Family Friendly
Telephone numbers and website details of the activities and venues have been included to make planning your trips as easy as possible. Please double check travel times, opening times and information before beginning your journey. Information is subject to change and would hate the unexpected to disappoint!
TAXI SERVICES:
Water Taxi: 07807 643 879
Salcombe Taxis: 07938 470 600
Clark Cars: 01548 842 914
Moonraker Taxis: 01548 560 231
Totally Taxis: 07542 626 545
SITTERS BABYSITTING SERVICES:
www.sitters.co.uk/babysitters-in-Salcombe.aspx
In Salcombe
PAPER BIRD ISLAND
Open Easter 2017 “…..a friendly and relaxed art space on Island Street offering a range of projects to paint, glitter and découpage. Family fun, whatever the weather!” Paper Bird Island stock a variety of different papier mâché boxes, animal shapes and hanging bird greeting cards for you to decorate.
Alice runs watercolour workshops, which are suitable for beginners or anyone wanting to free up their creativity; demonstrating simple techniques and tips which will allow you to relax into your own unique style. The workshops are suitable for ages 8 years and up but all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. It is a good excuse to join in or relax on the sofas with a cup of tea and a book!
Paper Bird Island is an enchanting venue to hold your party. Whether it is for a birthday, a hen do, a baby shower or anything else, the space and activities can be to your needs. Groups of 6 or more. Party food is not included but can be arranged with the Salcombe Coffee Company or you are more than welcome to bring your own picnic.
www.paperbirdisland.com
Email: paperbirdisland@gmail.com
Tel: 01548 288723
SALCOMBE AND DISTRICT PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL
Opening May 2020
Onslow Road
Salcombe
TQ8 8AG
Tel: 07746 248 187
CRABBING AT VICTORIA QUAY
Crab lines and bates can be bought from many of the local Salcombe shops including the newsagent on Fore Street. *Top tip* Mackrel is the best bate!
FERRY TRIP
Salcombe to Kingsbridge on ‘Rivermaid’
Passenger only
Seasonal
Timetables from the Ferry Pier and Salcombe Information Centre
Tel: 01548 843 927
Salcombe to East Portlemouth
All year
From Ferry Pier March–October and Whitestrand 1 November–1 March
Tel 01548 842 061 or 07769 319 375
Salcombe to South Sands
From the March–October from Whitestrand
Timetables at Whitestrand
Tel: 01548 561 035
BANANA RIDING, WAKEBOARDING & WATERSKIING
Sea-n-shore hire out a big rib for wake boarding, water skiing and banana riding per hour. This includes up to 10 people, 1 skipper, 1 instructor, and equipment listed on website. Pick up is in Salcombe and then a 15 min journey out of the harbour to the location. The hour doesn’t start until at location. The logistics of ski lessons is always weather dependent but there is usually a suitable location out of the wind. When individuals want to ski/wakeboard for the first time allow around half an hour each.
The most common thing Sea n Shore do out of Salcombe is group banana rides and games where the 6 man banana is used with 10 individuals and the hour is divided up equally so everyone has rides and games. Cost is divided between the 10, or however many people there are.
www.sea-n-shore.com
Tel: 01548-842276 or 07713 745609
Email: ali@sea-n-shore.com
SALCOMBE CASTLE
Just off the beach of North Sands lie the ruins of Salcombe Castle or otherwise know as Fort Charles. Despite what you might think, the castle is easily reached on foot, especially during a low tide. It is understood that the castle was built during the reign of Henry VIII to defend the Kingsbridge estuary against French and Spanish pirates.
