Market Street
An old fashioned theatre being run by a small local cinema chain. Lots of parking nearby at the multi story in Newton abbot.
Larger cinema in Paignton, around a 30 minute drive away. Paignton itself has seen better days, but it really does have a nice beach and lots of play equipment for smaller children.
84 locals recommend
Vue Cinema Torbay
Esplanade Road
84 locals recommend
Larger cinema in Paignton, around a 30 minute drive away. Paignton itself has seen better days, but it really does have a nice beach and lots of play equipment for smaller children.
Privately owned (paid entry) to these amazing waterfalls a short drive away. Cafe, walks, etc., scenic gardens, lakes. Lovely day out.
50 locals recommend
Canonteign Falls
50 locals recommend
Privately owned (paid entry) to these amazing waterfalls a short drive away. Cafe, walks, etc., scenic gardens, lakes. Lovely day out.
A bit more for children to do than at canonteign falls - woodland trail, craft activities, children’s zoo etc. - All in a beautiful setting around the waterfalls. Paid entry.
36 locals recommend
Becky Falls Ancient Woodland Park Limited
36 locals recommend
A bit more for children to do than at canonteign falls - woodland trail, craft activities, children’s zoo etc. - All in a beautiful setting around the waterfalls. Paid entry.
Child friendly climbing wall in Exeter. You need to book. Also has bigger walls for grown ups! Lots to do nearby on the quay - Restaurants, kayak hire etc.
22 locals recommend
The Quay Climbing Centre
Haven Road
22 locals recommend
Child friendly climbing wall in Exeter. You need to book. Also has bigger walls for grown ups! Lots to do nearby on the quay - Restaurants, kayak hire etc.
Basic ten pin bowling in Exeter with lots of parking. Good for a rainy day. And the climbing wall is next door if you need to plan lots of indoor things!
8 locals recommend
Tenpin Exeter
Water Lane
8 locals recommend
Basic ten pin bowling in Exeter with lots of parking. Good for a rainy day. And the climbing wall is next door if you need to plan lots of indoor things!
Walks, bike rides, restaurants (recommend rock fish for food on the quay) and bars. The Prospect Pub is a fine place for a drink in the sunshine. You can hire kayaks and paddle down to a pub called the double locks, or get the boat. Ex2 8gp for haven banks car park.
63 locals recommend
Exeter Quay
Haven Banks - The Quay
63 locals recommend
Walks, bike rides, restaurants (recommend rock fish for food on the quay) and bars. The Prospect Pub is a fine place for a drink in the sunshine. You can hire kayaks and paddle down to a pub called the double locks, or get the boat. Ex2 8gp for haven banks car park.
Theatre Royal is the largest theatre in Devon and has large Scale touring productions programmed throughout the year. Park in the theatre royal car park (multi story) next door- give yourself extra time if driving (you can get the train to Plymouth from newton abbot if you don’t fancy the drive)
91 locals recommend
Theatre Royal Plymouth
Royal Parade
91 locals recommend
Theatre Royal is the largest theatre in Devon and has large Scale touring productions programmed throughout the year. Park in the theatre royal car park (multi story) next door- give yourself extra time if driving (you can get the train to Plymouth from newton abbot if you don’t fancy the drive)
Toy makers and glass blowers - you can take a look at glass being made, and there is something for everyone in the gift shop. Cafe. Good rainy day activity for younger children.
House Of Marbles
Toy makers and glass blowers - you can take a look at glass being made, and there is something for everyone in the gift shop. Cafe. Good rainy day activity for younger children.
Local vineyard near topsham, you can do guided tours. The sparkling English wines are really rather good.
16 locals recommend
Pebblebed Vineyard
16 locals recommend
Local vineyard near topsham, you can do guided tours. The sparkling English wines are really rather good.
Great for a rainy day. Enormous indoor soft play and also has outdoor rides and some animal attractions.
135 locals recommend
Woodlands Family Theme Park
A3122
135 locals recommend
Great for a rainy day. Enormous indoor soft play and also has outdoor rides and some animal attractions.
Great aquarium. Tickets are reusable for a year.
208 locals recommend
National Marine Aquarium
208 locals recommend
Great aquarium. Tickets are reusable for a year.
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
Totnes Road
269 locals recommend

