South East Devon

Towns & Villages

BISHOPSTEIGNTON

A steam train passing Bishopsteignton viewed across the River Teign - Photo: Martin Southwood

This historic village overlooks the picturesque Teign Estuary. It has its own local museum and a ruined church, dating to the 14th century. Nearby is the picturesque nature reserve of Little Haldon Heath.

BRIXHAM

One of the most picturesque of all the towns in the Torbay region, Brixham is as popular with artists as it is with beach-loving holidaymakers. The village sits high above a harbour where there is a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship ‘The Golden Hind’. A statue celebrates the fact that William of Orange landed here in 1688 as he prepared to become William III. The nearby promontory of Berry Head has the remains of fortifications from the Napoleonic Wars while caves in the area have been inhabited for thousands of years.

Brixham Marina - Photo: Robert Neilson

DARTMOUTH

Dartmouth Castle - Photo: Sheila Tarleton

This once-mighty deepwater port on the River Dart has played a major part in British history. The Pilgrim Fathers came here on their way to founding modern America, Edward III’s fleet sailed from Dartmouth to assist the siege of Calais and the town’s 15^th century castle was the first built in England to withstand the force of artillery.

Dartmouth Castle and its sister castle, Kingswear, which lies on the opposite bank of the River Dart, were designed so that a heavy chain could be stretched between them to stop an invasion force from sailing inland.

Baynard's Cove - Photo: Sheila Tarleton

DAWLISH & DAWLISH WARREN

Dawlish sea wall - Photo: Stephen Dawson

A charming seaside town, Dawlish sits on the edge of rolling Devon countryside where it meets the sea. It was a favourite haunt of the writer Jane Austen and the fictional birthplace of Charles Dickens' Nicholas Nickleby. Visitors flock to the town's park to see exotic plants such as palms and gigantic cacti. The town's main beach stretches north to the long, gently sloping beach of Dawlish Warren. Dawlish Museum has an eclectic mix of exhibits and is even home to the D-Day bagpipes.

NEWTON ABBOT

This historic town on the Teign estuary has held a weekly market since 1220 and its most famous landmark, the tower of St Leonard’s Church, can be seen for many miles. The town’s various attractions include Tuckers Maltings, the only working malthouse left in the West Country, and Newton Abbott’s well-known horse racing course.

River Teign at Newton Abbot - Photo: Richard Knights

PAIGNTON

Goodrington Sands at Paignton - Photo: Geoffrey Lloyd

Kirkham House is a magnificent 15^th century house replete with medieval-style furniture created by modern craftsmen. The Torbay Aircraft Museum ranks as a ‘must-see’.

SHALDON

Lying at the mouth of the river Teign opposite Teignmouth, Shaldon is a thriving picturesque village with many listing buildings, a bowling green and numerous quaint shops and pubs. As well as the watersports, fishing trips and beaches along both the river and by by the sea, visitors to Shaldon can also enjoy walks along the coastal path towards Torquay which affords spectacular views of the bay.

View from Shaldon footpath with Teignmouth in the background - Photo: Derek Harper

TEIGNMOUTH

View of Teignmouth from coastal path - Photo: Derek Harper

Overlooked by the distant hills of Dartmoor, this popular coastal town has all the traditional features of a seaside resort while retaining its importance as a working port. Tourists can visit the Victorian pier, perambulate on the long promenade, play on the beach or just watch the boats come in. The oldest part of the town has an elegant crescent of Georgian homes together with a sea-facing area of lawns, flowerbeds and children's play areas. The town’s golf course is 800ft above sea level. A huge bridge spans the estuary of the River Teign. Fanny Burney and John Keats both famously holidayed at Teignmouth.

TORQUAY

Birthplace of the thriller writer Agatha Christie and Torbay’s leading seaside resorts, Torquay is a key component of the so-called ‘English Riviera’, boasting splendid beaches, a thriving yachting centre and elegant public gardens. Its warm climate even permits palm trees to flourish.

Torquay Pavilion - Photo: Derek Harper

Torquay seafront by night - Photo: Andrew Forrest

While its domed pavilion has been transformed into a shopping centre, Torquay has many traditional and historic delights, including a fine row of terraced homes dating to the 19^th century, the medieval gatehouse of Torre Abbey and a tithe barn which held foreign prisoners in the wake of the ill-fated Spanish Armada in 1588. Nearby 14^th century Compton Castle is now a National Trust property.

Compton Castle - Photo: Crispin Purdye

TOTNES

View over Totnes - Photo: Derek Harper
 

Overlooked by an 11^th century castle, Totnes was once an important port but now stands at the highest navigable point of the River Dart. Packed with historical interest, it boasts an unusual, arcaded high street and a museum housed in an Elizabethan merchant’s house.

Its church dates to the 15^th century and its civic centre to 11^th century. A key attraction is the Tones Motor Museum. Nearby is the family home and gardens of Agatha Christie, now run by the National Trust. She bought the estate in 1938 and some 30 acres are open to the public.

 
Bridge over the River Dart at Totnes - Photo: Mike Crowe