Located between the village of Stoke Gabriel and the medieval town of Totnes, in glorious South Devon, Aish Cross Holiday Cottages are just a 5 minute drive from one of the country’s most beautiful rivers, the River Dart.
The River Dart valley is great place to spend a holiday appealing to families, couples, walkers, water enthusiasts and bird watchers alike. Just 1 mile away in Stoke Gabriel you can take a walk alongside the banks of the river, go crabbing or launch your own boat or canoe.
Just a 5 minute drive away is Paignton Zoo Environmental Park – one of the very best in England attaching a high importance on conservation of species and with over 2000 animals – and it takes the same time to reach the quaint Elizabethan market town of Totnes, with its many individual shops and cafes (to preserve its independence and identity , the town famously voted to ban the opening of a Costa Coffee Shop!).
A 15 minute drive further down the Dart towards Kingswear you can visit the National Trust gardens of Greenway House, Agatha Christie’s previous home. From here you can take the short passenger ferry across to the picturesque waterside village of Dittisham and enjoy a pint and meal at The Ferry Boat Inn. At Kingswear take the car ferry across to Dartmouth. Here you can sample some fabulous food, great shopping and take one of many different boat trips on offer.
Also a 15 minute drive away is Coleton Fishacre – another lovely National Trust property with beautiful gardens – previously the country home of the D’Oyly Carte family.
Away from the Dart there are some great beaches within an easy drive including the popular Torbay beaches. Beyond Brixham, just off the beaten track is Mansands which is more peaceful. Just a 45 minutes drive you can get to the superb award winning blue flag rated Blackpool Sands and many other excellent beaches such as Bantham, Thurlestone – East Portlemouth (Salcombe).
The wonderful mild climate of the River Dart valley means it is a great place to enjoy all year round, perfect if you enjoy walking, fishing, bird watching, eating & drinking, golf, horse-riding not forgetting canoeing, sailing and crabbing.
Towns to visit
Torquay – Known for beaches such as Babbacombe and cliffside Oddicombe, Offers shops, cafes and a marina. Torre Abbey, a monastery founded in 1196, has art galleries and extensive gardens featuring plants from local writer Agatha Christie’s novels
Paignton – with its long stretch of beach, traditional pier. There are plenty of shops, bars and cafes.
Brixham – a beautiful harbourside town and famous fish market. The Battery Gardens are worth a visit to view the spectacular coast line, or Berry Head, Breakwater beach.
Dartmouth – situated on the banks of the River Dart. Lots of to see and do.
Totnes – historic market town – with a relaxed atmosphere. Range of independent shops and coffee shops.