A scenic view of a coastal town with colorful houses on a hillside, surrounded by greenery, overlooking a calm harbor filled with sailboats, under a clear blue sky.

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Explore the Pretty Villages of South Devon

If there’s one thing for sure, it’s that there is absolutely no shortage of pretty villages in South Devon. Framed by luscious countryside, atmospheric moors, and glistening coast, the area’s hidden gems and picturesque pockets never fail to inspire awe in all those with visit. Full of character and radiating charm, each one has a unique appeal and awaits for year-round adventures.

As they say though, seeing is believing, so if you haven’t visited the pretty villages of South Devon yet, why not seize the opportunity to do so?

Why Visit South Devon’s Charming Villages?

Ready to explore the pretty villages of South Devon? If you’re looking to find somewhere new or even revisit a favourite destination, there are lots of reasons to venture to South Devon’s most inviting idylls – from the beautiful scenery and timeless charm to the wealth of activities and attractions nearby. Helping you to uncover the best villages to visit in Devon, we have handpicked some of our favourites to provide you with a little inspiration…

Coastal Villages Not to Miss

Devon’s coastal villages are a delight. From the rugged north coast and its magical Atlantic swells to the sheltered coast with its subtropical landscapes, these pretty villages of South Devon are equally unique as enchanting.

Hope Cove

Hope Cove is a heavenly coastal village in South Devon. Known for its two sandy beaches (Inner Hope and Outer Hope) and its chocolate box cottages that scatter across grass-topped cliffs, it is recognised far and wide for its beauty. On balmy days, make the use of calm seas to enjoy swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking from the shore. On more blustery days, follow the myriad footpaths for invigorating walks before heading to one of Hope Cove’s pubs for a warming bite to eat.

Salcombe

Situated between the Kingsbridge Estuary and the sea, the vibrant town of Salcombe is well-known as one of the UK’s most beloved sailing epicenters. Perfect for family days out in Devon and for all those who love to be beside (and on) the sea, it boasts a wealth of things to see and do. Wander its streets to uncover its boutique shops and thriving restaurants or take a pew on the harbourside to watch the toing and froing of boats.

Shaldon

Should you be seeking out the pretty villages of South Devon, Shaldon should definitely capture your interest. A delightful village at the mouth of the River Teign opposite Teighmouth, it offers an idyllic escape from the everyday. Head over to fall in love with its thatched cottages and period houses with brightly painted windows, before meandering to its beach for a spot of seagazing. A Shaldon highlight, you can also visit Shaldon Wildlife Trust’s zoo, home to all sorts of wonderful species.

Discover Inland Village Gems

It’s not just Devon’s coast that is full of lovely villages. In fact, Devon’s countryside villages are some of the most romantic in the UK. For more inspiration about the pretty villages of South Devon, turn your attention inland to some of our favourite places…

Stoke Gabriel

Offering the chance to write fairytale adventures in all seasons, the halcyon village of Stoke Gabriel can be found on the banks of a tranquil tributary of the River Dart. A quintessentially English village with lots of charm, it’s only a stone’s throw from the town of Dartmouth and proposes an idyllic way to while away the hours. Find its 800-year-old oak tree and wander its riverside streets for gentle exploration.

Ashprington

One of the pretty villages of South Devon and the South Hams, Ashprington sits on the opposite side of the River Dart to Stoke Gabriel. First mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, this ancient village encompasses a huge amount of history and is lined with character cottages, as well as a 13th century church and 18th century pub - the latter of which awaits with slate floors, warming fires, and a great menu of food and drink!

South Pool

South Pool is a small village surrounded by tree-tufted fields in South Devon. Home to a small population, this petite haven is loved for its picture-postcard aesthetics, historic church, and award-winning gastropub, The Millbrook Inn. Having been recognised by the Michelin Guide, this is definitely a top attraction for foodies, boasting delicious traditional British cuisine, with farm-to-table menus and indoor and outdoor dining. It also hosts live events, including occasional music nights so you can vibe the night away.

Make Leonard’s Cove Your Base for Exploring

For holidays exploring the pretty villages of South Devon, there’s nowhere better than our wonderful Leonard’s Cove. One of best places to stay near Dartmouth for exploring near and far, our clifftop holiday park has everything you need for a holiday to treasure. Choose from our range of holiday accommodation and make use of our onsite facilities, including a dedicated restaurant. With everything on your doorstep, relaxation and exploration come easily here.

Start Planning Your South Devon Adventure Today

Ready to start planning your South Devon escape? Browse our collection of camping and self-catering holiday retreats and book today, or get in touch for advice from our helpful team of staff.