Alison’s guidebook
Food scene
Great local pub on the water at Bere Ferrers run by the Williams family. About 10mins drive. Booking a table is recommended as they can get busy. Tel: 01822 840358 web site: www.theoldeploughinn.co.uk
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The Olde Plough Inn
Fore StreetGreat local pub on the water at Bere Ferrers run by the Williams family. About 10mins drive. Booking a table is recommended as they can get busy. Tel: 01822 840358 web site: www.theoldeploughinn.co.uk
The Cornish Arms is a great British pub in our local market town of Tavistock- c 15 mins drive. The pub is run by John, Emma and The Team who wanted to run a pub which they would love to come to use themselves. Serves unpretentious food, fantastic beer and wine offering, great value for money and accessible for all to enjoy.
Tel: 01822 612145
Web site: www.thecornisharmstavistock.co.uk
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The Cornish Arms
15 West StThe Cornish Arms is a great British pub in our local market town of Tavistock- c 15 mins drive. The pub is run by John, Emma and The Team who wanted to run a pub which they would love to come to use themselves. Serves unpretentious food, fantastic beer and wine offering, great value for money and accessible for all to enjoy.
Tel: 01822 612145
Web site: www.thecornisharmstavistock.co.uk
Great Chinese restaurant and take away
www.birdsnesttakeaway.co.uk to order online
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Birds Nest Tavistock
4 Barley Market StGreat Chinese restaurant and take away
www.birdsnesttakeaway.co.uk to order online
Sightseeing
Bovisand beach is a sheltered bay of yellow sand with cliffs either side. Located within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is popular with locals and families. There is a large expanse of flat sand when the tide is out, ideal for ball games and warms the water with the incoming tide, and is perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
On a good day you can see across to Plymouth sound, and there are plenty of walks to enjoy along the coastline.
The beach is situated on the South West Coast Path. Walk north walk to Plymouth (5 miles) or, a little further, walk south east to the River Yealm passing other beautiful bays - Heybrook and Wembury.
Dogs not allowed May 1st to September 30th, when a seasonal ban is in place.
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Bovisand Beach
Bovisand beach is a sheltered bay of yellow sand with cliffs either side. Located within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is popular with locals and families. There is a large expanse of flat sand when the tide is out, ideal for ball games and warms the water with the incoming tide, and is perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
On a good day you can see across to Plymouth sound, and there are plenty of walks to enjoy along the coastline.
The beach is situated on the South West Coast Path. Walk north walk to Plymouth (5 miles) or, a little further, walk south east to the River Yealm passing other beautiful bays - Heybrook and Wembury.
Dogs not allowed May 1st to September 30th, when a seasonal ban is in place.
Cotehele house and mill are worth a visit. National trust with lovely tea rooms, gardens and walk to the river.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele
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Cotehele Haus
Cotehele house and mill are worth a visit. National trust with lovely tea rooms, gardens and walk to the river.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lydford-gorge/features/the-full-lydford-gorge-trail
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Lydford Gorge Tea Rooms
1 Southgatewww.nationaltrust.org.uk/lydford-gorge/features/the-full-lydford-gorge-trail
Padstow is a lovely town to visit. great shops, local produce and beaches.
https://padstowlive.com/
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Padstow
Padstow is a lovely town to visit. great shops, local produce and beaches.
https://padstowlive.com/
Beaches
Mothecombe beach is one of the quieter beaches in South Devon. Large and unspoilt and at low tide Mothecombe comes into its own with fine sand and plenty of opportunity for shallow, sheltered bathing.
There’s a car park which gives you easy access down a narrow path to the sands (not suitable for wheelchairs). If you’re in need of refreshments then there’s a tea house in the car park offering drinks and snacks, with toilets nearby.
Sights to See and Things to Do
If you’ve ever fancied a crack at windsurfing or bodyboarding then conditions at Mothecombe are ideal for beginners.
If you prefer to stay dry but still want to get a little exercise, you can access the South West Coast Path from Mothecombe beach and get some spectacular views of the surrounding coast and countryside.
A little further to the south there is a small, circular stone wall that used to be used as a swimming pool as it fills with water as the tide comes in.
Mothecombe has its own, laid-back charm and is great for families who love simple beach holidays.
Dog are not allowed on the beach from 1st May to the 30th September.
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Mothecombe Beach
Mothecombe beach is one of the quieter beaches in South Devon. Large and unspoilt and at low tide Mothecombe comes into its own with fine sand and plenty of opportunity for shallow, sheltered bathing.
There’s a car park which gives you easy access down a narrow path to the sands (not suitable for wheelchairs). If you’re in need of refreshments then there’s a tea house in the car park offering drinks and snacks, with toilets nearby.
