Teignmouth

It is unsurprising that Teignmouth is known as “the gem of South Devon”, situated as it is in a most enviable coastal position, enjoying spectacular views to the east across Lyme Bay and west to Torbay. Teignmouth enjoys a particularly pleasant climate, with record-breaking hours of sunshine, due in some part to the shelter afforded by the Haldon Hills to the north of the town.

From its source high on Dartmoor, the river Teign flows out to sea at Teignmouth, taking a curvaceous route in the last few hundred metres, thus creating a sheltered harbour for all types of boats, from small pleasure craft to commercial vessels unloading their cargo. For beach lovers, there is always a sheltered spot to be found -whichever way the wind may be blowing - because there is a choice between the award winning main beach and the river beach. There is so much to see and do here; you can watch the fishing boats unload their catch, the pleasure boats sailing back and forth, the energetic seine and gig boat rowers powering their rowing boats out to sea and marvel at the huge container ships coming into the harbour through the seemingly impossibly small river mouth. The main beach is beautifully broad and extensive with golden sands, and whether it is swimming, sailing, waterskiing, rowing or diving that you fancy, there is ample space for everyone. The quaint ferry crosses the river mouth dozens of ties from dawn to dusk, transporting foot passengers between Teignmouth and the pretty little town of Shaldon on the other side of the estuary.

For those whose interests are more land-based, there are many opportunities for walks and cycle rides in the surrounding area. The southwest coastal path runs along the edge of the town, and the vast expanse of Dartmoor is only a short drive from Teignmouth. Teignmouth Golf Club is spectacularly situated high up above the town and provides a challenging par 69, 18-hole course, and there are a number of other courses within 30 minutes drive.