Nearest Beaches

Teignmouth and Shaldon are our nearest beaches. Roads get busy in summer so set out early (that applies for anything in Devon in high season to be honest). Teignmouth is very family friendly and is great for smaller children as there is also a play park, crazy golf, small skate park, cafes, green etc. It also has lifeguards in summer. Dogs are allowed on the second half of the beach April –October: look for signage. Lower Point Car Park: TQ14 8BW East Cliff Car Park (sometimes quieter): TQ14 8PH Finn McCoolls for Fish and Chips: Teignmouth Seafront
40 locals recommend
Teignmouth Back Beach
Teign View Place
40 locals recommend
Teignmouth and Shaldon are our nearest beaches. Roads get busy in summer so set out early (that applies for anything in Devon in high season to be honest). Teignmouth is very family friendly and is great for smaller children as there is also a play park, crazy golf, small skate park, cafes, green etc. It also has lifeguards in summer. Dogs are allowed on the second half of the beach April –October: look for signage. Lower Point Car Park: TQ14 8BW East Cliff Car Park (sometimes quieter): TQ14 8PH Finn McCoolls for Fish and Chips: Teignmouth Seafront
One of our favourites and an award winning beach. Fine shingle, cafe bar, loos.
183 locals recommend
Blackpool Sands
183 locals recommend
One of our favourites and an award winning beach. Fine shingle, cafe bar, loos.
The beaches in the South Hams are amazing, but please note dogs are banned between April-October. They can take up to an hour to get to from The Old Rectory, so if you plan a day trip do start early as holiday maker traffic and narrow lanes can be a tricky combination. Bantham Sands, South Milton Sands, Bigbury-on-Sea are all favourites of ours. Set out early and ignore your sat nav if you want to avoid very windy, narrow lanes. Take the A38 towards Plymouth and come off at junction for A3121 near Ivybridge and follow signs for Modbury, then follow the A379.
50 locals recommend
Bigbury Beach
50 locals recommend
The beaches in the South Hams are amazing, but please note dogs are banned between April-October. They can take up to an hour to get to from The Old Rectory, so if you plan a day trip do start early as holiday maker traffic and narrow lanes can be a tricky combination. Bantham Sands, South Milton Sands, Bigbury-on-Sea are all favourites of ours. Set out early and ignore your sat nav if you want to avoid very windy, narrow lanes. Take the A38 towards Plymouth and come off at junction for A3121 near Ivybridge and follow signs for Modbury, then follow the A379.

Nearest Beaches

Shaldon is across the water from Teignmouth so is our nearest water and is our favourite local beach. Dogs are allowed at Ness Cove year-round. It is a shingle beach and you have to walk through a smugglers tunnel to arrive at the beach. There is a large car park at Shaldon: TQ14 0DP The Ness Pub has fantastic views and serves traditional pub fare. It is right by the car park. Cafe Ode is at the top of the car park and does great food, and is more casual. Also does nice takeaways and coffees etc. We like the Ferry Boat Inn down on the front (instead of following signs from the car park to the Ness beach, just follow the road around on foot past the Ness pub and carry on down the hill) where they have a grill, and grown ups can have a drink on the small terrace whilst children play on the sand within sight. You can get a ferry from Teignmouth to Shaldon if you wanted to do both in one day.
21 locals recommend
Ness Cove Beach
South West Coast Path
21 locals recommend
Shaldon is across the water from Teignmouth so is our nearest water and is our favourite local beach. Dogs are allowed at Ness Cove year-round. It is a shingle beach and you have to walk through a smugglers tunnel to arrive at the beach. There is a large car park at Shaldon: TQ14 0DP The Ness Pub has fantastic views and serves traditional pub fare. It is right by the car park. Cafe Ode is at the top of the car park and does great food, and is more casual. Also does nice takeaways and coffees etc. We like the Ferry Boat Inn down on the front (instead of following signs from the car park to the Ness beach, just follow the road around on foot past the Ness pub and carry on down the hill) where they have a grill, and grown ups can have a drink on the small terrace whilst children play on the sand within sight. You can get a ferry from Teignmouth to Shaldon if you wanted to do both in one day.
Nice, family friendly beach with lots of parking.
56 locals recommend
Goodrington Sands
56 locals recommend
Nice, family friendly beach with lots of parking.

