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All you need to know
The quiet village of Rattery is conveniently situated for enjoying the delights of Dartmoor, the beautiful South Hams countryside, and the stunning South Devon coast.
Easily accessible from the main route through South Devon to Cornwall, Rattery is a quiet village with a cosy pub, close to the southern edge of Dartmoor. You may be pleased to hear that its name is believed to have derived from the words “red tree” rather than having anything to do with rodents! Rattery village is well-placed for exploring the moors, the beautiful rolling South Hams countryside, and stunning South Devon coastline beyond.
Being so close to Dartmoor you will, no doubt, want to get out and about to make the most of the vast and varied landscape of the moors, from bleak rocky outcrops, to swathes of heather moorland, and rivers rushing through deep wooded valleys, there is no better place to get close to nature and enjoy far-reaching rural views. A haven for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, Dartmoor is perfect for those looking for an active holiday outdoors.
You'll also discover that Dartmoor is home to many picturesque towns and villages with their quirky antiques shops, traditional tearooms and cosy pubs. There are so many places to stop, have walk or simply enjoy the view, but be sure to dress appropriately as the weather is notoriously changeable on Dartmoor!
Several excellent attractions are easily accessible from Rattery, including the family-friendly Pennywell Farm, the Butterflies and Otters Sanctuary, the River Dart Country Park and the chance to enjoy a scenic ride on a steam train with the South Devon Railway.
Head south to visit vibrant and characterful market town of Totnes, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays when the markets are held. Or if you fancy a day slightly further afield, then why not explore the historic waterside towns of Dartmouth and Salcombe, or venture to the beach and walk the scenic South West Coast Path at Slapton, Torcross, Bantham, Thurlestone or Bigbury on Sea, to name just a few of the stunning beaches less than an hour's drive away.
A holiday cottage in Rattery is conveniently situated for enjoying the delights of Dartmoor, the beautiful South Hams countryside, and the stunning South Devon coast.
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Enjoy an unforgettable animal experience at Pennywell, Devon’s award-winning farm! A day out at Pennywell is packed full of animals, activities, farm rides, shows and displays. It’s the biggest activity farm in the South-West and was recently voted Devon’s best family attraction. Activities such as Pig Racing, Deer Feeding, Goat Walking, Ferret Racing & Bottle Feeding are all part of the daily farmyard fun. Home to the world-famous Pennywell Miniature Pigs, “piggy cuddles” is a must when visiting this family-run local attraction.
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Enter code THC2 at checkout to enjoy a free coffee and cake when booking your tickets online.
Brilliant Day out for the whole family
July 2023
A great day out for families with younger children. Our 3 & 6 year olds loved cuddling the animals and bottle feeding the goats. The big show with Alfie the Juggler was brilliant
June 2023
Great centre for children under 12. Plenty of activities to get involved with and animals to pet and feed. Kept the grandchildren amused for hours
May 2022
Excellent day out with the kids that offers wholesome family fun you don't find in a lot of places.
December 2016
Enjoy the benefits of cold water immersion, sauna and meditative walking with Nature's Way at their stunning site on Dartmoor. Click below for dates to visit the beautiful spring-fed lake and lakeside sauna surrounded by ancient woodland on the southern edge of Dartmoor. Contact Jo for further details jo.naturesway@gmail.com or click the link below.
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Offering indoor and outdoor rock climbing in Devon and Cornwall, Dart Rock Climbing Centre in Buckfastleigh offers a friendly and encouraging environment to practice a skill you have already mastered, or to learn something new while you’re there. The 10-metre high climbing centre offers a diverse range of routes on four climbing walls, training boards, teaching areas and in the classroom so that you get the most out of your session, and caters to beginners, experienced climbers, families and groups. The centre is open daily but with some restrictions for private classes at the weekends and prices vary according to your requirements. Remember to wear comfortable and practical clothing and trainers.
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Enjoy £2 off GO! CLIMB! sessions with your Toad Hall Cottages discount card
Good option on a rainy day, the kids loved it and made it look far easier than when we tried to climb up some of the walls! Get there early if possible and you'll have more room to explore.
