Things to do near Thurlestone
There is so much to see and do in the South Hams, as well as our local beaches. Here are a few ideas for your holiday:
South-West Coast path (5-minute walk): A short 5-minute stroll across the golf course will take you on to the South-West Coast path with miles and miles of wonderful walks in either direction to Bantham, Hope Cove, Bolt Head and Bolt Tail, Soar Mill Cove and Salcombe.
Kingsbridge (12 minute drive): Our local town has a high street with independent shops, a quay, cinema, lots of dining options and amenities such as a Tesco superstore, Morrisons, petrol station, EV charging, doctors, pharmacy and vet.
Burgh Island (30-minute drive): Fun to visit at high tide when the island's causeway is submerged and tractor with stilts takes you across to the island. Agatha Christie reputedly made the art deco hotel her second home and wrote many of her books there. Grab a drink at the Pilchard Inn and stroll around the island.
Totnes Castle (30-40 minute drive): Totnes is a classic Norman motte-and-bailey castle, raised soon after the Conquest at the highest point of the hilltop town of Totnes. You can climb up the motte to see lovely views. Parking and picnic areas. Free to visit for English Heritage members. Totnes is well-worth a visit with its range of independent shops, a museum and historic Guildhall. It has the nearest train station to Little Byfield.
Woodlands Theme park (30-minute drive): A zoo / farm, indoor and outdoor slides, rides and zip wires. Recommended for children aged 6-14 years. A day ticket costs c. £25.
Paignton Zoo (40-minute drive): With over 2,000 animals, there is plenty to see. Its set in 80 acres of beautiful gardens.
National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth (40-minute drive): Plymouth is home to the UK's largest marine aquarium with over 5,000 animals. You can also visit Hoe Park, which where Sir Francis Drake, reputedly finished his game of bowls before heading off to defeat the Spanish Armada in 1588. Plymouth has a big shopping mall, cinema, dining etc.
Golden Hind, Brixham (1-hour drive): Step aboard a full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake's ship, the Golden Hinde. Learn more about how he circumnavigated the globe between 1577 and 1580.