A weekend away in Shaldon

Shaldon is a hidden gem tucked away along the South Devon coastline, but I’m willing to share it with you guys as it’s one to add to your lists. Whether you visit for a winter getaway or plan your next summer holiday here, it’s sweet seaside charm will win you over as soon as you arrive. It’s a small village in South Devon, near Torquay, with a lovely beach with dark red sand, cosy pubs and is surrounded by rolling hills.

There is a wonderful secret beach to find but be aware of tide times as the beach will completely disappear when the tide is in but, when the tide is out, you can find a huge beach to run around and play on. It’s down a tunnel near The Ness pub, so pop for a drink before or after, to make the most of your day on the beach.

Shaldon has a Wildlife Trust full of monkeys and meerkats to see and learn about, and with tickets for an adult costing just £9.95, this is a great place for a family day out.

Where to stay

There are many great Airbnb cottages and holiday homes in Shaldon but for something a bit different check out the below;

• Sea Sentry – a unique home that was built in World War II to house soldiers.
• Shaldon Beach Huts – a luxury beach hut for for something a bit more fun
• The Ness – a cosy pub with cute seaside rooms

Where to eat

Shaldon has quite a few pubs in their town, which are all great, so if you just want to have a cosy drink by the fire, or dinner outside watching the waves, these are the places to go.

• Cafe ODE
• London Inn
• The Bucket and Spade
• The Clipper
• The Ferry Boat Inn

Places to visit…

Coastal walks

You can get a little ferry over to Teignmouth, which is just the other side of the estuary. There is more sand over there if you want a beach day but it is more of a typical old fashioned seaside town compared to Shaldon. You can walk all the way to Dawlish along a traditional promenade with great views out to see and have a pub lunch half way around.

There is another great coastal walk from the centre of Shaldon to The Thatched Tavern in Maidencombe. You go through fields, so it’s great for dogs to be off the lead, and half way you will get to the Thatched Tavern which is a lovely lunch spot.

Babbacombe

If you park up on Babbacombe Downs road, you can walk down the hill to the coastal path by the vernicular railway, this will take you down to Oddicombe beach. Carry on walking along the beach to your right and you should see a pub called The Cary Arms. This is definitely worth a stop for a drink as you will have the most spectacular, unspoilt views of the sea. The Cary Arms is extremely dog friendly too and you can spoil them with their own dog dinners and treats there. Check out their beach huts to stay in as well, for a unique staycation.

Cockington Village

This is a very picturesque english village that seems lost in time, but in a good way. You really will feel you have stepped back to the 16^th Century when walking through this village. With sweet little tea shops, a pub and craft centre to visit, this is a great place to stop and walk around.

Berry Head Nature Reserve

This is a beautiful peninsula surrounded by lush countryside and the crystal clear water of the English Channel. Make sure you keep an eye out for dolphins who are frequently spotted playing out at sea too. There is a visitor centre to educate yourself on the wildlife and history of the area and a coffee shop for lunch or afternoon tea while you soak up the views and breathe in the fresh sea air.

Dartmouth

Dartmouth is an attractive coastal town which is situated on the estuary of the river Dart, so depending on your plans to visit you can easily get a car ferry from Kingwear so you don’t need to drive around the estuary. There is an abundance of shops and places to eat here so you will be spoilt for choice.

Fancy a day trip to Salcombe? Then read my blog post all about the great seaside town of Salcombe for more inspiration.