There are so many things to do close by it is impossible to list them all. Here are a few of our favourites. We have left you a huge selection of brochures to peruse at leisure in the cottage.

The beach at Bigbury Bay
Check tides in the local directory and plan your outing to fit in with high/low tides. When the tide is high there is still a lot of clean, soft sand, but as it ebbs there are many exciting rock-pools and vast expanses of superb sand. If the tide catches you out you can come back from Burgh Island on the sea tractor! Try The Pilchard Inn for lunch on the island - it used to be a smugglers' haunt. If you enjoy windsurfing, kitesurfing or bodyboarding this beach is for you.

The beach at Mill Bay
Opposite Salcombe, via East Portlemouth. There is a National Trust carpark, a good beach shop, and for the energetic a 30 minute walk across the fields takes you to the Gara Rock, where the views are stunning and if you walk back via the coast (45 minutes) it will take your breath away. Have a picnic on the beach or lunch at the Millbrook Inn South Pool and you can also catch the little ferry over from East Porlemouth to Salcombe for a browse in the unique shops. Don't miss the great local pubs, the RNLI lifeboat and maritime museum beneath the Tourist Information Centre in Salcombe.

The beach at South Sands and North Sands
Next to Salcombe. Park at the hotel or at the National Trust carpark at Sharpitor Gardens where there is a superb picnic spot with a fantastic view, gardens reminiscent of the Mediterranean, and an interesting museum where children will spend some time doing the quiz and looking for Fred the friendly ghost in the children's area through the secret door. You could hire canoes etc at South Sands or catch the ferry boat to Salcombe, strolling back along the coast lane - once again stunning views.  Salcombe is an easy level walk from North Sands where there is good parking and the Winking Prawn!

Dartmoor
Dartmoor is easily accessible from the cottage - just 15 minutes will get you up onto the moor with its stunning scenery and wealth of walks. Our children particularly enjoy scrambling up the tors and playing in the incredibly clear streams. There are several riding stables in the area where you can hack out onto the moor. We love Hound Tor, Sheeps Tor and Haytor (try the pub at Haytor Vale - fantastic food) There are several books in the cottage with ideas for walks and bike rides on the moor - from quick strolls to strenuous expeditions - take your pick!

The Round Robin trip
By boat, ferry, steam train and open-top double-decker bus. You can pick this up at Totnes or Dartmouth - we find Totnes more convenient. You can take all day over this, stopping off en route, or nip around in about two hours. There is also a steam train from Buckfastleigh to Totnes with a vintage bus connection.

National Trust Properties
Nearby NT properties not to be missed are Agatha Christie's home on the Dart at Greenways, d'Oyley Carte's home at Coleton Fishacre, Overbecks nr Salcombe.  Don't let your dreaming swashbuckling youngsters miss the amazing Buckfast Abbey (of Francis Drake fame) or garden loving historians miss the magical Cotehele or young film buffs Anthony House where they shot the new Alice in Wonderland film - all approx. 30 minutes drive.

The Aquarium in Plymouth
Not to be missed - ideal for a rainy day - very new and allegedly the best in the country. Close to the Mayflower Experience in the picturesque Barbican. It has a fantastic shark tank - the children always love it.

Dartmouth Castle
You can park up there or if you are more energetic you could park the car in the National Trust car-park at Stoke, walk along the coastal path or track (shorter/easier at 25 minutes), visit the castle then take the ferry into Dartmouth.

The Visitor's Centre at Princetown
Followed by a trip over Dartmoor (beautiful place) and antique shopping in Ashburton or white water rafting and other adventures at the Dart Country Park.  NT Castle Drogo is also closeby.

Mackerel fishing
From Dartmouth, Plymouth or Salcombe - that's if you like cooking mackerel, as they are inclined to catch rather a lot!

Woodlands Theme Park and Pennywell Farm
These are perfect whole days out for children with lots to do rain or shine.

Just a few more...
We love to visit the beautiful grounds of Dartington Hall near Totnes (not just Dartington Cider Press), the Eden Project which you can combine with a visit to NT Lanhydrock or The Lost Gardens of Heligan (about one hour drive - leave early to be there by 10 am to miss the coaches, otherwise arrive at 2pm) - and of course all the fantastic coastline walks.

Golf
There are a number of high quality golf courses very close by (within 15 minutes).  Bigbury, Thurlestone or Dartmouth, all quite stunning, plus Wrangaton and Dinnaton, magically situated on the edge of Dartmoor, a very different experience.  St Mellion, Bovey Castle and Stover take just a bit longer (iro 30 mins) and cost just a bit more!

Finally, pamper your tastebuds
We could arrange wonderful home-cooking for your dinner parties at the cottage, but you should not be disappointed if you eat out at our local, The California Inn at California Cross, Devon Dining Pub Restaurant of 2010, The Ship and The Anchor at Ugborough, the New Inn at Moreleigh, the old Church House at Harbertonford, the Tower Inn at Slapton, the Port Light between Soar Mill and Hope Coves, the Ship and Dolphin at Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo - and last but by far the least, the Oyster Shack at Easton, on the way to Bigbury - or you could just eat in as Jasmine Chinese Restaurant in Kingsbridge offer a free delivery service too, which can save the day if all else fails. But no doubt you will find favourites of your own - the opportunities appear to be endless.  Michelin stars abound locally and Alastair Sawday recommends the Millbrook Inn at South Pool - so do we!  Alternatively you could have a picnic on the beach or BBQ in the garden, just go fishing, put your feet up, play the odd game of tennis, take a dip in the pools, read a good book, listen to the birds or some light music  - and relax.  Peace perfect peace.  Happy holidays!

Whatever you do - enjoy!

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