Thurlestone holds a particular place in my coronary heart and it’s positively value a go to if you end up on the south coast of Devon.
Once I was younger I spent each summer season vacation down in Devon and virtually daily my mom would make the hour drive from my grandparents’ home to Thurlestone. We might pack a cooler with lunch packing containers, magazines and chilly drinks, then trek throughout Thurlestone golf course to Yarmer Seaside. There’s no parking on the seashore and it’s a must to hike down a steep cliff path to get to it, but it surely was at all times completely value it. We might spend our days fishing within the little rock swimming pools when the tide was out, or bodyboarding when the tide was in. Because the seashore faces southwest and is flanked by tall cliffs, it was at all times sheltered and appeared to have its personal microclimate.
After the seashore we might generally cease at The Village Inn for a pleasant chilly drink to reward ourselves after the hike. The village itself is a quintessential English countryside village, with thatched cottages and a historic church. It’s a small place so there’s not a ton of stuff to do there, but it surely’s lovely and stress-free.
On this information I’ll cowl issues to do in Thurlestone, methods to get there, and the place to eat when you’re there.
Getting There
By Automobile: Thurlestone is well accessible by automobile. It’s a few 4-hour drive from London, taking the M4, M5, after which the A381 in the direction of Kingsbridge, adopted by native roads resulting in the village.
By Practice: The closest practice station is Totnes, which has good connections from London and different main cities. From Totnes, you’ll be able to take a taxi or a bus to achieve Thurlestone.
By Bus: There are native bus companies from Kingsbridge and different close by cities to Thurlestone, although these could also be rare. I’d extremely suggest driving or renting a automobile.
The place to Keep
There’s just one resort in Thurlestone, and in the summertime it could get fairly booked up. If it’s full, I’d counsel taking a look at accommodations in close by areas corresponding to Hope Cove, Kingsbridge and Salcombe. Or you possibly can contemplate renting a vacation cottage.
In Thurlestone
- Thurlestone Lodge: For these in search of luxurious, the Thurlestone Lodge presents high-end facilities with gorgeous views of the ocean.
- Visitor Homes & B&Bs: There are a number of charming mattress and breakfasts within the village that provide a comfy and private expertise.
- Vacation Cottages: Renting a cottage can provide you a house away from residence really feel, best for households and teams.
Bigbury
- Burgh Island Lodge – An iconic Artwork Deco resort by itself personal island.
- The Previous Chapel – A novel lodging expertise in a transformed chapel.
Hope Cove
- The Hope and Anchor – A comfortable inn with gorgeous views of the bay.
- The Solar Bay Lodge – Affords a snug keep close to the seashore.
Salcombe
- Salcombe Harbour Lodge & Spa – A luxurious resort with a spa and picturesque harbour views.
- South Sands Lodge – A classy beachside resort with a sea-facing restaurant and up to date rooms.
Kingsbridge
- The Royal Oak – A conventional resort with trendy amenities.
- Kings Arms Lodge – Identified for its heat, pleasant service and central location.
What to Do
Thurlestone Seaside/South Milton Sands
Thurlestone Seaside is famed for its pure magnificence accentuated by the putting Thurlestone Rock arch offshore. This family-friendly, sandy seashore presents protected swimming, rock pooling, and water sports activities, set towards a backdrop of rolling hills. With straightforward accessibility and close by amenities, it’s an ideal spot for each leisure and journey. The scenic shoreline and wealthy marine life additionally make it common for snorkeling and wildlife watching, offering a serene escape inside South Devon.
Yarmer Seaside
Yarmer Seaside, a hidden gem in South Devon, presents a tranquil retreat with its stretch of golden sands and rugged magnificence. This secluded spot is ideal for these in search of peace away from the crowds, with alternatives for rock pooling and coastal walks. The seashore is backed by undulating golf greens, including a novel attraction. Supreme for canine walkers and nature lovers, Yarmer Seaside gives a serene haven for leisure and exploration alongside the picturesque shoreline.
Bantham Seaside
Bantham Seaside, acclaimed for its gorgeous panorama, presents a sweeping expanse of golden sand towards a backdrop of lush Devon hills. Famend as one in every of South Devon’s premier surf spots, it attracts surfers and paddleboarders alike. Its shallow waters and rock swimming pools make it a great playground for households. With the dramatic Burgh Island within the distance, Bantham gives a picturesque setting for beachgoers, making it an important go to for anybody exploring the South Hams coast.
