General House Keeping

The wifi network is beeson farm and the key is holidays

Fire Blanket: The fire blanket is mounted on the kitchen wall.

First Aid: You will find a First Aid box in one of the kitchen cupboards – please let us know if you need to use any of the First Aid items so we can replace them for future guests.

Heating: The boilers are not accessible by guests but we strive to provide a comfortable and warm environment. Please let us know as soon as possible if you are too hot/cold and we can adjust the boiler accordingly.

Hairdyer: There is a hairdryer in the master bedroom.

Emergency Lighting: In the event of a power cut you will find a torch in the kitchen area and in the master bedroom. Please replace on the recharging unit if you have needed to use it.

Clothes Drying: There is a communal, coin operated tumble drier in the woodshed. Washing lines can be found next to the drive.

Fresh Produce: Eggs are available to buy (when available) from the woodshed

Homemade cider is available from Robin in the farmhouse, he will be delighted to show you the cider casks and talk you through the cider making process!

Dogs: Dogs are welcome in all cottages except the Linhay. Please keep dogs on leads around the farm and use the dog exercise area provided under the apple trees by the drive. Please be a responsible dog owner.

On departure: It would be much appreciated if you would please strip the beds and empty the bins. The main bins are found in the recycling shed in the centre of the courtyard.

In the unlikely event of any problems with the plumbing or electrics, please contact us as soon as possible.

In case of emergency numbers

Doctors Surgery The nearest doctors surgery is Chillington Health Centre in the village of Chillington, Orchard way, Chillington TQ7 2LB. Telephone number: 01548 580214

Minor Injuries Unit, South Hams (Kingsbridge) Hospital Plymouth Road, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 1AT Telephone Number: 01548 852349

Accident and Emergency: Torbay Hospital Lowes Bridge, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 7AA

Telephone Number: 01803 614567

NHS Direct for non emergencies can be contacted on 111.

Need a Vet? Selworthy Veterinary Practice is available 24 hours in Kingsbridge.   Selworthy House, Warren Road, Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 1LB Telephone Number: 01548 853322

Pharmacy Boots Pharmacy, Prince of Wales Road in Kingsbridge is open everyday 9am-5:30pm, Sunday 10am-4pm.Tel 01548 852354.

Coastguard In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.

You can call the local coastwatch/lookout at Prawle Point on 01548 511259 and talk to a watchkeeper at any time whilst the station is manned. He or she can give you the current weather at Prawle Point – and they will have the current Inshore Waters Forecast, gale and strong wind warnings available. Alternatively check their website http://www.nci-prawlepoint.org.uk/index.htm

 

Tides: Please be aware of the tide times. The sea must always be treated with respect, please be aware not all beaches have lifeguards. Always practice beach safety – information on beach safety can be obtained at the Tourist Information Centre. Please be aware that some of our local beaches in the start bay area shelve (i.e. get deeper) quite quickly.

 

Banks, Cashpoints, Post Office

There is a post office in the local village of Chillington (everyday 9am- 5:30pm, Saturday 9am-1pm, closed Sunday) where you can withdraw cash from the post office counter. It also has a small village shop.

You can also get cashback at the Coop In West Charleton which also has a post office.

Banks can be found in Kingsbridge and Dartmouth.

 

Tourist Information Centre

Kingsbridge Tourist Information Centre is located on The Quay and is open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm. We have endeavoured to provide a selection of leaflets from our favourite and most popular tourist attractions, which you should find in your cottage.

 

 

Local Shops, Farm Shops and Supermarkets

Kingsbridge has both a Tesco and a Morrisons plus numerous local butchers, fishmongers and delis.

Dartmouth has a Sainsburys and Lidl, both in the Townstal area of the town (on the hill above the town centre), plus a M&S food shop, butchers and delis in the town.

Stokeley Farm Shop (on the A379 road between Stokenham and Torcross) has everything you would expect from a country farm shop, a deli, fantastic butchers, restaurant/cafe & plant centre. In addition they stock everyday groceries and a selection of alcohol, including beer from their own brewery.

Springfield Farm Shop (on the A379 between Kingsbridge and Frogmore) has an excellent butcher, a small café, a good selection of vegetables (grown in East Prawle) and a small selection of everyday essentials.

There is a Co-op in West Charleton (on the A379 to Kingsbridge). This is the nearest Petrol Station and also has a large Outdoor Leisure/Convenience Store. They have a large selection of food, drink, newspapers as well as fishing, camping, water sports equipment, beach supplies and surf gear.

