ABOUT THE LOCAL AREA
River Hems
Hemsford is located within 2 miles of a pretty well stocked community run village shop at Broadhempston and within 2.5 miles of Riverford Organic Farm shop now known as "Bens Farm Shop". Riverford is one of the largest organic farms in the UK and is well known for their “vegetable boxes”. A visit to Ben's Farm shop is highly recommended.
Major supermarkets and pharmacies are located in Totnes which is 3 miles away. Totnes is a bohemian Town situated on the banks of the River Dart, known for its alternative lifestyle, with many restaurants, bars and street café’s which serve an excellent choice of menus to suit all tastes. Totnes is one of England’s oldest boroughs, the first bridging point over the beautiful River Dart. The town is noted for its ruined Norman Castle, 16th century Guildhall and Elizabethan Butterwalks. From Totnes you can take a trip through some of the West Country’s most beautiful scenery down the river Dart to Dartmouth.
There are several outstanding beaches within easy reach, amongst them Broadsands, Blackpool Sands, Thurlestone, Bigbury and Bantham with the highest standards of bathing water quality. Also around the coast are many sheltered coves and beaches to be discovered such as Slapton Sands near Kingsbridge. Bantham and Bigbury both are fantastic locations for surfing, or just beach combing, cycling, walking and enjoying the fabulous scenery that South Devon can offer.
For those who are interested in sampling the local inns and pubs there are several pubs within the local area,The Tally Ho Inn at Littlehempston, the Pig and Whistle at Littlehempston, The Sea Trout Inn at Staverton, all within walking distance (about 15 -20 minutes), and slightly further away at Broadhempston the Coppa Dolla and the Monks Retreat. All these local pubs serve locally sourced food and an excellent selection of wines and ales. During the summer months we highly recommend booking a table as the local pubs can get very busy especially at weekends. It is possible to walk from our camp to the Tally Ho and Pig and Whistle - around 20 minutes walk and less than a mile away. The Sea Trout is just over a mile away and an uphill walk from our camp.
Many people chose to relax in the quiet country surroundings however if you are interested in outdoor activities, there are lovely walks in and around Totnes and further afield. An indoor heated Swimming Pool is available at Totnes Pavilions. Dartington hall, around a mile away can offer grade 2 listed gardens, a barn cinema, bars and cafes, shopping at the cider press centre and a glorious deer park. all adjacent to the River Dart.
Other attractions within driving distance are include major theme parks such as Woodlands Leisure park near Dartmouth, Splashdown at Paignton, Kents Cavern, Babbacombe model village, Paignton Zoological Park in Paignton, Pennywell Farm at Buckfastleigh and many others. Also well worth a visit is the Primrose Line, steam railway running through the picturesque Dart Valley from Buckfastleigh to Totnes, passing through Staverton - there is a rare breeds farm at Littlehempston, with a butterfly farm and otter sanctuary at Buckfastleigh adjacent to the station. Further details for the above are available either by google search, or locally from Totnes Tourist Information website (www.vistittotnes.co.uk and we have someleaflets available in our communal kitchen. Further details can be supplied on request - please ask if you would like personal recommendations.
CONTACT US ON 01803 762774, 07779 800703 OR EMAIL [email protected]
SLAPTON SANDS
This picture shows winter waves crashing on the rocks at the beach at Slapton Sands, near Kingsbridge. One of our own favourite places to visit with the famous Slapton Ley - a fresh water lake adjacent to the beach with fabulous facilities for bird watching. The beach is steeply shelving and made up of mainly shingle, but has safe and clean bathing waters and is very popular for families.