SALCOMBE MARITIME MUSEUM
The harder you search the more you will find in this friendly little museum…… A treasure trove of models, paintings, photographs and artefacts which tell the story of Salcombe’s links with ships and the sea from ancient times to the Second World War. There is plenty to amuse and engage younger visitors including hands-on displays, models and pirates’ treasure, in the ‘young sailors’ corner’. The Museum has a unique gallery of paintings depicting the famed racing fruit schooners built in Salcombe during the 19th century. Today Salcombe is a fashionable yachting centre but traditional boatbuilding crafts are still carried on in the town and the Museum houses an impressive collection of tools that tell the story of these maritime trades. Finally, don’t miss the sea-bed treasures recovered by divers from the hundreds of shipwrecks that line our coast. Open April to October.
www.salcombemuseum.org.uk
Email: info@salcombemuseum.org.uk
Tel: 01548 843 080
RYA SAILING COURSES WITH SALCOMBE DINGHY SAILING
RYA Youth Courses for ages 8 – 15 yrs
- Stages 1 – 4
- Start Racing
- Day Sailing
- Seamanship Skills
- Sailing with Spinnakers
RYA Adult Courses for ages 16 years +
- Level 1,2 & 3
- Start Racing
- Day Sailing
- Seamanship Skills
- Sailing with Spinnakers
RYA Keelboat Courses for ages 16 years +
- Level 1,2
- Day Sailing
Each RYA Course can be completed in just two days.
For children the course can be arranged over four half days.
www.salcombedinghysailing.co.uk
Tel: 07809 556 457 or 01548 843 927
Email: salcombedinghysailing@gmail.com
WHITESTRAND BOAT HIRE, BOATS AND FISHING CHARTERS
Enjoy the best Salcombe has to offer on one of Whitestrands self-drive hire boats. Whether you wish to explore the estuary, visit a pub with friends for lunch or hang out on the beach with the family. No experience or qualifications are required, we will show you where you can go and how to get there. Please note weekly rates are not offered in July and August.
www.whitestrandboathire.co.uk
Tel: 01548 843818
Email: info@whitestrandboathire.co.uk
CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICES
Church of England Holy Trinity Church, Salcombe
Church Road
Services: 8.00am, 10.00am, 6.00pm.
Tel: 01548 842 626
Roman Catholic Our Lady Star of the Sea
Devon Road
Mass Sat at 5.00pm.
Tel: 01548 852 670
Salcombe Christian Fellowship
Meet in the Catholic Church on Devon Road at 10.30am
Evening Service time and venue as announced
Tel: 01548 843 168
Up to 10 Minutes from Salcombe
OVERBECK’S MUSEUM AND GARDEN NATIONAL TRUST
Once the home of Otto Overbeck renown for his inventions and diverse collections; from beetles to maritime history. There are wonderful gardens to explore with plenty of activities to entertain the whole family, from trails and quizzes, to tours of the garden and house.
Sharpitor
Salcombe
TQ8 8LW
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/overbecks
Tel: 01548 842 893
Email: overbecks@nationaltrust.org.uk
MILL BAY NATIONAL TRUST by boat!
Unspoilt, wild coastline with turquoise waters and golden beaches
Here you will find sandy beaches and turquoise waters at Mill Bay, Sunny Cove and Seacombe Sands. Beyond, there’s a wild and rugged peninsula to explore towards Devon’s most southerly point at Prawle, with coastguard lookouts dotted along the cliffs commanding the best sea views.
After a wander along the coast you can treat yourself to a well-deserved lunch or cream tea at the Gara Rock restaurant.
Mill Bay car park
East Portlemouth
TQ8 8PU
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mill-bay
Tel: 01752 346 585
Email: southdevon@nationaltrust.org.uk
Up to 20 minutes from Salcombe
KINGS CINEMA
Merlin Cinemas Ltd
Kings Cinema Fore Street
Kingsbridge
TQ7 1PP
www.kingsbridge.merlincinemas.co.uk
Tel: 01548 856 636
KINGSBRIDGE MARKETS
General Market
Takes place on Tuesdays
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday in summer
On the Quay
Farmers Market
Takes place on first and third Saturday of every month
Time: 9.00am–1.00pm
On the Quay
KINGSBRIDGE AND DISTRICT LIGHT RAILWAY Co
The “Little Train” that runs along the side of the Kingsbridge Estuary
Tel: 07885 227 000
Email: steve@kdlr.co.uk
BOLBERRY DOWN NATIONAL TRUST
An easily accessible and wild stretch of coastline
This is the starting point for discovering spectacular coastal walks between Salcombe and Hope Cove. A level and surfaced circular trail through the downs offers easy access to sea views and wild flowers carpeting the cliffs.