 

Cafes

Britannia at Beesands is a small cafe serving excellent takeaway fish and chips (we don’t go anywhere else! The also have an excellent menu for dining in.

The Venus Cafe Company has branches on the beach at Blackpool Sands, Bigbury on Sea and East Portlemouth (for Mill Bay), serving hot and cold drinks and a full menu.

From Easter to October half term hot and cold drinks and fabulous homemade cakes made by local volunteers are on sale every Sunday afternoon at St Andrews Chapel at Beesands. All money raised goes to charity, such as the Devon Air Ambulance.

The local farmshops both have excellent cafes.

Garages and Filling Stations

The Co-op/Ashbys Stores in West Charleton is our nearest filling station. There are also filling stations in Kingsbridge and Dartmouth.

 

Restaurants and Pubs

The Cricket Inn, Beesands 01548 580215

The Cricket Inn first opened its doors in 1867 in the small fishing village of Beesands, metres from the crystal clear waters of Start Bay. The Cricket is a welcome gathering place for both locals and visitors alike (dogs welcome too), offering real ales, great wines and fantastic food. The Cricket Inn is well known for its seafood, and the freshest fish, lobster and hand dived Scallops are caught straight from the Bay in front of the inn by the village fishermen. Dogs are welcome in the bar area.

The Britannia at The Beach, Beesands 01548 581168

Britannia at The Beach, home of fantastically fresh local seafood, is affectionately known as ‘The Shack’. The same family has owned the building for nearly 40 years. With its’ historic fishing connections and rustic appeal ‘the shack’ has now evolved into a much loved local landmark (we wouldn’t go anywhere else for takeaway fish and chips to eat on the beach!). Open for breakfast, coffee, takeaway and evening meals. Dogs are welcome.  Booking essential if you wish to eat undercover/inside, especially in the school holidays.

The Start Bay Inn, Torcross 01548 580553

Based in Torcross, the Start Bay Inn provides famous fish & chips and seafood specialities. The Inn dates back to the 14th century when it  was used by the local fishermen who worked their fishing boats from the village beach infront of the pub. The Start Bay Inn has been run as a family business since 1977.  They use their own boat, DH92, for scallops, crab, lobster and fish, and launch directly from the beach in front of the pub, or buy from local fishermen from Beesands and Dartmouth.

The Millbrook Inn, South Pool

At the top of the Salcombe estuary, in one of the quaintest villages of the South Hams, The Millbrook Inn offers a warm welcome and takes great care in sourcing the finest local drinks, produce, and highest quality meat and vegetables from their family farm, Fowlescombe Farm, about 15 miles away. Food is prepared and served simply to reflect the seasons, in the tranquil South Devon country surroundings.

The Church House Inn, Stokenham

Nestled between the village green and the church in Stokenham, The Chruch House Inn is the sister pub to the Cricket Inn at Beesands. Serving modern versions of pub classics for both lunch and dinner. They also have purpose-built outdoor BBQ (weather dependent) serving a delicious grill menu and with an outdoor bar and plenty of seating.  They welcome four-legged friends in the bar

The Crabshell Inn, Kingsbridge 01548 852345

The Crabshell Inn is situated on the quayside and with its south westerly aspect basks in the sun (plenty of outdoor seating to soak it up in)! The Crabshell is child friendly (plenty of high chairs) and has a good childrens menu. Live music in the evenings throughout the summer, it has a chilled coastal vibe.

 

Beaches

All the local beaches in the Start Bay area are shingle/pebble. Sandy beaches can be found towards Salcombe.

Beesands is our closest beach, within walking distance (if you are so inclined- remember it is uphill on the way back!).  There is a pub (The Cricket Inn), seafood shack (Britannia), toilets and is all dog friendly. Free Parking.

North Hallsands is totally unspoilt, with no facilities but great for swimming and kayaking. Walk along the coastpath to South Hallsands where you can see the “lost village”. This small fishing village was hit by a big storm in 1917 and the village fell into the sea. There is a viewing platform to look over the lost village and interesting local history information. Free but limited parking.

Mattiscombe is a beach for those who aren’t afraid of a walk! Park at the car park at Start Point lighthouse (parking charges apply in peak season) and walk down to the unspoilt beach.  You have a good chance here (and at Hallsands) of spotting seals.  The lighthouse is open on some days in the holidays, a tour lasts about 45 minutes and charges apply.

