13 INCREDIBLE Things To Do In Kingsbridge, South Devon
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Kingsbridge, South Devon, you’ve come to the right place!
Nestled amongst the South Devon Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) is the small market town of Kingsbridge.
The town of Kingsbridge, South Devon is surrounded by acres of rich green land and also lies on the beautiful Kingsbridge Estuary.
Its proximity to both land and water makes this town a popular hotspot for hikers, ramblers, sailors and surfers alike.
Kingsbridge, South Devon is the perfect place to base yourself on a South Devon holiday.
Not only are you in the South Devon Area of Natural Beauty itself but you are also extremely close to the South West Coast Path, which means lots of walking routes to choose from.
On top of that, you are close to so many beautiful beaches, such as that of Salcombe, Bantham and South Sands.
This means lots of opportunities to get involved in watersports like Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Kayaking and Sailing.
In Kingsbridge itself, you have ample opportunity to soak up some of the local cultures.
Such as enjoying local produce in the restaurants and cafes, learning about local creators in the art gallery and taste-testing some of the Devonshire craft beer.
So, what are the best things to do in Kingsbridge, South Devon? Read on below to find out!
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The best things to do in Kingsbridge, South Devon
Kingsbridge Estuary
You simply have to walk through Kingsbridge town to admire the beautiful estuary.
Although I personally think the best place to view this is at Bowcombe Creek Bridge.
If possible I would time it up so you visit the bridge an hour or so before sunset, the tide is high and the water is still and it just looks so beautiful.
There is a road adjacent to the bridge where you can park your car so that you can admire the view, as you are unable to stop on the bridge.
Salcombe
Salcombe is a stunning, quintessentially British town that is a short 15-minute drive from Kingsbridge.
Come here to admire the beautiful coloured buildings, enjoy a pint by the water and grab an ice cream.
There are lots of restaurants/pubs and independent shops in Salcombe town centre so you can spend a couple of hours here eating lunch and browsing around the shops.
There are 3 car parks in Salcombe town centre so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a space, but this might change during the height of summer.
Kingsbridge Farmers Market
The Kingsbridge Farmers Market is a lively place where you can find the best local food.
It happens on the first and third Saturdays of the month.
It has a variety of stalls with fresh fruits, veggies, cheeses, homemade preserves, and more.
It’s a friendly and community-driven atmosphere, supporting local farmers and producers.
If you want to taste the region’s delicious food in a welcoming setting, this market is a must-visit.
Snapes point
Snapes Point is a gorgeous 360 viewpoint location in Salcombe.
Here, you will get to see stunning views of rolling hills, and the Kingsbridge Estuary as well as look out over the town of Salcombe.
If you are arriving by car simply type “Snapes Point National Trust car park” into your navigation and it will take you right there.
National Trust member? Good news, the car park is free for you! if not, it’s £3 for the whole day.
The walk from the car park to Snapes Point will take you roughly 15/20 to walk. The walk there is clearly signposted along the way.
Alternatively, if you are staying in Salcombe you can walk the 4.5-mile distance to Snapes Point This walk starts close to Shadycombe Car Park (TQ3 8QE).
Gara Rock
Gara Rock is one my favourite places in this part of the world, and has to be one of the best things to do in Kingsbridge, South Devon.
At Gara Rock you will find a breathtaking coastline, complete with a secluded beach and a couple of incredible coastal walks for you to choose from.
Here you can also find the luxury Gara Rock Hotel, which serves up some of the best food in South Devon.
I would recommend stopping here for lunch after you’ve worked up an appetite on a coastal walk.
If you want to visit the secluded beach (and I highly recommend you do) you will need to follow the path titled “West Prawle”.
The walk to the beach takes roughly 15-20minutes, and you can continue on past it should you wish.
An alternative route will allow you to walk to Mill Bay (see below).
Please note that parking at Gara Rock is free.
Mill Bay
So the first thing I thought when I saw this cute little bay was how much it reminded me of Thailand.
The golden sand, the emerald green water and all the trees growing on the rock gave it that Thailand feel.
Some people might call that a bit of a stretch but there was just something about it that evoked Thailand memories – take a trip and let me know for yourself.
The bay also looks out across to the village of Salcombe so you get beautiful views from all angles!
You can either drive directly to Mill Bay, or you can hike over from Gara Rock.
You can also catch a water taxi from Salcombe.
Soar Mill Cove (Bolberry Down)
Soar Mill Cove is a small, sandy inlet in Bolt Head, located in Bolberry Down, and part of the South West Coast Path.
Not only is Soar Mill Cove a stunning beach, but it also offers yet more impressive views of the Devonshire coastline.
The beach is easy to get to, so you can have fun dipping your toes in the water or playing in the soft sand.
To get here you will have to get to the Bolberry Down National Trust car park.
From the car park it is just a short 20-30 minute walk down to the cove.
Hope Cove
Explore the beauty of Hope Cove, a lovely beach in its own village, just a short 15-minute drive from Kingsbridge.
Hope Cove is a great spot for a peaceful getaway.
When you arrive, you’ll find two parking options: ‘Inner Hope Cove’ and ‘Outer Hope Cove.’ I suggest choosing the latter for easy beach access.
Once in Hope Cove, relax at the cosy “Hope and Anchor” pub with a sea view. It’s a great place to grab a bite if you’re hungry.
