Local Information
Number 6 is situated in a peaceful location in the charming village of Stoke Gabriel in
South Devon. It is within easy walking distance of the centre
of the village where there is a medieval church, two pubs serving good food, a well-stocked village shop, a post office
and a gift shop. Walking a few minutes further through apple orchards brings you down to the mill pool and quay,
renowned for its crabbing, and the beautiful River Dart.
Stoke Gabriel has many vibrant community events spread throughout the year,
from the ancient celebration of Wassail in January, to the May Fair and Carnival in the summer. Check out the weather at our own
weather station
Stoke Gabriel is ideally placed for a holiday in the South Hams, an area well deserving of its
Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty Status renowned for its rural villages in beautiful countryside and spectacular coastal scenery.
It is within easy access of the safe, sandy beaches of the traditional English Riviera
resorts of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, the historic towns of Totnes
and Dartmouth
and the wild splendour of Dartmoor (all within a 10 mile radius).
Here are some suggestions for your holiday:
ON THE BEACH:
There is an amazing choice of beaches within easy reach of Stoke Gabriel. The excellent sandy beaches of the English Riviera
(4 miles away), such as Broadsands and Goodrington have long been popular as a holiday destination. Many of these are Blue Flag
beaches which assures visitors of the high quality bathing waters and clean, safe beaches. Slightly further away are the fabulous
beaches of the South Hams including Blackpool Sands (12 miles away), Slapton Sands (14 miles) and Bigbury-on-Sea (24 miles).
OUT & ABOUT:
There are an exceptional number of tourist attractions within a close distance of Stoke Gabriel. Family favourites on the doorstep
include Paignton Zoo home to thousands of amazing animals and plants in world habitat zones and its sister
attraction Living Coasts featuring animals living life on the edge from around the coasts of the world.
For adventure and fun enjoy a visit to Woodlands Adventure Park - with its family
rides and indoor playzones for all ages or the River Dart Country Park - which is the
perfect setting for all kinds of outdoor activities.
Other nearby attractions are Kents Cavern - Devon’s famous
prehistoric caves, Babbacombe Model Village - where thousands of miniature
models capture the essence of England's past, present and future, Pennywell Farm
- a multi award winning farm activity park and Occombe Farm a demonstration organic farm,
shop and café designed to re-connect people with food, farming and the countryside.
The area is steeped in history – the English Heritage castles of Totnes – a classic
Norman motte and bailey castle, Dartmouth - a picturesquely sited fortress guarding the narrow entrance to the Dart Estuary and Berry
Pomeroy – a reputedly haunted, romantic ruin tucked away in a steep wooded valley are well worth a visit. As are the delightful
National Trust properties of Coleton Fishacre - a luxuriant garden by the sea, with an Arts & Crafts-style house,
featuring Art Deco-influenced interiors and Greenway – holiday house and garden of Agatha Christie on the River Dart.
IN TOWN:
Totnes (4miles away) is an attractive medieval market town with an alternative
feel, beside the River Dart. It offers a wealth of small unusual shops and great places to eat often featuring locally sourced food. It is
renowned for its markets on Fridays and Saturdays and from May to September an Elizabethan Market is held every Tuesday. Just outside
Totnes sample English wines at the Sharpham Vineyard or watch a film in a converted barn at
the independent Barn Cinema in Dartington.
From Totnes you can take the South Devon Steam Railway to Buckfastleigh or cruise
down the River Dart to Dartmouth by Riverlink passenger ferry.
Dartmouth (9 miles away) has a splendid waterfront and is overlooked by the
magnificent Britannia Royal Naval College. It has a reputation for good food and interesting shops, as well as many events throughout
the year such as the Music Festival and Royal Regatta.
From Dartmouth cross over the river by passenger or car ferry to delightful Kingswear. From here, travel on the
Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway along the wooded slopes of the
Dart and the spectacular Torbay coast to Paignton.
Paignton (4 miles away) is a popular, traditional seaside resort,
famous for its endless sandy beaches, colourful pier and holiday fun. The Apollo Cinema
with 9 screens is also located on the Paignton sea front.
Torquay (7 miles away) is often referred to as the ‘Queen of the Riviera’
and for centuries has been a popular holiday destination. It has something for everyone with sandy beaches, an interesting harbour, lots
of entertainment and a busy nightlife.
Brixham (6 miles away) is renowned for its picture postcard
fishing harbour and bustling marina, complete with a replica of the Golden Hind.
ACTIVITIES:
Boats & Canoes
Stoke Gabriel is an ideal place to launch boats and canoes onto the River Dart. From here you can explore this beautiful
river, upriver to Tuckenhay, Sharpham and Totnes, downriver to Dittisham, Greenway and Dartmouth and then out to sea, more information is
available from the Dart Harbour Authority.
Canoe Adventures offer guided canoe trips on
the River Dart, enjoy the perfect English river picnic on board The Picnic Boat
and learn to sail at the Dart Harbour Sea School.
Watersports
Ski West Water Sports offer water-skiing and wakeboarding in Torbay or learn to surf at the South Devon
Discovery Surf School at Bigbury-on-Sea.
Fishing
- A wide variety of fishing experiences are available locally from sea fishing such as Ashley’s Mackerel and Wreck Fishing
trips from Paignton harbour to coarse fishing at Town Parks Fishing and shore fishing
from the beaches and piers around Torbay.
Swimming
The Waves Leisure Pool at the Riviera Centre in Torquay has a fun wave pool with flume,
Quay West in Paignton is a water park with 8 slides, alternatively
Shoalstone Outdoor
Pool in Brixham is one of few remaining seawater pools in the country.
Walking
Make the most of the glorious landscape and scenery by walking through it, from gentle strolls to energetic hikes there
is something for everyone. There are lovely walks in the vicinity of Stoke Gabriel, through the village itself with its picturesque
houses and apple orchards, along the riverbank or through local woodland.
There are many other walks suiting all capabilities in the South Hams such as the Dart Valley Trail a 12 mile trail from between
Totnes and Dartmouth, following the beautiful River Dart or the John Musgrove Heritage Trail, a 35 mile trail which explores the
stunning and varied countryside between Maidencombe and Brixham.
The South West Coast Path winds around the coast of South Devon on its way between Minehead in Somerset and
Poole Harbour in Dorset. With spectacular seascapes viewed from rocky headlands, sandy beaches and wetland habitats this is a very
memorable walk.
In sharp contrast the wildness of Dartmoor dominated by its famous granite tors must be visited by anyone
who enjoys walking. Footpaths cross almost every part of the moor, with trails such as The Abbots Way between Buckfastleigh and
Tavistock and The Two Moors Way between Ivybridge and Holne.
Golf
There are several outstanding golf courses nearby, all with breathtaking views, offering challenges for all levels of ability
including Dartmouth Golf & Country Club,
Churston Golf Club and Dainton Park golf course.
In nearby Newton Abbot there isHele Park Golf Centre, a 9 hole golf course and driving range,
ideal for a quick round, practice or for families who want to try golf for the first time.
Horse Riding
Babeny Stables offers horse riding on Dartmoor, SRS-training a riding
school in nearby Staverton and Finlake Riding Centre in Chudleigh offer riding for all abilities.