Blackpool Sands is set in a sheltered bay surrounded by evergreens and pines and is one of South Devon’s most beautiful natural treasures. An award-winning, privately managed ‘Blue Flag’ family beach with turquoise blue sea giving it an almost Mediterranean feel. The beach is shingle, as are all the main beaches in Start Bay and located 3 miles West of Dartmouth. There is a sand pit, a bathing raft, kayaks and paddle boards for hire, a range of delicious hot and cold food from the Venus cafe and a beach shop. It has something for all the family. There is a lifeguard on patrol in the summer, dogs not allowed in the summer months. There is a charge for parking.

Torcross and Slapton Sands On top of being an extremely picturesque and popular beach it also has an interesting history. In 1943, the beach was taken over by the allied forces to use as a rehearsal area for the D-Day Landings. Unfortunately, a combination of live ammunition and poor visibility resulted in the deaths of 749 American servicemen. You can visit a stone monument which was set in place on Slapton Sands to commemorate the ill-fated ‘Operation Tiger’, along with a Sherman Tank at nearby Torcross. Author Michael Morpurgo based one of his books “The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips” on these events. Lifeguards on patrol from the middle car park at Slapton sands, where the local field study centre has an information centre and run various beach activities in the summer. At Torcross there are numerous beachside cafes, disabled access to the beach and toilets. The beaches are dog friendly all year round. Plenty of parking, charges apply.

Mill Bay (south of the village of East Portlemouth and opposite Salcombe) is a privately owned sandy beach popular with families because of the very safe and clean bathing conditions. At low tide there are rock pools to explore. There is a charge for Parking (but free to National Trust members) it is possible to get a small ferry boat over to Salcombe. Dogs allowed all year round.

Bigbury on Sea is ideal for families. A safe, sandy beach with shallow seas, dotted with rock pools. Dog restrictions are in operation from May-Sept. The most famous landmark at Bigbury is Burgh Island. Home to a wonderful Art Deco luxury hotel, the setting of some Agatha Christie novels including “And then there were none”.  Burgh Island is accessed by sea tractor (at high tide) but it is possible to walk over at low tide. A wide variety of water sports are available from the Discovery Surf School. Life guards are present from May-September. Some dog restrictions in the summer. Good facilities including cafe, showers, toilets and a beach wheelchair available to hire from the venus cafe (call first to book). There is a charge for the car park.

Bantham neighbours Bigbury on Sea (but is slightly quicker to drive to) and is also a crackingly good beach!  Bantham is shallow and sandy so it’s great for families with kids who want to do a little swimming, paddling or sand castle building! There are lifeguards on duty from May to September. At low tide there are plenty of shallow pools that warm up quickly in the sun and are perfect for crab hunting. Dogs are not allowed on the beach between May and September. There is a charge for Parking. Good facilities including toilets, a surf school (possible to hire equipment) and a wonderful Gastrobus serving hot and cold drinks and great local food.

 

Surfing

Discovery Surf School has been operating at Bigbury-on-Sea since 2002. They are a top quality school, ensuring small groups and guaranteeing to get you up and riding in your first session (our family regularly has lessons here). 1 hour taster lessons from £20 Tel: 07813 639 622

Bantham Surfing Academy at Bantham beach also provide professional tuition and coaching for beginners through to elite levels in a safe and friendly environment. Lessons from £35. Tel: 01548 853803

 

Paddle Boarding

Salcombe Watersports operates out of East Portlemouth and offers excellent tuition, paddle board hire and estuary tours. We can recommend lessons with Marcus and paddle boarding is an excellent way of exploring the Salcombe Estuary. 01548 844142 / 07790 940059 / 07936 291358

Towns

Kingsbridge

Kingsbridge is a small but vibrant working town, well used by the local community all year round. The steep and bustling Fore Street is an eclectic, yet attractive mix of shopfronts, cafes and pubs. It has a plethora of charity shops (perfect for a rummage!) as well as many independent shops and boutiques. One of the most recognisable buildings is the Old Town Hall (now the Kings cinema) with its distinctive clock set on top. The clock is unusual in that it only has three faces – the local explanation is that the fourth face would have pointed towards the town’s workhouse so wasn’t added in order to prevent the inmates from clock watching! It is an attractive town with cobbled streets, quaint passage and alleys. Some of these have strange names such as Squeezebelly Alley. Perhaps the most interesting building is the Shambles, an old market hall raised on granite pillars dating from Elizabethan times.  The major crowd pulling events in town are the Music Festival, held during June and Fair Week, by tradition in July.

