Surrounding Area

With many local attractions and things to do locally... there is something for everyone!

GENERAL AREA

Explore South Devon’s Beauty from Your Home at Aish Cross Cottages

 

Nestled between the charming village of Stoke Gabriel and the historic town of Totnes, Aish Cross Holiday Cottages offer the perfect escape to South Devon’s captivating landscapes. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the River Dart valley, just a 5-minute drive away, where activities abound for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts alike.

 

Unwind by the River Dart:

 

  • Stroll along the riverbanks in Stoke Gabriel, just a mile and a half away, and try your hand at crabbing or launch your own boat or canoe for a serene adventure.
  • Take a boat trip down the river to Dartmouth, (or even the famous triangle Steam Railway/Boat/Open Top Bus adventure from Paignton)

 

Discover Family Fun:

 

  • A 5-minute drive takes you to Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, a haven for over 2,000 animals, where conservation takes centre stage.
  • Journey back in time with a visit to the quaint Elizabethan market town of Totnes, boasting unique shops and cafes that proudly uphold their independence.

 

Indulge in Local Delights:

 

  • Taste the exquisite wines and cheeses produced at Sandridge Barton, the home of Sharpham Wines, just 2 miles away.
  • The River Shack on the Mill Pond in Stoke Gabriel is a must for young and old serving delicious food including pizzas from their log burning oven – Oh and local sumptuous ice creams are not to be missed either!
  • The historic 16th Century Church House Inn Stoke Gabriel, full of character serves up super ‘pub grub’ and a fine selection of local cider and beer – (30 minute walk from our cottages – not recommended at night – no street lighting)

 

Explore Further Afield:

 

  • Embark on a culinary adventure, enjoying fresh seafood in Brixham, exploring the bustling harbour, or picnicking on Berry Head with its stunning seascapes
  • Take a scenic 15-minute countryside drive towards Kingswear and visit Greenway House, Agatha Christie’s former residence, now a National Trust property.
  • Discover the captivating gardens of Coleton Fishacre, another National Trust gem, previously the home of the D’Oyly Carte family, also on the way to Kingswear
  • From Kingswear, hop on the ferry to charming Dittisham and enjoy a meal at The Ferry Boat Inn, or continue across the river to Dartmouth for a delightful day of exploration.

 

 

Embrace the Coast:

 

 

  • Discover a selection of stunning beaches within easy reach, including the popular Torbay beaches of and the more secluded Mansands near Brixham.
  • For award-winning sandy shores, venture 45 minutes to Blackpool Sands, near Dartmouth or explore other gems like Bantham, Thurlestone, and East Portmouth (Salcombe).

 

Year-Round Activities:

 

  • The mild climate of the River Dart valley invites you to enjoy outdoor pursuits throughout the year. Hike scenic trails and the South West Coastal Path, cast a line for fish, spot diverse birdlife, or indulge in delicious local fare.
  • Take to the water with canoeing, sailing, or crabbing adventures.
  • Play a round of golf at one of the 6 nearby courses or explore the region on horseback or bike

 

Explore Charming Towns:

 

  • Immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Torquay, with its beaches, shops, cafes, and the historic Torre Abbey.
  • Paignton offers a traditional seaside experience with its long sandy beach, pier, and array of shops and restaurants.
  • Discover the rich history and maritime charm of Brixham, known for its picturesque harbour and fresh seafood market.
  • Totnes, a historic market town, boasts a relaxed atmosphere and independent shops and cafes.
  • Rugged Dartmoor and its wild ponies is just 9 miles away

 

Plan Your Perfect Escape:

 

Aish Cross Holiday Cottages provide a comfortable and idyllic base for exploring the attractions of South Devon. With so much to see and do, create lasting memories amidst the captivating landscapes and charming towns.

PLACES TO EAT
Stoke Gabriel 1 mile

 

 

The River Shack – 01803 782520 www.therivershack.co.uk
Situated between the millpond and the village quay the River Shack is a great place for breakfast, light lunches and evening meals (on selected days) coffee, ice cream and to watch the children crabbing.