City/town information

Totnes is 20 mins away and has lots of shops and cafes and restaurants to explore. It has always had a reputation for being 'alternative' and these days that tends to mean very green and climate conscious. The Bull Inn in Totnes is our favourite place to eat.
351 locals recommend
Totnes
351 locals recommend
Totnes is 20 mins away and has lots of shops and cafes and restaurants to explore. It has always had a reputation for being 'alternative' and these days that tends to mean very green and climate conscious. The Bull Inn in Totnes is our favourite place to eat.
Topsham is great for antiques and shops, and there is a fantastic pub called The Turf Locks which you can only reach by foot, cycle or boat. You can catch the boat from Topsham.
106 locals recommend
Topsham
106 locals recommend
Topsham is great for antiques and shops, and there is a fantastic pub called The Turf Locks which you can only reach by foot, cycle or boat. You can catch the boat from Topsham.
Salcombe in the South Hams gets very busy in summer but is a lovely town to visit, with great South Hams beaches nearby. Salcombe ice cream is a must. Salcombe distillery makes gin and has a bar, shop and runs tastings and distillery tours. Salcombe Harbour Hotel has a fantastic deck and there is no nicer spot to eat and drink on a sunny day. if you book a table, you can park there too. Harbour Hotel at south sands also provides parking if you book for lunch, and it has a small beach outside and you can catch the sea tractor over to the main town.
213 locals recommend
Salcombe
213 locals recommend
Salcombe in the South Hams gets very busy in summer but is a lovely town to visit, with great South Hams beaches nearby. Salcombe ice cream is a must. Salcombe distillery makes gin and has a bar, shop and runs tastings and distillery tours. Salcombe Harbour Hotel has a fantastic deck and there is no nicer spot to eat and drink on a sunny day. if you book a table, you can park there too. Harbour Hotel at south sands also provides parking if you book for lunch, and it has a small beach outside and you can catch the sea tractor over to the main town.
Fantastic for eating and drinking, people watching and boats, not so many activities for small children. One of our favourite restaurants, The Seahorse, is in Dartmouth.
378 locals recommend
Dartmouth
378 locals recommend
Fantastic for eating and drinking, people watching and boats, not so many activities for small children. One of our favourite restaurants, The Seahorse, is in Dartmouth.
Brixham has an active fishing community and we recommend Rock Fish for a great family friendly lunch. You can buy the freshest fish and seafood daily in Brixham (if you're early enough)
113 locals recommend
Brixham
113 locals recommend
Brixham has an active fishing community and we recommend Rock Fish for a great family friendly lunch. You can buy the freshest fish and seafood daily in Brixham (if you're early enough)
Another edge of Dartmoor town - a short drive away. Parke is a national trust site great for walks, and has a lovely cafe. There is an independent deli, cheesemonger and butcher in the town and a small farmers market on a Saturday morning.
25 locals recommend
Bovey Tracey
25 locals recommend
Another edge of Dartmoor town - a short drive away. Parke is a national trust site great for walks, and has a lovely cafe. There is an independent deli, cheesemonger and butcher in the town and a small farmers market on a Saturday morning.
For some reason the guidebook won’t let me add Exeter as a town so I have opted for its flagship attraction! Exeter is our nearest ‘big town’ and having a cathedral is technically a small city. There is loads to do in Exeter, from leisure centres to Roman tours, to nice hotels and restaurants, cinemas and theatres. I suggest you look at the visit exeter website because it is a guide book in its own right. I have added an entry on Exeter quay under ‘attractions’.
193 locals recommend
Exeter Cathedral
1 The Cloisters
193 locals recommend
For some reason the guidebook won’t let me add Exeter as a town so I have opted for its flagship attraction! Exeter is our nearest ‘big town’ and having a cathedral is technically a small city. There is loads to do in Exeter, from leisure centres to Roman tours, to nice hotels and restaurants, cinemas and theatres. I suggest you look at the visit exeter website because it is a guide book in its own right. I have added an entry on Exeter quay under ‘attractions’.