August 2019
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A wonderfully traditional West Country attraction, The South Devon Railway (SDR) is a seven-mile former branch of the Great Western Railway from 1872. Running through the valley of the River Dart from Buckfastleigh to Totnes you can board a steam train with heritage rolling stock whatever the weather and whatever age you are. Dogs are welcome on the train for a nominal charge and seasonal charges vary. Step up the luxury on a dining train, or for really special occasions there are options to drive a train for a day or hire one for private events. While you’re there, other attractions close by include the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm and Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies, to really make a day of it.
Good steam train ride in beautiful scenery, handy for Butterfly Farm and otter sanctuary, nice riverside walk.
September 2023
Great for steam train enthusiasts with a decent place like Totnes to look around and have a meal. Ideal trip to take young children on
July 2021
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what a lovely day watched otters being fed, butterfly house was full of colourful butterflies, a lovely walk by the river
September 2022
Highlight of our holiday. Absolutely adorable creatures. They kept us entranced by their playful antics.
September 2020
A fascinating village pub on the Dartmoor borders dating back to the 16th century when it was used to house stonemasons employed to rebuild the church. Today you can expect a friendly welcome and excellent food and drink at both the traditional bar and light and bright restaurant.
The Church House Inn, Rattery, South Brent TQ10 9LD (T: 01364 642220)
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A real gem of a farm shop just off the A38, so if you’re staying in the Totnes area of passing by on enroute to other destinations we highly recommend stopping off and stocking up on all sorts of delicious local products to line the cupboards of your holiday cottage. From locally grown fruit and veg and a traditional butcher’s counter to groceries, wines, beers, cheese and lots more. You’ll also find a bright conservatory café serving hot drinks, cakes and light meals all made on site. Well worth a visit.
Bens Farm Shop & Café Staverton, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6AF (T:01803 762851)
Great selection of food and lovely coffee from the cafe. Cheese straws are great too. Love the fresh milk.
August 2023
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A friendly traditional tea room and restaurant serving breakfasts, snacks, light meals, cakes and cream teas.
The Singing Kettle 54 Fore Street, Buckfastleigh TQ11 0BS (T: 01364 642383)
In town far from car park and was closed every time we went there
June 2022
Closed on Monday and Tuesdays
June 2022
A very friendly cafe a lovely lunch enjoyed
June 2021
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Set on Riverford Organic’s Wash Farm, the Riverford Field Kitchen serves delicious, freshly picked seasonal produce with organic meat and fish options all in a relaxed, friendly environment. Guests share tables with dishes passed around to share.
Riverford Field Kitchen Wash Farm, Buckfastleigh TQ11 0JU (T: 01803 762074)
Our favourite place for a special lunch.
June 2023
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This historic thatched inn has been welcoming guests since 1320, and today serves good food including delicious all-day Sunday roasts, accompanied by local ales and wines from around the world. Family run with a great atmosphere.
The Cott Inn Cott Lane, Dartington, Totnes TQ9 6HE (T: 01803 863777)
Excellent food, great service and it is open for food on a Sunday evening!
May 2024
Great food and lovely atmosphere. Very attentive staff. Must book.
August 2023
Had a great Sunday roast there 22nd September. Friendly staff. dogs made very welcome and the floral displays were superb.
October 2019
Great place for Sunday Lunch - menu offers traditional roast options as well as other dishes - and just a short walk from Totnes centre. Booking recommended as it seems very popular with locals and visitors alike.
October 2017
Lovely pub/restaurant. Great food. Excellent service and friendly staff. Dog friendly too.
August 2017
In between Brixham and Paignton, this long, sandy beach is a popular spot with families, thanks to its sheltered waters, year-round facilities and easy parking. The Blue Flag beach is perfect for making sandcastles and searching for wildlife in the rockpools. There are toilets, and two places to get ice creams, coffees and soft drinks. What’s more, the car park is right by the beach, so there’s no need to lug your provisions a long way. Behind the pretty row of colourful beach huts, there’s a large grassy area, so don’t forget to pack a ball or rounders bat to keep the whole family entertained. Broadsands Beach is a popular dog walking spot throughout autumn and winter, but there is a seasonal dog ban during the summer months (1st May - 30th September).
