Shaldon

The best-known places in the English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay, are undoubtedly its main towns: Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. But a little further afield you’ll discover some little villages that pack a big punch.

Shaldon is one such village. You’ll find it just a short drive or bus journey north of Torquay, on the south side of the river Teign.

Explore Shaldon and you’re sure to fall in love with its ‘olde English’ vibe. There are many listed buildings in the village, some dating back as far as the 1600s.

Good things come in little packages

The village also has a surprisingly high number of pubs for its size, where you’ll find a diverse range of family friendly menus, and traditional ales. Shaldon is a perfect place to go for a filling wallet-friendly lunch before spending the afternoon exploring all the village has to offer.

Shaldon’s beach may be less well known than its big brothers on the English Riviera, but it is certainly no less clean and attractive. If anything its relative peacefulness makes it an ideal place to sunbathe and watch the fishing boats go by.

Close to the village, Homeyards Botanical Garden is open all year round and features a number of exotic trees and plants, as well as a cottage that thinks it’s a castle.

Finally, while in Shaldon be sure to check out the charming Shaldon Zoo, dubbed ‘The Best Little Zoo in the West’, home to lemurs, parrots, ocelots and other colourful animals.

For further details of places to stay, things to do and events in Teignbridge and the South Hams, please visit the official Visit South Devon website.