The South Devon coastline is renowned for its beaches and rugged shoreline and with its famous coastal footpath traversing mile after mile of spectacular shoreline. However, there are also many pretty ports and harbour towns also worth visititng, from Dartmouth and Kingsbridge.

Inland, pretty market towns such as Totnes and Ashburton lie on the edge of Dartmoor with all its moorland beauty and hidden footpaths and hamlets. Whether you are interested in history, nature reserves, boating or art, the South Devon area has something for everyone.

Attractions and places of interest (Distance from Thurlestone)

Slapton Ley Field Centre (12 mile)?National Nature Reserve – Walks and Trails, Lots of free family activities?www.slnnr.org.uk?www.field-studies-council.org/slaptonley

Sharpham Vineyard (16 miles)?A working estate on the banks of the River Dart, sample award winning Wine and Cheeses?www.sharpham.com

 
Sharpham Vineyard (above) offer an authentic taste of Devon in lovely surroundings.

South Devon Railway (16 miles)?(Totnes to Buckfastleigh) Enjoy the scenery along the River Dart?www.southdevonrailway.co.uk

Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway (18 miles)?(Kingswear to Paignton) Enjoy the stunning Torbay coastline?www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk

Becky Falls, Bovey Tracey (25 miles)?Stunning scenic walks for all ages and abilities, lots of animals to feed and the 70ft sheer drop of the falls?www.beckyfalls.com??Cockington Court, Torquay (23 miles)?Manor House, Country Park and Craft Centre?www.cockingtoncourt.org

Torquay Dinosaur World (25 miles)?Indoor fun with prehistoric models, fossils and interactive play? www.torquaysdinosaurworld.co.uk

Babbacombe Model Village, Torquay (26 miles)?Hundreds of animated models and display scenes?www.model-village.co.uk

Kents Cavern, Torquay (26 miles)?Guided tours around prehistoric caves?www.kents-cavern.co.uk

House of Marbles, Bovey Tracey (29 miles)?A working glass and game factory and museum?www.houseofmarbles.com

Cantonteign Falls, Chudleigh (34 miles)?England’s highest water fall, descending 220ft, plus assault course and walks?www.canonteignfalls.co.uk

Further Adventures in the South West

Thurlestone nestles on the coast in South Devon and while there is much to explore nearby it is also a very good place from which to visit other towns, cities and places of interest in the region.

Two cities are within easy reach. Plymouth, with its historic Barbican can be reached by car in 45 minutes while Exeter with its ancient cathedral and brand new shopping centre can be reached in just over an hour.

Cornwall, with all its Celtic history, fishing villages and Bodmin moor is just over the Tamar river in Plymouth. Its significant attractions such as The Eden Project near St Austell are less than two hours drive away.

If you are ever in need of a little more advice or local recommendations, feel free to ask reception staff for more details of where to go and what to see in the south west region while staying at Thurlestone Hotel.