Church House Inn – 01803 782384 www.churchhouseinn.co.uk 
A characterful beamed local set on a cobbled path by the Church which serves great beer and cider as well as good ‘pub grub’.

Emmas Bistro – 01803 782697
Excellent home cooked food. Fish ‘n’ Chip night Wednesday – eat in or takeaway

 

Totnes 3 miles

 

The Waterside Bistro – 01803 864069 www.watersidebistro.com
Great value casual eating as well as breakfast until 11.30am, and wine bar.

The Royal Seven Stars -01803 862125 www.royalsevenstars.co.uk
Enjoy home cooked food in the saloon or eat in their restaurant TQ9 which offers a menu sourced from fresh, local ingredients, or their Brasserie.

Rumours Wine Bar – 01803 864682
Easy going and cosmopolitan – a bit alternative and unusual but excellent menu.
We like it and have had many fun evenings there.

Steam Packet Inn – 01803 863880 www.steampacketinn.co.uk
Particularly nice for lunch on a sunny day – tables in the open by the river.

Tamarind Tree – 01803 862605 Recently opened Indian Kitchen with weekly change of menu.

 

 A little further a field

 

The Cott Inn – Dartington www.cottinn.co.uk

One mile the other side of Totnes – a charming thatched pub which has won many accolades for its excellent food – one of our favorites – very busy in the summer – advisable to book in advance.

 

The Tally Ho, Littlehempston – 01803 862316 www.tallyhoinn.co.uk

One of our favourites – very much a pub with drinking at the bar – excellent food – not just ‘pub grub’

 

Bickley Mill Inn, Stoneycombe – www.bickleymill.co.uk
More of a restaurant, nice décor and an excellent wide range of menu.

 

The Linny – Kingskerswell  01803 873192 www.thelinny.co.uk
A warm welcome, tasty food and great choice of beers, wines and spirits

 

The White Hart, Dartington Hall – www.dartingtonhall.com
Set in the middle of the Dartington Estate, perfect for summer lunches and with its huge fireplace great for winter time too.

 

The Malsters Arms, Tuckenhay – www.tuckenhay.com 
Situated on Bow Creek this waterside pub is in a stunning location. Great food and excellent spot to spend a summer lunch or try one of their regular evening BBQs

 

The Ship Inn – Noss Mayo -01752 872387 www.nossmayo.com
On the quayside, a lovely place to stop off following a walk along the coast. Watch the tide when you park your car!

 

The New Inn, Moreleigh – 01548 821326
A really good place to enjoy steak and chips. A hidden gem, beer from the barrel a real local.

 

Coppa Dola Inn – Broadhempston -01803 812455 www.coppadolainn.co.uk
Local pub with good atmosphere, home of the 2 in 1 pie

 

Amici – Torquay -01803 201770 www.amicitorquay.co.uk
Deliciously fresh Italian fine dining

 

The Cricket Inn – Beesands –01548 580215 www.thecricketinn.com –  Local sea food.

 

Shoals Cafe on the Lido – Brixham -01803 854874 www.shoalsbrixham.co.uk  Owned by long established trawling family – superb fresh fish from their boats.  Very casual and limited seating – booking essential – one of our favourites!

 

Rockfish Brixham www.therockfish.co.uk 01803 850872 Part of a small local chain of fish restaurants and takeaways overlooking the harbour this is probably the best,  with fresh fish from their own trawler.

 

Portofino Italian Bar and Restaurant, Torquay www.portofinotorquay.com 01803 927057. Very popular and lively Italian restaurant.

 

Le Bistrot Pierre – Torquay – 01803 221213 – www.lebistropierre.co.uk – French Cuisine

 

Finally for those very special meals (more expensive!)