Sights to See and Things to Do
If you’ve ever fancied a crack at windsurfing or bodyboarding then conditions at Mothecombe are ideal for beginners.
If you prefer to stay dry but still want to get a little exercise, you can access the South West Coast Path from Mothecombe beach and get some spectacular views of the surrounding coast and countryside.
A little further to the south there is a small, circular stone wall that used to be used as a swimming pool as it fills with water as the tide comes in.
Mothecombe has its own, laid-back charm and is great for families who love simple beach holidays.
Dog are not allowed on the beach from 1st May to the 30th September.
This is our favourite beach! It is c 1hr 15mins drive.
You can make a really good day by coming back via Padstow and picking up some crab or lobster from Rick Steins to have for supper.
Watergate Bay beach, about 3 miles from Newquay on the North Cornwall coast, is a large beach. Two miles of golden sand at low tide stretches towards Newquay and out to sea enormous waves come in from the Atlantic providing a spectacular sight and a popular surfing and kitesurfing spot.
It is a large, open bay and frequently picks up swell from the Atlantic and is popular with families and surfers. Watergate Bay is a 15 minute drive from Newquay or a 45 minute walk, however this is a strenuous walk with many hills and valleys. The beach is a European Designated beach and has achieved the highest standard for UK bathing water.
Access There are several access paths down to the beach. The easiest access path is in front of the hotel in the valley.
Sand chairs are available from Watergate Bay Hotel. Telephone: 01637860543
Sand chairs are provided by Cornwall Mobility in partnership with Disability Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.
Parking There are two beach side car parks.
Lifeguard cover There are RNLI lifeguards from mid May to the end of September.
Who should visit?
The two miles of golden sand and azure sea make this a fantastic beach for surfers and activity lovers of all ages and abilities. Watergate Bay hosts demonstrations, events, championships and festivals in a variety of sand, sea and air sports as well as the annual Polo on the Beach.
For the more traditional beach goer there are also plenty of rock pools for the children to play in as well as designated safe swimming areas in the sea. The beach is patrolled by RNLI Lifeguards during the summer months. Overlooked by the contemporary Watergate Bay Hotel and shoreline restaurant, The Beach Hut.
Amenities Fantastic amenities including:
Toilets
In the valley adjacent to the beach there is a pub serving food all day
Overlooking the beach there are cafes and restaurants
Year round events calendar
Famous for the location of the Extreme Academy, if you want to learn how to surf, kite surf, paddle board, waveski or handplane then here’s the place for top notch tuition and equipment hire
Weekend lifeguard cover in April. Full lifeguard cover from the 5th of May until the 30th of September. Weekend lifeguard cover in October and full cover from the 20th-28th of October.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed all year round
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Watergate Bay
Watergate BayThis is our favourite beach! It is c 1hr 15mins drive.
You can make a really good day by coming back via Padstow and picking up some crab or lobster from Rick Steins to have for supper.
Watergate Bay beach, about 3 miles from Newquay on the North Cornwall coast, is a large beach. Two miles of golden sand at low tide stretches towards Newquay and out to sea enormous waves come in from the Atlantic providing a spectacular sight and a popular surfing and kitesurfing spot.
It is a large, open bay and frequently picks up swell from the Atlantic and is popular with families and surfers. Watergate Bay is a 15 minute drive from Newquay or a 45 minute walk, however this is a strenuous walk with many hills and valleys. The beach is a European Designated beach and has achieved the highest standard for UK bathing water.
Access There are several access paths down to the beach. The easiest access path is in front of the hotel in the valley.
Sand chairs are available from Watergate Bay Hotel. Telephone: 01637860543
Sand chairs are provided by Cornwall Mobility in partnership with Disability Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.
Parking There are two beach side car parks.
Lifeguard cover There are RNLI lifeguards from mid May to the end of September.
Who should visit?
The two miles of golden sand and azure sea make this a fantastic beach for surfers and activity lovers of all ages and abilities. Watergate Bay hosts demonstrations, events, championships and festivals in a variety of sand, sea and air sports as well as the annual Polo on the Beach.
For the more traditional beach goer there are also plenty of rock pools for the children to play in as well as designated safe swimming areas in the sea. The beach is patrolled by RNLI Lifeguards during the summer months. Overlooked by the contemporary Watergate Bay Hotel and shoreline restaurant, The Beach Hut.
Amenities Fantastic amenities including:
Toilets
In the valley adjacent to the beach there is a pub serving food all day
Overlooking the beach there are cafes and restaurants
Year round events calendar
Famous for the location of the Extreme Academy, if you want to learn how to surf, kite surf, paddle board, waveski or handplane then here’s the place for top notch tuition and equipment hire
Weekend lifeguard cover in April. Full lifeguard cover from the 5th of May until the 30th of September. Weekend lifeguard cover in October and full cover from the 20th-28th of October.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed all year round
Another favourite of ours!