Food scene

just around the corner! Serving basic lunch options (cheese on toast, pasties, soup) and tea and cake. Doesn't open on Mondays and Tuesdays. On the way out to some lovely walks locally. Go out of the front door, turn left, take the next left down a small private road and the cafe is at the bottom, across the railway tracks.
Locksbridge Tea Garden
just around the corner! Serving basic lunch options (cheese on toast, pasties, soup) and tea and cake. Doesn't open on Mondays and Tuesdays. On the way out to some lovely walks locally. Go out of the front door, turn left, take the next left down a small private road and the cafe is at the bottom, across the railway tracks.
Fantastic pizzas and cocktails in a very relaxed setting. They also have camping and often have a big fire and music. Very family friendly - best to book. 5 Minute drive.
The Woodland Cafe
Staplehill Road
Fantastic pizzas and cocktails in a very relaxed setting. They also have camping and often have a big fire and music. Very family friendly - best to book. 5 Minute drive.
Lovely pub near Dartington, great food. 30 min drive. Can combine with a trip to dartington (see activities)
74 locals recommend
The Cott Inn
Cott Lane
74 locals recommend
Lovely pub near Dartington, great food. 30 min drive. Can combine with a trip to dartington (see activities)
Traditional country pub with good food. Do book in advance. 15-20 minute drive.
20 locals recommend
The Manor Inn
20 locals recommend
Traditional country pub with good food. Do book in advance. 15-20 minute drive.
Turf Locks as it's known locally - you can cycle from Darts Farm or get the boat from Topsham. Fantastic location on the river.
36 locals recommend
The Turf
36 locals recommend
Turf Locks as it's known locally - you can cycle from Darts Farm or get the boat from Topsham. Fantastic location on the river.
Pricey seafood restaurant - you need to book. Lovely food and on the back beach at teignmouth so can combine with a day at the beach, or just enjoy the sun going down at the end of the day.
64 locals recommend
Crab Shack
3 Queen St
64 locals recommend
Pricey seafood restaurant - you need to book. Lovely food and on the back beach at teignmouth so can combine with a day at the beach, or just enjoy the sun going down at the end of the day.
close to North Sands beach in Salcombe. Tables inside are bookable. South Hams are an hour away so you’d make a day if it at the beach.
90 locals recommend
The Winking Prawn
Cliff Road
90 locals recommend
close to North Sands beach in Salcombe. Tables inside are bookable. South Hams are an hour away so you’d make a day if it at the beach.
The salcombe harbour hotel: the most fantastic deck on a sunny day for lunch or a sundowner.
58 locals recommend
Salcombe HarSpa
Cliff Road
58 locals recommend
The salcombe harbour hotel: the most fantastic deck on a sunny day for lunch or a sundowner.
our favourite restaurant in Dartmouth. They do an excellent value 'locals menu' for lunch - and you don't have to evidence being a local!
65 locals recommend
The Seahorse Restaurant
5 S Embankment
65 locals recommend
our favourite restaurant in Dartmouth. They do an excellent value 'locals menu' for lunch - and you don't have to evidence being a local!
this is the restaurant at the riverford farm. Lovely food, set menu without choices and no childrens menu. Our 9 year old finds the food a bit grown up, so one for more grown up children or those with a more sophisticated palate than ours! But we really love the excellent food. Sunday lunch possibly safest with kids.
121 locals recommend
Riverford Field Kitchen - Organic Restaurant
121 locals recommend
this is the restaurant at the riverford farm. Lovely food, set menu without choices and no childrens menu. Our 9 year old finds the food a bit grown up, so one for more grown up children or those with a more sophisticated palate than ours! But we really love the excellent food. Sunday lunch possibly safest with kids.