For something more challenging, you can follow the coast path east towards Salcombe, past East Soar and Overbeck’s. Discover the remote sandy beach at Soar Mill Cove less than a mile from the car park, or head west to Bolt Tail and you’ll cross the ramparts of an Iron Age fort.
Sat Nav: TQ7 3DY
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bolberry-down
Tel: 01752 346 585
Email: bolberrydown@nationaltrust.org.uk
THURLESTONE SANDS
A brilliant spot for keen rock poolers, kayakers, windsurfers and divers.
Swimming is safe but at your own risk, with lifeguard cover in full summer.
Lovely sheltered sandy beach with ample parking.
Thurlestone
Kingsbridge
TQ7 3JY
www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/things-to-do/thurlestone-beach-p1200703
EAST SOAR NATIONAL TRUST
A coastline of dramatic cliffs, open farmland and hidden sandy coves. A perfect starting point for exploring the unspoilt and isolated coast between Bolt Head and Bolt Tail, grab your walking boots and discover a stretch of coast made up of secluded sandy beaches and majestic ragged cliffs which have claimed countless ships over the centuries.
From the car park at East Soar it is only a mile long walk to the Trust’s exotic clifftop garden and Edwardian house at Overbeck’s. The route takes you along the runway of what used to be RAF Bolt Head and past a secret nuclear bunker. Look out for cirl buntings and silver-studded blue butterflies. Don’t miss the chance of a cake in the quirky drop-in Walker’s Hut at East Soar Outdoor Experience.
East Soar car park
Near Malborough
TQ7 3DR
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/east-soar
Tel: 01752 346 585
Email: eastsoar@nationaltrust.org.uk
EAST SOAR OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE
Helping kids get back to nature.
Providing outdoor education for children with additional educational needs, East Soar Outdoor Experience also caters for mainstream groups.
Working closely with National Trust rangers, they ensure schools and families have access to the beautiful surroundings, offering a location for many of the National Trust events in the area.
The farm beside it has pet sheep, donkeys, pigs and chickens and there is a wonderful barefoot trail for children.
Walker’s Hut
The Walker’s Hut is a converted farm barn that sells teas, coffees and great homemade cakes. Very popular with dog walkers and families as there is plenty of space with a very relaxed tea-time vibe.
They offer a pre-booked lunch service for walking or rambling groups (minimum of 10 people). Please ring 01548 561904 or email info@eastsoar.co.uk if you would like to make a booking.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/east-soar/features/east-soar-outdoor-experience
Tel: 01752 346 585
Email: eastsoar@nationaltrust.org.uk
ROCK POOLING AT SOUTH MILTON SANDS NATIONAL TRUST
Check the tide times and discover an amazing, underwater world as the sea goes out. The pools are teeming with life such as limpets, sea anemones, crabs and starfish, see what you can find hiding among the rocks. If you get to the beach just before low tide and spend a few hours searching the pools and rocks of South Milton Sands, you are likely to find many limpets, anemones, shore crabs, pipe fish, sea scorpions, spiny star fish, Cornish sucker fish and edible crabs.
Thurlestone
Near Kingsbridge
Devon
TQ7 3JY
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/south-milton-sands
Tel: 01752 346 585
Email: southmiltonsands@nationaltrust.org.uk
Up to 30 minutes from Salcombe
SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY
The South Devon Railway is one of Devon’s and the West Country’s best loved tourist attractions and is the longest established steam railway in the south west.
The South Devon Railway, or SDR, is a seven mile former Great Western Railway branch line, built in 1872, which runs along the stunning valley of the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. We run steam trains with heritage rolling stock and offer a wonderful all day, all weather attraction for families and people of all ages.