 

The Seahorse, Dartmouth www.seahorserestaurant.co.uk 

 

The Angel – Dartmouth – www.theangeldartmouth.co.uk

 

The Elephant , Torquay www.elephantrestaurant.co.uk 

 

No 7 Restaurant , Torquay www.no7-fish.com

 

The Orestone Manor, Torquay www.orestone.co.uk

 

PLACES TO VISIT

Quay West www.quaywest.co.uk 
Open from May each year, this is a wet and wild water park set on Goodrington beach in Paignton. Great family fun.

Woodlands Leisure Park www.woodlandspark.com
60 acres of entertainment, 15 family rides + play zones designed for all ages. Watercoasters, Toboggan Run, Arctic Gliders & Bumper Boats and one of the biggest indoor venture zone around.

 

Crealy Theme Park and Resort www.crealy.co.uk

Southwest England’s largest family Theme Park attraction and is home to over 60 rides, attractions, live shows and a zoo.

Pennywell Farm & Wildlife Centre www.pennywellfarm.co.uk
Multi award winning farm activity park with lots of outside and indoor things to do and animals to see.

Miniature Pony Centre www.miniatureponycentre.com

Sitting on the edge of Dartmoor – a great day out for all the family.

China Blue www.china-blue.co.uk                                                                      Paint your own pottery in  one of the largest studio’s in the South West – great for a rainy day!

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park www.paigntonzoo.org.uk 
There’s is a whole animal kingdom waiting to be explored all packed into 80 acres of natural habitat.

Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary www.ottersandbutterflies.co.uk

All weather viewing of otters and butterflies

Haldon Forest Park www.forestryengland.uk/haldon-forest-park

Made up of 3500 acres of woodland. Great for walking or cycling with fantastic views. They have a Go Ape Centre located here too.

Kents Cavern – www.kents-cavern.co.uk

Prehistoric Caves

Buckfast Abbey www.buckfast.org.uk

Part of an active Benedictine Monastery, with beautiful gardens

Cockington Court – www.cockingtoncourt.org

Manor House with craft centre, set in the pretty thatched village of Cockington.

 

 

Paignton and Dartmouth Steam 
Jump aboard in Paignton, Goodrington beach or Kingswear and experience some stunning scenery along the Torbay Coastline.

South Devon Railway www.southdevonrailway.org
This train follows the River Dart for 7 miles between Totnes and Buckfastleigh. Paid parking by the mainline train station or Totnes leisure centre and take the 10 walk to the platform

Riverlink
Take one of their many pleasure cruises on the River Dart, the Dartmouth to Totnes trip is the most popular where you can make a round trip by taking a steam train and open topped double decker bus.

 

Heritage places of interest all under 6 miles

Greenway www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Agatha Christie’s house on the banks of the River Dart. The beautiful garden stretch down to the river where you will find Christie’s bathhouse.

Coleton Fishacre www.nationaltrust.org.uk
This 1920’s house is in the arts & crafts style. Gardens are a haven of dense woodland and filled with rhododendrons and a scattering of rare rainforest plants

Berry Pomeroy Castle www.english-heritage.org.uk 
Former home of the Pomeroy and Seymour families, set in woodland and is rumoured to be one of the most haunted castles in Britain.

Totnes Castle www.english-heritage.org.uk 
This castle has commanding views of Totnes and the River Dart. It is one of the best surviving examples of a Norman castle.

Compton Castle www.nationaltrust.org
A fairy tale castle which was used for the set of Sense and Sensibility (2005). It has a medley of fortified towers and battlements.

Dartington Hall & Gardens www.dartington.org

The 1200-acre Dartington Hall estate is located in the heart of South Devon. This encompasses one of the finest gardens in the south west with many beautiful woodland and riverside walks.

Sandridge Barton www.sandridgebarton.com – The home of Sharpham wines – Vineyard tours and excellent wines and cheeses to taste

LEISURE ACTIVITIES
Angling/fishing

Ashley’s Fishing Trips, Paignton Harbour www.mackerelfishing.co.uk 
Mackerel fishing trips and deep sea fishing trips

 

Cycle Hire

Torbay Cycle Hire  https://torbaycyclehire.co.uk                                         A family run business providing cycle hire of either manual or electric cycles.