Michelin star, fine dining in Torquay. No children after 6pm. On the seafront on Torquay. Torquay is generally a bit of a stag and hen do destination so we tend to avoid but there are parts worth visiting and this is one of them.
50 locals recommend
The Elephant Restaurant
3&4 Beacon Hill
50 locals recommend
Michelin star, fine dining in Torquay. No children after 6pm. On the seafront on Torquay. Torquay is generally a bit of a stag and hen do destination so we tend to avoid but there are parts worth visiting and this is one of them.
fine dining, one michelin star. Glorious location.
24 locals recommend
Lympstone Manor
Courtlands Lane
24 locals recommend
fine dining, one michelin star. Glorious location.
Fantastic food and wine list, great service, family friendly. They tend to do pizzas on a Friday night, and so a very good Sunday lunch. Small place so you need to book. 15 min drive.
14 locals recommend
Live & Let Live Inn
14 locals recommend
Fantastic food and wine list, great service, family friendly. They tend to do pizzas on a Friday night, and so a very good Sunday lunch. Small place so you need to book. 15 min drive.
Family friendly pub - 10 min drive away
Furzeleigh Mill
Ashburton Road
Family friendly pub - 10 min drive away
Fancy hotel on Dartmoor with the most amazing afternoon tea, with views. Nice for a special occasion. They also have a pool open to non-residents.
24 locals recommend
Bovey Castle
24 locals recommend
Fancy hotel on Dartmoor with the most amazing afternoon tea, with views. Nice for a special occasion. They also have a pool open to non-residents.
See tips for Ness Cove in the beaches section. Cafe Ode is right by the big car park and well worth a look. It’s run by a chef that relocated from somewhere with a Michelin star in London.
33 locals recommend
cafe-ODE
Ness Drive
33 locals recommend
See tips for Ness Cove in the beaches section. Cafe Ode is right by the big car park and well worth a look. It’s run by a chef that relocated from somewhere with a Michelin star in London.
The Ferry Boat is all about the deck outside. If you can get a table, children can play on the sand in your eyeline whilst you have a drink. They do food and have a grill in summer. We love wandering around Shaldon. It looks over to Teignmouth and the local joke is why would anybody pay the house prices in shaldon, when you have to look at teignmouth (but we like it anyway).
39 locals recommend
The Ferry Boat Inn, Shaldon
4 Strand
39 locals recommend
The Ferry Boat is all about the deck outside. If you can get a table, children can play on the sand in your eyeline whilst you have a drink. They do food and have a grill in summer. We love wandering around Shaldon. It looks over to Teignmouth and the local joke is why would anybody pay the house prices in shaldon, when you have to look at teignmouth (but we like it anyway).
Fabulous spot in salcombe. Book ahead for brunch/lunch/supper and you can use their car park. They have a little beach by the hotel and you can get the sea tractor over to salcombe town.
Harbour Beach Club Hotel & Spa
Fabulous spot in salcombe. Book ahead for brunch/lunch/supper and you can use their car park. They have a little beach by the hotel and you can get the sea tractor over to salcombe town.
Gorgeous, small Italian restaurant in Ashburton. Owners previously ran Duck Soup in Soho. On the pricey side locally, absolutely delicious.
Emilia
Gorgeous, small Italian restaurant in Ashburton. Owners previously ran Duck Soup in Soho. On the pricey side locally, absolutely delicious.
Nice for coffee and cake and vegetarian and vegan breakfast or brunch. Very informal.
18 locals recommend
Rafikis
2a West St
18 locals recommend
Nice for coffee and cake and vegetarian and vegan breakfast or brunch. Very informal.