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Far from the bustling crowds of Paignton and Brixham’s bigger beaches, this small pebbly cove is a truly relaxing spot. The calm waters are great for swimming and are said to have been one of Agatha Christie’s favourite bathing spots. Elberry Cove even features in one of her crime thriller novels, The ABC Murders. This picture-perfect cove, surrounded by sloping wooded hillsides and crystal clear water, can only be accessed by the coast path, with the nearest carpark at Broadsands Beach. From here, it is only a 10 - 15 minute walk, but make sure to pack a picnic or grab a bite to eat at Broadsands Beach before you set off, as there aren’t any facilities at here. Dogs are welcome on the beach throughout the year.
Lovely quieter beach, dog and BBQ friendly. We had teens that hired kayaks from nearby Broadsands beach and paddled around the coast to meet us. Very accomodating kayak hire and not too expensive.
August 2018
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Between Dartmouth and Slapton, Blackpool Sands is a beautiful shingle bay on the South West Coast Path, surrounded by evergreens and pine trees. It really is a treasure of a beach to visit while you’re in the area. Award-winning, the privately owned, blue flag beach boasts a sense of being in the Mediterranean on a good day in the summer, although a good jumper never goes amiss in this part of the world! You will no doubt not be surprised to hear that it is in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, however it also boasts ample facilities and things to do. There are showers, toilets and disabled facilities, as well as paddle board, kayak and wetsuit hire available for those wishing to earn their visit to The Venus Beach Café, where light bites and refreshments are served. The Venus Shop also sells all the bits and pieces you might want for fun and games on the beach if you have forgotten them or are in need of extra buckets and spades. The water at Blackpool Sands is known for being clean and clear and tested by the Environment Agency, and lifeguards are on hand in the summer (July to September) so there’s every reason to pop in for a dip. However, dogs are not allowed on the beach in the high season (12th March to 30th October) so keep the walking for the cooler months. There is parking available at the beach with seasonal charges, and you can find out more information on those from the Blackpool Sands information line on 01803 771800. This beach is easy to get to and quite literally fun and games for the whole family, as well as a beautiful place to visit at any time of the year to take in the view!
Beautiful beach, clean sparkly water, no litter, great parking, fabulous late lunch in the cafe after a 5 hour drive. We were here for the registration for The Dart SUP challenge.
May 2024
Very nice.
October 2023
This is a lovely place to visit, we went early and had breakfast at the lovely cafe before going onto the beach
September 2023
Great beach, very clean
August 2023
Lovely family beach grit not sand so no sandcastles possible but lovely location, Cafe was fabulous had breakfast 2 days really high quality food and ambience and very friendly staff .
August 2023
Did not visit
July 2023
Looks a lovely beach but unfortunately no dogs allowed at all
June 2023
Visited Blackpool sands on our honeymoon 27 years ago and have enjoyed it on both occasions. A lovely clean beach with a very nice restaurant/cafe. We walked to the beach and got the local bus back up to Stoke Fleming.
May 2023
we love this beach always clean good parking clean facilities and good cafe.
September 2022
We did go to this beach, couldn’t go in the sea as it was so rough, was beautiful though. No sand, but still very nice.
September 2022
Beautiful beach; very blue water. It’s more a pebbly rather than a sandy beach, love it all the same. It’s clean and there are lifeguards in the summer months which is when we visited. The toilets were clean and not far from the beach; no queues for the toilet either. Parking can be a bit pricey at £9 for the whole day of you come in the morning but didn’t mind it. You pay less though if you come in the afternoon. The is a little sandpit area for a any kids who want to play in sand
September 2022
It is a really beautiful beach although, despite its name, it is not a sandy beach, however our son and grandson were keen on paddle boarding. They made a special visit for this and were told that the paddleboard facilities were closed but to come the following day when the facilities were still closed! Considering that this was during the height of the holiday season, my son was a bit put out having made two wasted trips.
August 2022
A lovely beach, stunning veiw as you drive down towards it. Very clean with clear water.
August 2022
Lovely clean beach although very quiet. There was a small charge for parking.
