Explore Kingsbridge

Sitting on its own estuary, Kingsbridge is a picturesque market town with a friendly atmosphere in the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Not much else sings typical Devon countryside quite like Kingsbridge and the surrounding area.

Kingsbridge estuary

At the head of the Salcombe estuary, Kingsbridge really is well located and a great place for a family holiday in Devon. The quay overlooks the mudflats of the estuary, and in the summer visitors, and locals all take to the water in their sailing boats or on paddleboards.

Birdwatching, fishing and walks are all on the agenda with the South West Coast Path just minutes away and an easy car or bus journey to Dartmoor and some of South Devon’s best beaches.

Kingsbridge beaches

Possibly one of the most popular aspects of Kingsbridge is its proximity to beaches. If you are looking for a coastal adventure in Devon then heading to Kingsbridge is a great place to start!

Art Deco meets beach island at Bigbury Beach. Right next to the beach is a small tidal island, allowing you to walk over the sand and step foot on the island at low tide. Burgh Island, as its known, is a popular destination on the South Devon coast and draws attention from walkers, travellers looking for that perfect Instagram shot and even world famous novelists. Burgh Island was the inspiration and the setting for the Agatha Christie novel ‘Evil under the Sun’. At high tide a sea tractor can take you across – a trip not to be missed, and especially popular with young children, which gives you the perfect excuse to stay on the island a little longer and sample the hospitality offered at The Pilchard Inn.

With its big expanse of soft sand and often windy shores, Bigbury Beach is also very popular with families and water sports enthusiasts - anything from bodyboarders to kite surfers! Bigbury is also a magnet for surfers, with lessons and board hire available for all abilities.

Local Devon produce

Kingsbridge is famed for having amazing local produce right on the doorstep, with several small and independent operators offering some of the finest and freshest food that Devon has to offer. Much of this is on show at the twice monthly Farmers Market which is held in the town centre. Grab your favourite tote bag and take your time to pick over freshly, locally grown produce with not a cellophane wrapper in sight.

If plants and gardens are more your thing then pop over to Fast Rabbit Farm and Gardens. Set in 30 acres of the Strawberry Valley, it offers good accessibility and the chance to pick up a floral reminder of the day in the attached plant shop.

Nearby Aune Valley Meat is an award winning butchers, deli and farm shop. If you’re giving yourself the day off cooking then enjoy their wares at their café – their ‘butchers breakfast’ is a great way to prepare for a day exploring.

Kingsbridge all year round

It’s not all beaches and farmland, Kingsbridge is a year round destination. An enthusiastic and friendly local crowd work hard all year to put on events such as the Kingsbridge Food & Music Festival, Fair Week and Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas. With windows filled with posters for clubs and events, there’s always something going on in Kingsbridge whether it be the Farmers Market, art workshops, or concerts.

And, as the shopping hub of the area, Kingsbridge has an eclectic selection of family-run shops including several butchers, bakeries, a fishmongers, greengrocer, wine shop and delicatessens. The town has a whole host of intriguing antique shops, art galleries, and gift shops. Complementing that are cafes and pubs serving local ales by South Hams and Salcombe Breweries and Salcombe Gin. With a three screen cinema, yoga studio and leisure centre with swimming pool there are plenty of opportunities to stay active and entertained.

Explore the town via passages such as ‘Squeezebelly Alley’ and discover not only Kingsbridge’s history but hidden treasures such as mosaics, a community garden and miniature railway.

If you want to catch a film check out the independent King's Cinema in the town. Behind the old-fashioned façade you’ll find 3 screens, multiplex seating and the chance to see blockbusters alongside something a little more avant-garde.

The Kingsbridge Information Centre sits conveniently on the Town Square, accessible and award-winning, their aim is to make everyone feel like a local. Happy to recommend places to eat and things to do, the Information Centre stocks maps, walks, souvenirs and gifts. They also sell tickets to local events, weekly car park permits and cards by local artists.