Activities/Attractions

More for kids to do than at canonteign falls - Children’s zoo, craft activities etc, woodland trail - in a beautiful setting around the waterfalls. Paid entry.
36 locals recommend
Becky Falls Ancient Woodland Park Limited
36 locals recommend
More for kids to do than at canonteign falls - Children’s zoo, craft activities etc, woodland trail - in a beautiful setting around the waterfalls. Paid entry.

Shopping Essentials

Tesco deliver to our house - do put in the full postcode so they don't go to the other Old Rectory in Newton Abbot (TQ12 6QP)
55 locals recommend
Tesco Superstore
Salterton Road
55 locals recommend
Tesco deliver to our house - do put in the full postcode so they don't go to the other Old Rectory in Newton Abbot (TQ12 6QP)
Great farm shop, towards Totnes, around a 20 minutes drive away.
75 locals recommend
Ben's Farm Shop
Staverton
75 locals recommend
Great farm shop, towards Totnes, around a 20 minutes drive away.
The BEST farm shop. 25 mins drive without traffic, you can combine with a visit to Topsham or Exmouth beach, and there's enough at Dart's Farm to keep you busy for a while too.
99 locals recommend
Darts Farm Restaurant
99 locals recommend
The BEST farm shop. 25 mins drive without traffic, you can combine with a visit to Topsham or Exmouth beach, and there's enough at Dart's Farm to keep you busy for a while too.
Trago Mills, nearby, is like a big indoor market. You’ll rarely find the same thing twice but they sell nearly everything. If you need to buy a cagoule or a pair of wellies, or indeed most random things you can think of, you’ll most likely find it at Trago. It also has the cheapest fuel locally.
40 locals recommend
Trago Mills
40 locals recommend
Trago Mills, nearby, is like a big indoor market. You’ll rarely find the same thing twice but they sell nearly everything. If you need to buy a cagoule or a pair of wellies, or indeed most random things you can think of, you’ll most likely find it at Trago. It also has the cheapest fuel locally.
M&S at the nearby BP garage - open 24 hours.
M&S Simply Food
4 Sendall's Way
M&S at the nearby BP garage - open 24 hours.
Waitrose deliver to us - from cornwall! So not one to drive to yourself
21 locals recommend
Waitrose & Partners
Avery Way
21 locals recommend
Waitrose deliver to us - from cornwall! So not one to drive to yourself
Sainsbury’s deliver to the house. It’s in newton abbot and is easier to park at than Tesco.
Sainsbury's
Sainsbury’s deliver to the house. It’s in newton abbot and is easier to park at than Tesco.
Close by, small Lidl, easy to park.
Lidl
Close by, small Lidl, easy to park.
Decent sized Aldi, in newton Abbot.
ALDI
Forde Close
Decent sized Aldi, in newton Abbot.
The closest supermarket is the Co-op at Liverton/Trago Mills: it’s easy to park and never too busy. Post code: TQ12 6JD
Co-op Food - Trago Mills
The closest supermarket is the Co-op at Liverton/Trago Mills: it’s easy to park and never too busy. Post code: TQ12 6JD
Twelve Oaks is a campsite on a farm a short walk away in Teigngrace. They have a shop on site and sell their own high quality meat so if you’re planning a bbq it’s worth a look.
Twelve Oaks Holiday Cottages
Twelve Oaks is a campsite on a farm a short walk away in Teigngrace. They have a shop on site and sell their own high quality meat so if you’re planning a bbq it’s worth a look.