 

Cinema

The Vue – Cinema www.myvue.com/cinemas/cinema/torbay‎
Located on the seafront in Paignton with 9 screens including 3D screens.

The Barn Cinema, Dartington Estate www.dartington.org/barn-cinema 
This is an independent cinema set in a converted 14c barn with a wide film range program including art house, world and mainstream.

New Central Cinema Torquay – Merlin Cinemas

4 Screen cinema located on Union Street, Torquay www.torquay.merlincinemas.co.uk

 

Horse Riding

Dittiscombe Equestrian Centre – 01548 581049
Located a few miles away from Slapton Sands the centre offer lessons and hacks for novice to experienced riders. Hacking in quiet country lanes and tracks. Indoor and Outdoor schools.

Cheston Equestrian Centre – 01364 649461
Hacking on Dartmoor and indoor school suitable for all levels.

 

Swimming

Riviera Centre, Torquay www.rivieracentre.co.uk 
Great wave pool with a flume.

Shoalstone Outdoor Pool 
A sea water pool with free entry situated near Berry Head in Brixham.

Totnes Leisure Centre, Brough Park, Totnes Tel: 01803 862992

Torbay Leisure Centre, Penwill Way, Paignton, Tel: 01803 522240

 

 

Tennis

Churston Tennis Club 01803 844577

Torquay Tennis Lawn Club www.torquayltc.co.uk 
3 indoor courts as well as floodlit outside grass & claytex courts.

 

Water sports

Ski west water sports www.skiwest.co.uk 
Water ski and jet ski hire.

South Devon Discovery Surf School www.discoverysurf.com 
Offers all year round tuition in Bigbury on Sea

Canoe Adventures www.canoeadventures.co.uk
Guided tours on the river dart

 

Golf

Churston www.churstongolf.com
Fine coastal headland course stretching along the cliffs towards Brixham.

Dainton Park www.daintonparkgolf.co.uk
Undulating parkland course with water features on 6 holes and 2 of the toughest opening holes in Devon.

Torquay Golf www.torquaygolfclub.co.uk

Great views over Babbacombe bay.

Stover Golf www.stovergolfclub.co.uk

Lovely parkland golf course.

Teignmouth www.teignmouthgolfclub.co.uk

Spectacular views overlooking Teignmouth and the Devon coast.

DOG FRIENDLY BEACHES AND WALKS

Dogs and their owners have access to the following beaches all year round:

 

  • Ansteys Cove
  • Babbacombe Beach
  • Beacon Cove
  • Beesands Beach
  • Churston Cove
  • Dawlish Town Beach/Dawlish Warren Beach – please check as some restriction apply.
  • East Portlemouth
  • Elberry Cove
  • Exmouth – please check information locally as some restrictions apply.
  • Fairy Cove
  • Fishcombe Cove
  • Goodrington Sands (North Sands)
  • Institute Beach
  • Livermead Sands
  • Maidencombe Beach
  • Meadfoot Beach (North Eastern part of the beach)
  • Millbay
  • Ness Cove, Shaldon
  • Oyster Cove
  • Peaked Tor Cove
  • Saltern Cove
  • Seaton Beach – please check locally as some restrictions apply.
  • Shoalstone Beach
  • Shelley Beach, Exmouth
  • Salcombe North Sands
  • Sidmouth Beach – please check locally as some restrictions apply
  • Slapton
  • St Marys Bay
  • Strete Gate
  • Teignmouth River Beach
  • Thurlestone/South Milton
  • Torcross
  • Watcombe Beach.

 

Dogs must be kept on a lead on the promenades.

If in doubt always check the carparks and signs by the beach for any restrictions.

 

Dogs are not allowed on the following beaches between 1 May and 30 September.

 

  • Breakwater Beach
  • Broadsands Beach
  • Corbyn Head
  • Goodrington Sands (South Sands)
  • Hollicombe Beach
  • Meadfoot Beach (South western part)
  • Oddicombe Beach
  • Paignton Sands
  • Preston Sands
  • Torre Abbey Sands

 

 

 

Thurlestone Beach

One of the few dog friendly beaches you can find in Devon, Thurlestone Beach is a National Trust beach located near Kingsbridge.