Since the village and beach are small, I recommend spending a short time here.
However, if you’re up for a walk, you can take a scenic hike to Hope Cove from Bolberry Down National Trust Car Park.
Thurlestone Beach / South Milton Sands
Thurlestone Beach / South Milton Sands is probably one of the most stunning beaches in Kingsbridge, South Devon and its not to be missed off your best things to do in Kingsbridge itinerary.
It’s super peaceful and relaxing, especially if you go a couple of hours before sunset when everything looks really pretty in the golden light.
Thurlestone Beach has two parts: a smaller one near Thurlestone Golf Club and a bigger one towards South Milton.
If you like walking, you can start at Bantham Beach and walk along the coastline to Thurlestone Beach. It’s a nice way to enjoy the beauty of the area on a stroll.
Bantham Beach
If you’re looking for the best sunset spot in Kingsbridge, South Devon then Bantham Beach has to be it.
Not only that, Bantham Beach is one of the best places in Kingsbridge to spend a sunny day.
Here you can find sand dunes (which is great fun if you have young children) and lots of other fun activities such as surfing and stand-up paddleboarding (which you can book through Bantham Surfing Academy).
If you visit Bantham in the height of summer, you’ll also find lots of food and drink trucks located close to the car park.
Perfect if you’re after a nice cider to quench your thirst.
If you’re up for a nice walk, you can hike to Bantham Beach from Thurlestone Sands (mentioned above).
It’s about a 30-40 minute walk, with some stunning scenery along the way.
Start Point Lighthouse
One of the best things to do in Kingsbridge, South Devon is watch the sunrise from Start Point Lighthouse
To get the best views of the lighthouse and the coastline, you will have to climb up a steep part of the hill.
You will know exactly where to climb as the rocks have been carved into steps and there is a metal chain railing to use as support.
Burgh Island
Burgh Island, situated in the town of Bigbury-On-Sea, is a small tidal island with beautiful golden sand and a not-so-secret natural mermaid pool.
During low tide, you can walk over to the island, while during high tide, a sea tractor provides access
The sea tractor to Burgh Island costs £2 each way, although it stops running in the early evening, so be mindful of the timing.
When you get onto the island you can choose to have a special afternoon tea at the local hotel or spend the day relaxing on the beautiful sandy beach.
Hallsands
Hallsands Beach is conveniently located, with a short walk (20 minutes) or a quick drive (6 minutes) from Start Point Lighthouse.
This stunning shingle beach became one of my favourite places to visit in Kingsbridge, South Devon.
The powerful and loud waves make it an ideal spot to unwind in the morning, enjoying the soothing sound of the ocean crashing along the shore.
How to get to Kingsbridge, South Devon
CAR
The best way to get to Kingsbridge is by car. not only for convenience but to also find those hidden gems that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to explore with public transport.
Please see below the distance and journey times to Kingsbridge from Major UK cities.
| City | Distance | Time |
| London | 373 KM | 4hr 40m |
| Birmingham | 318 KM | 3hr 40m |
| Bristol | 186 KM | 2hr 15m |
| Manchester | 447 KM | 5hr 15m |
TRAIN
To get to Kingsbridge, South Devon by train you will have to book a train (or a coach) to the city of Totnes.
From Totnes, you can then catch the local 164 bus to Kingsbridge.
This bus will take you to Salcombe also.
The best time to visit Kingsbridge, South Devon
Kingsbridge is a great place to explore any time of the year, except on rainy days!
It offers beautiful walks and beaches that you can enjoy in both winter and summer. The only challenge might be the rain, as some hikes will prove to be challenging in wet and windy conditions.
This might be somewhat of a tall ask considering the unpredictable UK weather.
Where to stay in Kingsbridge, South Devon
Kingsbridge is a great base area to stay in as you are no more than a 30-minute drive from some of the most scenic spots in South Devon.
Some of the best places to stay in Kingsbridge, South Devon include:
The best restaurants in Kingsbridge, South Devon
With the town of Kingsbridge being quite small, there are just a handful of restaurants located centrally in town.
You can find a couple of cosy cafes, pubs
People really like The Oyster Shack for its fresh seafood, The Crabshell Inn for a relaxed vibe with tasty comfort food and Michellin starred Twenty Seven for using local produce in their innovative dishes
If you are looking for more options, heading to Salcombe for food is a great idea.
Looking for more UK inspiration? Check out my other guides here.
How many days should I spend in Kingsbridge, South Devon?
I recommend spending 3-day minimum in Kingsbridge and personally don’t think you will need any more than a week.
This will ensure that you have enough time to relax, explore, and also get in a couple of hikes along the stunning coastline.
Is Kingsbridge, South Devon nice?
Yes, Kingsbridge and its surrounding areas are some of the most beautiful places in South Devon, Devon and even the whole country.
It’s definitely worth taking the time out to do a trip up here.
Top tip for travelling to Kingsbridge, South Devon
Bring cash with you! Many car park machines don’t accept card payments.
While some may allow phone payments, poor reception is common and can lead to issues.
Another suggestion is to consider getting a National Trust membership, even if it’s just for this trip, as many car parks are owned by the National Trust.
A monthly membership costs around £6, and you’ll likely save more on parking fees.
Happy Exploring
I hope you have the best time uncovering all of the best things to do in Kingsbridge, South Devon.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out!
