Five minutes from the venue, Bantham really is one of the best beaches in Devon. Car parking and toilets are available, as well as food and drink vans. You can also hire surfboards and wetsuits here too.
Full of independent shops, cafes and some great restaurants, Kingsbridge is a classic seaside town (and also where G and her brothers went to school!). Lots of parking available.
Also known as Thurlestone Sands, this is a beautiful sandy beach with two car parks (depending on the direction you're coming from, either side of the beach), only five minutes from Bantham. There is a small café next to the beach which serves sandwiches, great sea food and ice cream - fun fact, this was G's first job and she worked here for over 5 years.
Salcombe is another classic costal town, with some beautiful beaches. A good collection of local shops and pubs, and the best ice cream EVER at Salcombe Dairy. It is also a water sports haven, with options for sailing, kayaking, surfing or paddle boarding. You can do some great walks around the coastline too. Be warned that parking can be tricky/busy so go early or take the Park and Ride!
One of the most scenic walks in the local area, this circular walk takes you over the fields opposite Salcombe with a great view down the estuary. We recommended driving 5 minutes down to Salcombe Dairy for an ice cream post-walk!
Hope Cove is a small but stunning local fishing village with a secluded sandy beach and a few pubs. Locals tip - the Cottage Hotel has the best views over the beach and out to sea and is open to the public for lunch or a cream tea all week - ask for a table next to the window! If you fancy a longer walk, you can walk from Bantham, through South Milton Sands and over to Hope Cove (you can even continue onto Salcombe!) via the South West Coastal Path with breathtakingly beautiful views over the cliffs.
Having tried more cream teas than you could imagine, we think this is definitely the best one! A lovely café based in a garden centre with a few independent shops inside too.
Built over 600 years ago, Dartmouth Castle is well worth a visit if you want a day out. Dartmouth has some lovely shops, all situated on the estuary as well as some great pubs.
Totnes is a quirky town, 35 minutes away with the nearest train station to Bantham. You'll find lots of independent shops and eateries (our favourite is Cranch's sweet shop, owned by a lovely local family), some great estuary walks, and a market on Fridays/Saturdays.
A pebble beach that stretches for nearly 2 miles, with lots of fish-and-chip shops and places for ice cream. You can also visit an incredible stone monument which was set in place to commemorate the ill-fated ‘Operation Tiger’ from the 'D-Day' landings. However, be aware that a small part of this beach is for naturists! On the way back from Slapton, pop into Stokley Farm Shop for a selection of local produce, including a local brewery and a great cafe.