Kingsbridge, South Devon
- Major South Devon market town in a super location at the northern end of the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary
- Ideal base from which to explore the southern section of South Devon. Start Bay to the east. Bantham, Bigbury-on-Sea and Burgh Island to the west. Dartmouth to the north east
- Great for ferry and boat trips
- Lots of top South Devon beaches nearby. Huge shingle beaches to the east and sand beaches to the south
- Excellent for local food and drink and shopping
- Main photo: view of the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary from the South Devon countryside above East Portlemouth. Kingsbridge is located at the northern end of the estuary
Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary
Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary. Kingsbridge sits at the top of the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary. The estuary is one of the most beautiful places in the UK. It's also surrounded by magnificent coastline, villages and beaches. Kingsbridge is a superb place in which to base yourself to explore this section of South Devon.
Kingsbridge ferry and boat trips
Salcombe Kingsbridge Ferry. Runs between Kingsbridge and Salcombe on the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary. Take this trip if you're on holiday in the area.
Kingsbridge wildlife
Salcombe to Kingsbridge Estuary SSSI and Local Nature Reserve. Extends from the mouth of the estuary by Bolt Head up past Salcombe to South Pool, Frogmore and Kingsbridge.
Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve. Located to the east of Kingsbridge and very easily accessible on the A379.
Kingsbridge pubs, restaurants and cafes
The Crabshell Inn. Super location overlooking the water by the A379. Combine local seafood with a ferry trip to Salcombe.
Creeks End Restaurant. As the name suggests, Creeks End Restaurant is situated at the top of the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary in the heart of town.
The Cod Father. We always seem to end up at The Cod Father takeaway when in this part of Devon. Great fish and chips. Enjoy eating them on the benches that line the creek.
Kingsbridge shopping
By South Devon standards, Kingsbridge is a reasonably big market town which means it's a shopping destination for this part of South Devon. Head to Fore St which gently climbs from the centre of town.
Kingsbridge museums
Kingsbridge Cookworthy Museum. Local museum named after William Cookworthy (1705-1780) who was the first person in Britain to discover how to make true porcelain like the products imported from China. In addition to information on Cookworthy, the museum tells the story of this part of South Devon. Highly recommended.
[If William Cookworthy is of interest, then also visit the historic pottery at the House of Marbles on the outskirts of Bovey Tracey on the eatern border of Dartmoor National Park.]
Salcombe Maritime Museum. Displays and information on local shipwrecks, boatbuilding and Salcombe's history in WWI and WWII.
Overbeck's Garden and Museum (National Trust). Museum created by Otto Overbeck. It contains children's toys, natural history and maritime exhibits. Awesome location overlooking the lower section of the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary.
Dartmouth Museum. Situated in the heart of Dartmouth near the harbour.
Totnes Museum. Local museum on Totnes Fore St. Head on up to Totnes Castle (English Heritage) after your visit.
Beaches near Kingsbridge
Most people holiday in this area of South Devon for its beaches and watersports. Choose between estuary beaches, shingle beaches, huge low tide sand beaches and 'secret' coves. We've sorted some of the best by location starting with those on the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary.
East Portlemouth Beaches (Small's Cove up to Ditchend Cove). Beautiful beaches below East Portlemouth and across the water from Salcombe. The Salcombe East Portlemouth Ferry runs between Salcombe and East Portlemouth to these beaches.
Mill Bay Beach (National Trust). At low tide, the beaches on the east side of the lower section of the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary become a huge, long strip of sand. Walk south from the ferry and you'll come to Mill Bay Beach (National Trust). Stunning place.
Sunny Cove (Beach). Continue south and you're at Sunny Cove (Beach). There's a sand spit that curls into the estuary.
North Sands (Beach). Sits on the west side of the lower section of the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary.
South Sands (Beach). Beautiful beach accessible by ferry and sea tractor from the centre of Salcombe. Great place for lunch and watersports.
Beaches just east of Kingsbridge
Follow the A379 east of Kingsbridge and you come to the coast lining Start Bay. This area is known for its massive shingle beaches.
Slapton Sands (Beach) is the biggest. Start at Torcross village at the southern end.
Bee Sands (Beach) is south of Torcross and Slapton Sands (Beach). Great beach, views and facilities including a local pub.
Blackpool Sands (Beach) is a classic family Devon beach. Super popular with top facilities.
Beaches south west and west of Kingsbridge
Head south west and west of Kingsbridge and you come to many of South Devon's most famous beaches. These are big sand beaches that are great for watersports.
South Milton Sands/Thurlestone Sand (Beach). Great stretch of sand with a very fashionable cafe bar behind.
Hope Cove Mouthwell Beach and Hope Cove Harbour Beach are pretty coastal village beaches. There's a pub, cafe bar and village shop by the beaches.
Bantham Beach. Amazing place. Huge low tide sand beach looking onto Burgh Island. Essential visiting.
Bigbury-on-Sea Beach. As above. Another amazing place that must be visited when on holiday in South Devon.
Villages to visit near Kingsbridge
East Portlemouth. Gorgeous village across the Salcombe Kinsbridge Estuary. Take the foot passenger ferry from Salcombe to enjoy the beaches and coastline here
East Prawle. Devon's southernmost village. Top village pub and great walking east and west of Prawle Point.
Hallsands. Pretty, quiet village near Start Point. Known for its lost village.
Beesands. Superb coastal village with a huge shingle beach and pub.
Torcross. Major South Devon destination at the southern end of the massive Slapton Sands (Beach).
Hope Cove. Idyllic coastal village with two beaches, a pub and cafe bar. Great for beach holidays and watersports.
Bantham. Village sat above the sublime River Avon and Estuary and leading to Bantham Beach.
Bigbury-on-Sea. Famous seaside village by Burgh Island and its iconic Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel.
Towns to visit near Kingsbridge
Salcombe. Visit on a sunny day. Remarkable place and location.
Dartmouth. Beautiful, thriving town on the River Dart and Estuary.
Totnes. Super town on the River Dart between Dartmoor and the South Devon coast.
Kingsbridge and Start Point
Start Bay. One of the most beautiful bays in the Westcountry.
Visit Start Point and Start Point Lighthouse when you're there.
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