Beautiful Devon: Beaches, Boats & Bays
Strongvox at Stoke Fleming, Devon – On Your Doorstep
We are delighted to announce a new development site in the stunning South Devon village of Stoke Fleming. Here’s a flavour of the local area to whet your appetite. With beautiful beaches, bustling towns, a host of watersports and glorious walking country on the doorstep, it’s sure to attract a great deal of interest for anyone looking for a new home in sunny South Devon.
Stoke Fleming
A few minutes drive from Dartmouth, recently rated the second best seaside town in the UK in an annual survey by Which?, the coastal village of Stoke Fleming nestles on the shores of Start Bay and is bursting with character. With winding lanes and picture-postcard cottages, it has a pub, post office, church, primary school and a stylish restaurant called Radius 7. The village is petite and quaint, providing a rural setting with the benefit of many services and attractions only a short drive away.
Blackpool Sands Beach
Only a half-mile walk from Stoke Fleming is one of the area’s finest and most popular beaches – Blackpool Sands. Backed by scented pines, this privately managed Blue Flag Award beach of golden sand and fine shingle has unusually clear water and is dog free from May through to the end of October. You’ll find an abundance of facilities here from showers, toilets and disabled facilities, to a kids’ sandpit, kayak and paddleboard hire. The beach also boasts the acclaimed Venus Café, serving up fresh organic produce for a peaceful breakfast or delicious light lunch.
Dartmouth
Less than three miles from Stoke Fleming is the bustling town of Dartmouth. First appearing in historical records in 1049, the town has a rich history of naval voyages, sea trade and military crusades, and today, being located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers stunning views and an abundance of wildlife living in and beside the picturesque River Dart.
In town you’ll find independent boutiques, gift shops, galleries, delis and an abundance of cafes, pubs and restaurants. It’s a hive of activity with fishing boats heading out early morning, navel cadets on training exercises and pleasure boats cruising on the river. You can also learn to sail, paddle board, go kayaking or even wild swimming. Don’t miss Castle Cove, tucked away below Dartmouth Castle. This shingle beach is reached by 100 wooden steps and has a hidden passage, rocks to climb and crystal clear water.
The town also has some fascinating historical landmarks. Dartmouth Castle dates back to 1388, and housed the winding mechanism for a huge metal chain, which could be raised across the harbour entrance to stop enemy ships from entering. Perched above the town there’s the Britannia Royal Naval College and the striking 24m tall Daymark stone tower, which has safely guided mariners into the harbour since 1864.
The town’s calendar features some major annual events including the May Dart Music Festival (restarting in 2022), a Royal Regatta at the end of August and an October Food Festival.
Kingsbridge
12 miles from Stoke Fleming is Kingsbridge, a traditional market town on the estuary, surrounded by rolling countryside. Within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and on the South West Coast Path, it’s a great walking town with hundreds of walks on the doorstep. Explore the town via its many passages, like Squeezebelly Alley, try a yoga class, visit the swimming pool or visit the town’s large farmer’s market, located on Kingsbridge Quay, from 9am-1pm on the first and third Saturday of the month.
Salcombe
Further afield, around 18 miles from Stoke Fleming depending on route, is the pretty coastal town of Salcombe. The town has established itself as a ‘Go-To’ year-round destination, crammed with boutique shops sitting alongside high street brands and independent producers. Try the Salcombe Dairy ice cream and award-winning Salcombe Gin. It’s a great place to eat out and watch the world go by… there are numerous hotels, restaurants and bars to choose from, serving local seafood and farmed produce. The Crab Shed, perched on the water overlooking the harbour, is definitely worth a visit.
This is a water sports haven, with plenty of options for sailing, kayaking, surfing and paddle boarding, whether you want to take part in the action or watch from the shore! The town is also blessed with four easily accessible golden sand beaches with dog-friendly options.
Hopefully we’ve given you a few highlights of this beautiful part of the southwest – there are many more – we’d love you to share your own favourites and hidden gems with us too! Use #strongvoxdoorsteps @strongvoxhomes to tag us in your posts.
We’ll have more information soon on this new development in Stoke Fleming, Devon…