Thurlestone Rock

Thurlestone Rock, an iconic pure archway, stands majestically off the coast of South Devon, close to Thurlestone Seaside. Original by the relentless pressure of the ocean, this putting geological function consists of eroded limestone, making a picturesque silhouette towards the horizon. Common amongst photographers, birdwatchers, and nature fanatics, Thurlestone Rock is a beloved landmark, embodying the rugged fantastic thing about the English shoreline. Its presence enhances the scenic attraction of the encompassing seashores and presents a novel backdrop for beachgoers and water sports activities aficionados.
Thurlestone Golf Membership
Thurlestone Golf Course, set towards the gorgeous backdrop of the South Devon coast, presents golfers an 18-hole, par-71 hyperlinks problem. Its fairways roll by pure coastal terrain, offering breath-taking sea views and a diversified play that caters to all talent ranges. The course is well known for its meticulous upkeep and the picturesque landscapes that encapsulate the fantastic thing about Thurlestone, together with views of the famed Thurlestone Rock. A welcoming clubhouse provides to the enchantment, making Thurlestone a must-visit for golf fanatics.
Climbing the Southwest Coastal Path

Climbing the Southwest Coastal Path by Thurlestone presents an exhilarating expertise, the place rugged cliffs meet the azure expanse of the ocean. This section of the trail winds previous the long-lasting Thurlestone Rock, by verdant countryside and scenic seashores, offering a various panorama. Supreme for nature lovers and avid walkers, the path presents alternatives for chook watching, images, and immersing oneself within the tranquil fantastic thing about the South Devon coast. Every step reveals breathtaking views, making it a quintessential outside journey.
Water Sports activities
Thurlestone, with its gorgeous South Devon shoreline, is a haven for water sports activities fanatics. The world’s clear waters and scenic seashores supply excellent circumstances for quite a lot of actions, from serene paddle boarding and kayaking across the iconic Thurlestone Rock to exhilarating windsurfing and kitesurfing when the wind picks up. The sheltered bays present protected spots for swimming and snorkeling, permitting guests to discover the wealthy marine life. Thurlestone caters to all ranges of expertise, promising journey and delight on the water.
All Saints Church
All Saints Church in Thurlestone, a quintessential function of the English countryside, holds centuries of historical past inside its partitions. With origins tracing again to the thirteenth century, this lovely parish church, constructed of native slate and shale, stands testomony to the realm’s wealthy heritage. Its serene churchyard, providing panoramic views of the encompassing panorama, gives a tranquil area for reflection. The church’s structure, with its distinctive tower and stylish inside, captivates guests, making it a focus of neighborhood life and spirituality.
The place to Eat & Drink
There are only a handful of locations to eat at in Thurlestone. If you need extra choices, I’d counsel paying a go to to Hope Cove or Salcombe.
- The Village Inn – A conventional pub presenting traditional English meals and an array of native beers.
- Thurlestone Lodge – A high-quality eating venue throughout the resort, highlighting native, seasonal produce.
- Beachhouse Cafe – Supreme for informal eating, it presents mild meals and drinks with breathtaking seaside views.
- The Sloop Inn – Situated in close by Bantham, this inn is famend for its contemporary seafood and welcoming ambiance.
- The Trevilder – Providing a various menu with culinary delights guaranteeing a tasty eating expertise for its patrons.
Native Occasions
Thurlestone Village Fete: An annual occasion, usually in August, that includes video games, stalls, and conventional English leisure.
Journey Suggestions
Climate
Thurlestone experiences a light maritime local weather, with the most effective climate often from late spring to early autumn (Could to September). Summers are heat however not overly scorching, best for seashore actions and climbing. Winters are cooler and wetter, appropriate for many who get pleasure from quieter, scenic walks. For optimum circumstances for outside actions and to benefit from the coastal surroundings at its most interesting, visiting between June and August is very advisable.
Cellular Sign
Some areas, particularly on the seashores or alongside the coast path, could have restricted cell reception. Maintain this in thoughts!
A Remaining Phrase…
Thurlestone is actually a jewel in Devon’s crown, providing a peaceable retreat the place you’ll be able to lay on the seashore, play a spherical of golf or chill out with a chilly pint in hand. If you happen to’r visiting with a automobile, make certain to discover extra locations alongside the south coast of Devon, together with Salcombe, Hope Cove and Kingsbridge.