 

Salcombe

Salcombe is undoubtedly Devons sailing capital! The town is a haven for yachties and those who prefer to keep their deck shoes firmly on dry land! Boasting some of the most expensive property in the UK it is rather more upmarket than neighbouring towns but has something to offer everyone.  This vibrant town boasts a great range of boating, clothing and homeware shops, where you can pick up the ‘sailing look’ even if you have no intention of setting foot on the water! Independent shops including Cranches Sweet Shop (where sweets are still sold be weight from jars) and the fabulous Salcombe Dairy Ice Cream parlour.

Salcombe also has its own Gin distillery which offers tours and gin school- the chance to make your own bottle of Gin- the perfect souvenir of your holiday!

Bucket and spade action can be found on the popular North Sands beach and there is great crabbing to be had by the lifeboat station (check our childrens guide for top crabbing tips!).

From the town you’ll look out and see the beautiful East Portlemouth beach across the water, which is accessible by passenger ferry. If you do want to get your feet wet there are various places to have a go at a range of water sports, from paddle boarding, sailing, power boating or day fishing trips (however, you can expect to pay Salcombe prices!)

If you’re here during the hugely popular annual regatta you’ll be treated to fun and games from crabbing and sandcastle competitions to tug-of-war and rowing as well as a glittering firework display.

Salcombe is also home to the National Trust property of Overbecks, the seaside home of inventor and scientist Otto Overbeck. His gardens and house are perched high on the cliffs above Salcombe, with glorious views over the estuary and coast. Walking through the garden is like taking a trip around the world. With palm trees, banana plants, citrus and olive trees, you could easily forget for a moment where you are and expect to see a parrot flying up above! The house too is full of surprises. A magical polyphon (A disc playing music box) still plays, and cabinets of butterflies and bugs sit happily with collections of dolls, toys and model boats. Take lunch or tea in the old billiard room, a favourite of the convalescing First World War soldiers or eat alfresco on the warm, sheltered terrace.

 

Dartmouth

Dartmouth is a picturesque town full of winding Elizabethan streets, independent shops and a bustling market. There are numerous art galleries, bistros, bars and cafes (including the ever popular Cafe Alf Rescos), many based around the quayside.

The town is home to a number of historical sites of interest including Britannia Royal Naval College (open to the public occasionally in the year) and Dartmouth Castle (owned by English Heritage).

Dartmouth plays host to numerous festivals all year round, from comedy to beer festivals, as well as the famous Dartmouth Regatta with funfair, family competitions, naval displays and an appearance by the Red Arrows.

TV personality, marine biologist and adventurer Monty Halls runs an eco tourism business from the town, offering marine cruises, wildlife trips and seashore expeditions.

A short distance away (by ferry from Dartmouth) is the beloved holiday home of the famous and author Agatha Christie and her family, Greenway. This relaxed and atmospheric house is set in the 1950s, when Agatha and her family would spend summers and Christmases here with friends, relaxing by the river, playing croquet and clock golf, and reading her latest mystery to their guests. The family were great collectors, and the house is filled with archaeology, Tunbridgeware, silver, botanical china and books. In the garden the large and romantic woodland drifts down the hillside towards the sparkling Dart estuary, don’t forget to visit the Boathouse, scene of the crime in Dead Man’s Folly. If you’d like to arrive at Greenway by car (as opposed to ferry or steam train) you must pre-book your parking space online or by telephone (01803 842382).

 

Totnes

Totnes has a reputation for having an alternative vibe, with organic, ethical and fair trade the norm, not the exception.  It’s the home of the Transition Town movement and is proud to be a little different, it even has its own currency- The Totnes pound!

The streets are filled with independently-owned shops and cafes, offering you something a little different to the average high street fare.  On the third Sunday of each month the market square is also host to Devon’s largest Good Food Market – with over 50 stalls packed with yummy treats. On Friday’s and Saturday’s the town plays host to an open air market, take the time for a rummage and you can pick up antique finds amongst the local veg and artisan bread. The town is also home to one of the UKs first zero waste food shops, “Earth.Food.Love” selling organic, plant based wholefoods- just take your own container!

Totnes is always fascinating to wander around.  The town sits on the River Dart and river cruises to Dartmouth run daily throughout the season.  Look out for kingfishers, regularly spotted near Steamer Quay. To guarantee an up-close animal experience try the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm.  Meet a hedgehog, feed a lamb and watch out for the naughty goats!  The farm is set beside the South Devon Railway. Take a ride along this scenic route to Buckfastleigh – the perfect treat for steam railway enthusiasts of all ages.