The area offer hilly, flat and of course, beach walks, which is also a fairly quiet spot, which is unusual for most beaches in Devon.

 

Parke, Bovey Tracey

Part of the National Trust, Parke features lovely walks around the grounds and woodlands of the grand country Parke House.

There are many different types of walks to choose from, you can go through the woodlands, are along the streams.

Dogs are welcome in the grounds of the house, but are asked to be kept on a lead where stock is grazing. There are also animals across the grounds.

And to end this eventful walk, you can enjoy the dog friendly pub the Cleave

 

River Avon Dam, Dartmoor

An excellent scenic walk, as to be expected from Dartmoor. Starting at Shipley Bridge you will walk alongside the river where your dog may choose to have a dip in, before making your way up to the dam. The walk may be slightly hilly, but it is pathed the whole way, making it accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

 

Stover Country Park

You can find this country park just before you reach Newton Abbot, where you will discover the surrounding woodland.

The only restriction for dogs is that they cannot go into the lake.

 

Bradley Woods

Just a nice recreational walk  – Newton Abbot

DOG FRIENDLY PLACES TO EAT/DRINK

Below is a list of some of the dog friendly eateries in our local area in order of distance – do feel free to ask us for recommendations

 

Index Guide:-

P=Pub

C=Cafe

R = Restaurant

 

Stoke Gabriel – 1 mile approx

The Castle Inn                         P          01803 782201

The Church House Inn           P          01803 782384

The River Shack                      C/R      01803 782520

 

Totnes – 3 miles approx

Waterside Bistro                    P/R      01803 864069             Outside with heaters not inside

The Steam Packet Inn           P/R      01803 863880             In bar area, and outside only

The Royal Seven Stars           P/R      01803 862125             All bars but not restaurants

Rumours Wine Bar                 P/R      01803 864682

Willow                                          R          01803 862605

 

Littlehempston 4.7 miles approx

The Pig and Whistle Inn         P/R      01803 863733

The Tally Ho                                P/R      01803 862316

 

Dartington – 5 miles approx

The Cott Inn                               P/R      01803 863777

The White Hart                          P/R         01803 847111          Outside only (Dartington Hall)

 

Paignton –  5 miles approx

East in the West                        R          01803 269875

The Boat House                      C/R         01803 665066

Ye Old Smokey House          P/R         01803 557630            Bar area only

 

Marldon 5.1 miles approx

The Church House Inn           P/R      01803 558279             Bar only, not restaurant

 

Ashprington 5.6 miles approx

The Durrant Arms                  P/R      01803 732240

The Watermans Arms            P/R      01803 73214               Bar only, not restaurant

 

Brixham  – 6.4 miles approx

Rockfish                                  P/R      01803 850872

The Ernie Lister Bar                  P/R      01803 855751

 

Staverton 6.5 miles approx

The Sea Trout                         P/R      01803 762274

Riverford Field Kitchen          R          01803 762074             Must advise when booking

 

Broadhempson – 6.5 miles approx

The Coppa Dolla                     P/R      01803 812455

The Monks Retreat                P/R      01803 812203

 

Harberton 6.6 miles approx

The Church House Inn           P/R      01803 863707

 

Tuckenhay –  7 miles approx

The Malsters Arms                 P/R      01803 732350

 

Torquay – 8 miles approx

Angel Cafe                              C          01803 324477

Le Bistrot Pierre                     R          01803 221213             Bar area, prior notice required

 

Moreleigh 10 Miles approx

The New Inn                           P/R      01548 821326

 

Cornworthy 10.7 miles approx

The Hunters Inn                     P/R      01803 732204

 

Bigbury 20 miles approx

The Oyster Shack                   R          01548 810876

Let’s get your holiday started… 

 

Make a booking online or simply give us a call…

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