Upadeck - Attractions of the South Hams

TOTNES
This pretty market town is well worth a visit. Although it's an easy drive from Dartmouth, the best way to visit Totnes is to take a river trip from Dartmouth, up the Dart. The river twists and turns through the valley past the villages of Dittisham and Stoke Gabriel and past the vinyards of the Sharpham Estate before coming into the centre of Totnes, where you can enjoy a nice pub lunch overlooking the river.

DITTISHAM
Pronouced by the locals as 'Ditsam', this picturesque village nestles on the western bank of the River Dart, surrounded by rolling hills and ancient woodland. Dittisham has two pubs, village shop and post office and a Norman church. There is some wonderful walking in the area as the Dart Valley Trail passes through the village. Ring the bell near the Ferry Boat Inn to summon the passenger ferry to Greenway Quay.

KINGSWEAR
On the east bank of the River Dart across to Dartmouth, Kingswear's buildings rise up steeply from the shore. Take the car ferry to Dartmouth or the steam railway to Paignton.

BLACKPOOL SANDS
A delightful family friendly beach which is only a short drive away from Dartmouth. The beach has many facilities which makes it great for all members of the family. Take the spectacular coast road through Stoke Fleming, enjoy the stunning views over Start Bay before following the road down to Blackpool.

SLAPTON / SLAPTON SANDS
This lovely village lies just inland from the coastal road, which runs along the edge of Slapton Sands, a glorious stetch of shingle beach along Start Bay. Slapton's twisting narrow streets add to the charm of this secluded place. The ruined tower is all that remains of a 14th Century collegiate chantry founded by one of the first Knights of the Garter. A pleasant evening can be spent in the garden of the Tower Inn, watching the bat colony catch the insects, whilst enjoying a gourmet meal and a pint!

Slapton Sands was used as a battle practice area by the Americans, for the Normandy Invasion. One exercise went disatrously wrong and almost 800 servicemen lost their lives. In 1984 one of Sherman tanks which was lost when a landing craft sank, was recovered from the seabed and nowstands at Torcross as a tribute to those lost on that fateful day. The village, and surrounding area was evacuated (3,000 residents had to leave their homes) when the USA Army commandeered the area for the battle practice, and in recognition of this sacrifice, an obelisk was erected by the USA, just back from the beach.

The coast road runs along the edge of Slapton Sands and in the winter of 1998 the road was washed away in a fierce storm that swept over Start Bay. For a while it appeared that the road might not be rebuilt, with devastating consequences for the local communities. For the story of the struggle to rebuild the road, go to http://www.saveslaptoncoastroad.org.uk

TORCROSS
This pretty little village nestles around the fresh water lake of Slapton Nature Reserve and at the end of Slapton Sands, with magnificent panoramic views across Start Bay. It is an ideal location if you enjoy unspoilt countryside with outstanding coastal walks, or simply wish to relax on the beach.
The village has a pub, two restaurants, a village store with post office and newsagents, a butcher, a pottery, and an art gallery.

HALLSANDS / BEESANDS
Beesands is a small fishing village perched at the bottom of the cliffs overlooking Start Bay. Well worth a visit for a walk along the sea front and a quick pint in the Cricketers pub. The local fishermen also sell their catch from a small fishmongers on the front. This is a fabulous place to pick up your dinner, and if you are organised call, in advance and collect a dressed crab, which is a speciality.

Hallsands, sister village to Beesands, is now a derelict and abandoned village, having been lost to the ravages of the winter storms that sweep over Start Bay. The decline of Hallsands is a tale of governmental incompetence and arrogance that caused the destruction of the village through dredging in the Bay. For more information, the web site at. www.hallsands.org.uk is very informative.

Beach at Hallsands as it used to be

Modern day Hallsands after the dredging destroyed the beach & village

START POINT
Start Point is the southerly point on the South Hams and is a major landmark for sailors. At the lighthouse on the point there is car parking and coastal paths with the most stunning views.

SALCOMBE
At the mouth of the Salcombe estuary, looking across to golden sandy beaches and with quaysides lapped by crystal-clear turqoise waters is the town of Salcombe. Famous for its sailing waters, which also provide a haven for wildlife, the town enjoys an exceptionally mild climate due to its southernly location. It is an ideal holiday destination, as the network of ferries gives access to the beaches of South Sands and East Portlemouth without the need to drive, and the town itself boasts a wide range of restaurants and shops.