The Station
Buckfastleigh
TQ11 0DZ
www.southdevonrailway.co.uk
Tel: 01364 644 370
Email: trains@southdevonrailway.org
SOUTH DEVON CHILLI FARM
Are you prepared to miss out on free samples of every product? Not to mention chilli beer and chilli chocolate? This chilli farm is a great place to visit during the summer. With over 100 different types of chilli plants to see and a play area for the kids, you’re guaranteed a brilliant day out. The Chilli Tractor Awaits.
We find kids love chillies, especially when they are in the form of a super chilli tractor that you can scramble over and slide down. Our play area also has a twisty basket swing and kids can race around our orchard paths if they need to burn off more energy. We have activity sheets with quizzes, stamps and colouring sheets and lots of stickers to give away as a memento of their visit. If the weather is bad we have some undercover activity sheets as well as a dressing up bag – great for a photo to take home.
Wigford Cross,
Loddiswell,
Devon
TQ7 4DX
www.southdevonchillifarm.co.uk
Tel: 01548 550 782
Email: enquiries@southdevonchillifarm.co.uk
Up to 40 minutes from Salcombe
LEARN TO SURF AT BIGBURY ON-SEA
Learn to surf at Bigbury-on-Sea with South Devon’s premier surf school since 2002. Professional coaching is provided for all ages and abilities with an emphasis on safe, high quality tuition in small groups. Guaranteed you’ll be up and riding in your first lesson!
Marine Drive
Bigbury On-Sea
Kingsbridge
TQ7 4AS
www.discoverysurf.com
Email: martin@discoverysurf.com
Tel: 07813 639 622
START POINT LIGHTHOUSE
The easiest way to get to Start Point is by car using post code TQ7 2ET. Follow the brown tourist signs from the mini roundabout at Stokenham on the A379 Dartmouth to Kingsbridge coastal road; it is around a 20 minute drive from there.
There is a public car park at Start Point from which it is approximately 20 minutes walk down to the Lighthouse. Start Point Car Park is open every day of the year with seasonal charges from the end of March until the end of September.
For the more adventurous, Start Point is also on the South West Coast Path and is a very enjoyable walk from: Torcross (approx 2 hours) or Beesands (approx 1.5 hours) past the lost village of Hallsands from the East and East Prawle (approx two hours) and Salcombe (approx four hours) from the West. Click on the Coastal Footpath tab for more details.
Dartmouth
Kingsbridge
TQ7 2ET
www.startpointdevon.co.uk
info@startpointdevon.co.uk
Tel: 01803 771803
SLAPTON SANDS AND TORCROSS BEACH
Slapton Sands is an an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where families and friends can enjoy great holidays. South Devon’s Mediterranean style climate means that the sea is safe, clean and calm, and there are plenty of water sports such as surfing, windsurfing and canoeing to try out. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months and there is a flag system in place telling you where it’s safe to swim and when to stay out of the water. There is a beachside café serving drinks and light refreshments and Slapton Sands has facilities for anyone with mobility restrictions, with disabled beach access and toilets. Slapton Sands is a dog-friendly beach, allowing dogs throughout the year.
Slapton
Devon
TQ7 2TQ
www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/things-to-do/slapton-sands-and-torcross-beach-p183983
WOODLANDS LEISURE PARK
The largest family theme park in Devon! A fun filled family day out for everyone. From little kids to kid-ults there’s something for everyone!
Blackawton
Totnes
TQ9 7DQ
Up to 50 minutes away
MILL BAY NATIONAL TRUST by car!
Unspoilt, wild coastline with turquoise waters and golden beaches
Here you will find sandy beaches and turquoise waters at Mill Bay, Sunny Cove and Seacombe Sands. Beyond, there’s a wild and rugged peninsula to explore towards Devon’s most southerly point at Prawle, with coastguard lookouts dotted along the cliffs commanding the best sea views.
After a wander along the coast you can treat yourself to a well-deserved lunch or cream tea at the Gara Rock restaurant.