April 2022
great place
November 2021
very clean beach and gorgeous setting. good that it didn't allow dogs.
September 2021
Welcoming, clean attractive
September 2021
No sand! Very clean and scenic, but very disappointing if you want to run around on sand
August 2021
Lovely pretty beach with good facilities.
June 2021
Very large shingle beach, charges for parking at a set fee no matter how long your visit. Can pay by card for parking as well as cash.
May 2021
Great beach
November 2020
Lovely sandy beach. Parked here (£2) whilst doing a circular walk and then returned for a walk along the beach.
November 2020
Dogs allowed on beach out of season, a bracing walk with coffee and millionaire shortbread at the cafe to finish.
October 2020
Great beach really beautiful , even in the rain, as the Venus café is right on the beach and is warm, dry and serves great food and drinks at reasonable prices.
October 2019
One of our favourite beaches, in a beautiful setting. Plenty of car parking and plenty of room on the beach, even on a busy day. The sea is clean and clear and the facilities are excellent (nice to have changing rooms). Thoroughly recommend this beach.
October 2019
Beautiful stretch of shingle beach nestled between steep hills at either end. Excellent facilities including one of the best beach cafes we've ever visited.
September 2019
We had a wonderful day at Blackpool sands. A shingle beach within a lovely cove, it was clean and felt safe for the children to swim in the water (which was also sparkling). The beach is privately run, so the carpark fee was a bit stiff (£8 for the day), however the upside of this was a beautifully clean beach with lots of amenities, including rental of SUPs and other water equipment, a great cafe, and really clean loos. On a busy day you would need to arrive before lunchtime, or the carpark will shut, but this also means that the beach didn't feel crowded at all.
September 2019
Parking charge between £3 - £8 depending on time of year, Also food good but e.g. Hawaiian Prawns (£9) consisted of 5 prawns. Not good value for money.
October 2018
Lovely beach, not sandy but the stones are okay. Good food, beverages, coast guards, Nice view and not so cowded
August 2018
Lovely clean beach in super location along coastal road. Great place to visit.
May 2018
Beautiful clean beach with excellent facilities.Clean toilets lovely cafe and shop.Lifeguard on the beach.No dogs allowed.Plenty of parking.We enjoyed rock pooling at the far end of the beach.The owner does a great job.You can also visit Blackpool Sands garden but we did not have time.Also a juggler was there on the day we went great fun for everyone.
August 2017
Beautiful location but shame it a shingle beach and not sandy. Also very disappointed with the £8 fee to park the car .
August 2017
Perfect venue for a sunny day! Secluded beach which is clean and tidy, with a cafe, snack bar and shop, beach equipment hire too
July 2017
The cost of the parking steep
June 2017
Our family 's favourite beach
June 2017
Stunning beach, and you can get takeaway cream tea from the cafe to have on the beach!!
May 2017
If you’re willing to venture off the beaten track, you’ll discover one of Brixham’s hidden gems, Churston Cove. Surrounded by sloping wooded hillsides, this beautiful little cove isn’t the easiest to get to, which makes it an idyllic, peaceful place to while away the day. The crystal clear water is safe for kids to paddle and play in, and is a popular swimming spot. Parking is available at Freshwater carpark, a 15-minute walk away. There are no toilet facilities or cafes, and the beach is accessed via a long, steep path, which is uneven in places, but this beautiful little cove is worth the effort. Churston Cove is dog-friendly all year round.
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Lovely beach. so quiet at certain times. always different. great for dogs. parking very limited.
May 2022
Amazing spot, so peaceful. Parking the only issue.
June 2021
Nice beach and great walks that lead to it, very few people around in August! Limited parking so you are better off walking there.
August 2019
Glorious beach at the mouth of the Erme. Narrow lanes and very limited parking. No toilets, cafes etc - wonderful! Turning circle for cars just before the beach but expect to have to reverse back up the access lane to allow cars that are leaving to go back. A nightmare on Bank Holidays - parking almost impossible and expect to have to negotiate very tight spaces.
September 2017
Lovely beach but bit of a trek for little ones
April 2017