Polzeath is an amazing beach. Surf excellent and town has some lovely shops. Good places to eat. Gets very busy in the summer.
Surf hire and lessons available. Lovely walks along the coast path to Daymer bay (c 1 - 1/4 miles) which overlooks Padstow.
An award winning beach near Wadebridge that attracts a multitude of surfers due to its easily accessible location and long slow breaking consistent waves. From novices to pros, looking like tadpoles bobbing in the water, the wetsuited surfers all wait to catch the next perfect wave, as do the occasional dolphins and seals that ride the swell alongside them.
At low tide the soft sand extends ¼ mile in either direction but when the tide comes in the beach is almost covered so a browse in the shops that line the village street or a drink in one of the cafes and pubs might be a relaxed option.
For something a little less competitive Polzeath’s little sister beach, New Polzeath to the right of the bay, is a favoured location for swimming away from the surfboards.
Sand chairs are available from Wavehunters Surf School. Telephone: 07969660014
Sand chairs are provided by Cornwall Mobility in partnership with Disability Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.
Please note: Dogs are allowed on the beach apart from between 15th May and the 30th September (between the hours of 10am and 6pm) (2020)
Weekend lifeguard cover in April. Lifeguard cover from the 5th of May until the 30th of September. Weekend lifeguard cover in October and full lifeguard cover from the 20th-28th of October
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Polzeath
Another favourite of ours!
Polzeath is an amazing beach. Surf excellent and town has some lovely shops. Good places to eat. Gets very busy in the summer.
Surf hire and lessons available. Lovely walks along the coast path to Daymer bay (c 1 - 1/4 miles) which overlooks Padstow.
An award winning beach near Wadebridge that attracts a multitude of surfers due to its easily accessible location and long slow breaking consistent waves. From novices to pros, looking like tadpoles bobbing in the water, the wetsuited surfers all wait to catch the next perfect wave, as do the occasional dolphins and seals that ride the swell alongside them.
At low tide the soft sand extends ¼ mile in either direction but when the tide comes in the beach is almost covered so a browse in the shops that line the village street or a drink in one of the cafes and pubs might be a relaxed option.
For something a little less competitive Polzeath’s little sister beach, New Polzeath to the right of the bay, is a favoured location for swimming away from the surfboards.
Sand chairs are available from Wavehunters Surf School. Telephone: 07969660014
Sand chairs are provided by Cornwall Mobility in partnership with Disability Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.
Please note: Dogs are allowed on the beach apart from between 15th May and the 30th September (between the hours of 10am and 6pm) (2020)
Weekend lifeguard cover in April. Lifeguard cover from the 5th of May until the 30th of September. Weekend lifeguard cover in October and full lifeguard cover from the 20th-28th of October
Local market town
Tavistock is our local market town, c 15 mins drive.
It is a thriving, beautifully friendly market town that is worthy of any visitor. An ancient stannary town and home of the cream tea, Tavistock is the only town in Devon to hold world heritage status. The vibrancy and uniqueness of Tavistock is undeniable with a range of beautiful local independent shops which are a far cry from today's typical high street. Not to be overlooked is the famous pannier market or the award-winning farmers’ market. It is truly a shoppers paradise.
Tavistock has direct access to Dartmoor.
The Western Moor is magical and fantastic for walking, cycling and riding. Several National Trust properties are in easy reach: Lydford Gorge, Buckland Abbey and Cotehele are all nearby.
National Cycle Route 27, Drakes Trail and the West Devon Way to Plymouth are all easily accessible from the town centre. There are guided walks from and around the town, wild swimming in the rivers, a golf course, museum, gym, swimming pool and arts centre.
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Tavistock
Tavistock is our local market town, c 15 mins drive.
It is a thriving, beautifully friendly market town that is worthy of any visitor. An ancient stannary town and home of the cream tea, Tavistock is the only town in Devon to hold world heritage status. The vibrancy and uniqueness of Tavistock is undeniable with a range of beautiful local independent shops which are a far cry from today's typical high street. Not to be overlooked is the famous pannier market or the award-winning farmers’ market. It is truly a shoppers paradise.
Tavistock has direct access to Dartmoor.
The Western Moor is magical and fantastic for walking, cycling and riding. Several National Trust properties are in easy reach: Lydford Gorge, Buckland Abbey and Cotehele are all nearby.
National Cycle Route 27, Drakes Trail and the West Devon Way to Plymouth are all easily accessible from the town centre. There are guided walks from and around the town, wild swimming in the rivers, a golf course, museum, gym, swimming pool and arts centre.