Mill Bay car park
East Portlemouth
TQ8 8PU
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mill-bay
Tel: 01752 346 585
Email: southdevon@nationaltrust.org.uk
PENNYWELL FARM & WILDLIFE CENTRE
As just a part of the many things to do that Pennywell has to offer, there is a different activity, show or display every half hour. Below is just an example, times change according to weather and season.
Piggy Cuddles are now available all day, every day!
For example:
10am Meet your Pennywell Farmer with all the friendly pets in the Pets Area
10.30am Egg Collecting – Off to our Funky Fowl area to see what our collection of international poultry have laid
11am Goat Milking – Great fun to have a go, plus you meet our very friendly milking goats
11.30am Bottle Feeding – Feeding the orphan lambs and goat kids is always a very special experience
12pm Plant a Pot – Plant some seeds and take home a souvenir from your day at the farm
12.30pm Treasure Hunt – Follow the clues to find the farmyard treasures, from counting the turkeys to looking for feathers a sweet treat awaits you at the finish
1pm Pond Dipping – Take a net and discover the abundant water wildlife in the Pennywell ponds
1.30pm Ferret Racing – A fistful of friendly ferrets lined up and ready to go. Cheer on your favourite!
2pm Pony Pampering – Meet our petite ponies in their own Miniature Pony Centre and say ‘Hello’ to the giants of the farmyard, Shire horse Fusilier and Clydesdale Dylan.
2.30pm Pig Racing – Will Red Runt triumph over Bacon’s Brook? Ham it up with our miniature pig racing.
3pm Deer Feeding – Hand feed our beautiful deer and enjoy spectacular views of the Dart Valley
3.30pm Pets Teatime – Tea with a tortoise, party with the pets and enjoy giving the smaller animals their afternoon tea
4pm Bottle Feeding – The second bottle feed of the day for our hungry orphan lambs and goat kids
4.30pm Round Up – Time for the ponies to go to their paddocks and the chickens to go to their coups as the Pennywell animals prepare for the night
5pm Lights Out ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Every day is different but favourite activities like piggy cuddles, bottle feeding and pig racing happen every day. There’s always plenty to choose from, plus there are entertainers during Devon school holidays and special events throughout the year.
You won’t waste a single memorable minute!
Lower Dean
Buckfastleigh
TQ11 0LT
www.pennywellfarm.co.uk
Tel: 01364 642 023
THE BUTTERFLY FARM AND OTTER SANCTUARY
The Butterfly Farm and Otter Sanctuary is a friendly and very different visit for all the family. Run by a small dedicated team your visit will be educational and fun. You can enjoy and learn about our tropical butterflies in the specially designed habitat of which you become part. You not only see the butterflies but feel the rainforest atmosphere that they enjoy as you see their amazing life cycle unfold. In the Otter Sanctuary there are three species of otter to see, our native British otter, the playful Asian short clawed otters and the large North American river otters who love to show off. The keeper is on hand to explain all about the otters to visitors, some are for breeding, some for retirement, some just for fun and some because they are unsuitable to be returned to the wild.
The Station
Buckfastleigh
TQ11 0DZ
www.ottersandbutterflies.co.uk
Tel: 01364 642 916
Email: contact@ottersandbutterflies.co.uk
DARTMOUTH CASTLE
One of the most beautifully located fortresses in England. For over 600 years Dartmouth Castle has guarded the narrow entrance to the Dart Estuary and the busy, vibrant port of Dartmouth. It offers stunning views of the estuary and out to sea and offers a great family day out, whatever the weather. There is plenty to do inside the castle and if the weather is fine, you can make it a full day out with a river boat trip from the town quay up to the castle, landing you a minute’s walk away from the castle entrance. After you have explored the castle, you can visit a riverside tea room for light lunches and snacks. Walkers will love the coastal and woodland walks around the castle where you can spot plenty of wildlife and birds.
Castle Road
Dartmouth
TQ6 0JN
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/dartmouth-castle/
TOTNES RARE BREEDS CENTRE
CURRENTLY CLOSED – REOPENING 14TH MARCH 2020
Totnes Rare Breeds is a family-owned attraction is small enough to provide a friendly and personal service, with enough to keep visitors happy all day.
Feed and fuss the rare breed sheep and goats; Admire the varied breeds of poultry; Visit the hedgehogs in their hospital; Cuddle the guinea pigs; Marvel at the antics of the red squirrels; Enjoy educational talks on our fantastic wildlife and Get as close as possible to the splendid owls!
Here you are within hugging range of all the animals.
Littlehempston
Totnes
TQ9 6LZ
www.totnesrarebreeds.co.uk
Tel: 01803 840 387
TOTNES CASTLE
A classic Norman motte and bailey castle, founded soon after the Conquest to overawe the Saxon town. A later stone shell-keep crowns its steep mound, giving sweeping views across the town rooftops to the River Dart. Climb to the top of the keep to enjoy stunning views over the town of Totnes and across to the River Dart. Or enjoy a picnic in the peaceful grounds under the shelter of age old trees – there is plenty of space for families to relax on a summers day. Within easy walking distance of the town, the castle is an ideal addition to any day out in South Devon and you can combine the visit with one to nearby Dartmouth and Berry Pomeroy Castles which are just a short drive away.
Castle Street
Totnes
TQ9 5NU
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/totnes-castle/
Tel: 01803 864 406
Up to 60 minutes from Salcombe
CANONTEIGN FALLS
Home to England’s highest manmade waterfall, Canonteign Falls is a magnificent example of a Victorian folly set in a magical natural paradise. The waterfalls themselves descend for over 70m making this one of the most breathtaking attractions in Devon and providing a wonderful day out for all the family.
Canonteign Falls
Christow
Nr Exeter
Devon
EX6 7RH
www.canonteignfalls.co.uk
Tel: 01647 252 434
Email: info@canonteignfalls.com
NATIONAL MARINE AQUARIUM
The National Marine Aquarium is a registered charity committed to promoting a sympathetic understanding of the sea through programmes of education, conservation and research. Your visit will take you across the world’s oceans, from the shores of Plymouth to the coral reefs of the tropics. We have over 70 sharks from more than ten different species. The sharks on display range in size from the small catfish to the large Sand Tiger Sharks. Hosts deliver an action-packed talk schedule, including the not-to-be-missed interactive dive show.
Rope Walk
Coxside
Plymouth
PL4 0LF
www.national-aquarium.co.uk
Tel: 0844 893 7938
Over 60 minutes from Salcombe
CREALY ADVENTURE PARK
Crealy Great Adventure Park is an award winning family attraction located just minutes from junction 30 of the M5 near Exeter. The Park has over 60 rides and attractions set in over 100 acres of glorious Devon countryside. We are proud to be a park that caters for the whole family, from the smallest children to parents and grandparents alike. There are over 100 animals, 30 outdoor attractions and a variety of other activities to choose from. With heart-stopping rides for thrill seekers to soft-play and animal petting for younger guests, Devon’s Crealy is the South West’s number one family day out.
Sidmouth Rd
Exeter
EX5 1DR
www.crealy.co.uk
Tel: 01395 233 200
Email: fun@crealy.co.uk
EXETER CATHERDRAL
Exeter Cathedral is one of the oldest and most beautiful Cathedrals in England. Located in the centre of the city, there has been a Cathedral on the present site for nearly one thousand years. The imposing towers of today’s Cathedral date from the early 12th century. They form the majority of what remains of the Norman Cathedral which was replaced from 1270 -1340 by the beautiful Gothic building we see today with its famous West Front and elegant Nave. It is a rich resource of art, craft, symbolism and architectural detail. The Cathedral is, as it always has been, the jewel in the heritage crown of the county of Devon, as well as the seat of the Bishop and the Mother Church of the Diocese.
The building itself is a remarkable feat of engineering, design and craftsmanship. It has the longest stretch of unbroken Gothic vaulting in the world, stunning stained glass windows and an intricately carved image screen on the West Front.
Pilgrims and visitors have been making their way to Exeter Cathedral since medieval times and remains one of the most visited places in the West Country.
Exeter Cathedral
Exeter
EX1 1HS