Prawle Point
The coast line around Prawle must be amongst the most beautiful and spectacular in the south west. The climate is exceptionally mild and warm.
Prawle Point is a bird watchers paradise. as it so southerly, migrant birds arrive here first in the spring and gather here for their long flights in the autumn. Buzzards, ravens and hawks abound and Prawle point is one of the last refuges of the Cirl Bunting. Unusually a nightingale was recently seen and heard right in the cottage car park!
Prawle suits holidaymakers who like walking and are interested in nature.
The whole of the coastline from Mill Bay at Portlemouth to Start Point is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, most of it being owned by the National Trust.
The coast adjacent to the cottage is quite rocky, though there are several coves close by where you can swim, but they are pebble beaches. The nearest sandy beach is Macely, about 1/3 mile to the west of the cottage. It is a beautiful walk along the coast, following the South Devon coastal path.
East Prawle
East Prawle is a tiny village built round a central green, there is an excellent Inn, see this link Pigs Nose. There is also a small shop and attached tea room. You can get most things here, from freshly baked bread and farmhouse cheese to all the basics. It also has an off licence. The attached restaurant serves light meals, ice-cream, teas etc.
The atmosphere in Prawle is very friendly. The local people like visitors, and because of its situation there are never any crowds in Prawle, except perhaps when a rare migrant bird flies off course and attracts the birdwatchers.
THE SOUTH HAMS
The South Hams is the most southerly part of Devon, and contains some of the most beautiful countryside in the country. The area is full of interesting places to visit, facilities for a wide range of sporting activities, safe beaches, scenic walks and many opportunities to enjoy a relaxing and restful holiday. The exceptionally mild climate, due mainly to the influence of the Gulf Stream, makes this a particularly suitable area for an out of season holiday. In fact the name “Hams” comes from the Anglo-Saxon meaning “sheltered place”.
COASTLINE
The South Coast Path runs directly in front of the cottage and extends along the whole of South Devon. The walks along the coast are spectacular. Near to the cottage the coast is varied and the sea is always accessible. There are safe sandy beaches within easy walking distance. All around the South Devon peninsular can be found beautiful beaches of varying character and accessibility. Some have more facilities than others, but all are characterized by a determined effort to resist commercialism and development found in larger resorts.
THE COUNTRYSIDE
A large part of the South Hams is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Most of the coastline adjacent to the cottage is owned by the National Trust and is an area of Special Scientific Interest. Inland the countryside changes into the rugged beauty of Dartmoor with its mountains, moors, dense woodland and remote villages. The area has a vast variety of plant and animal life with many species rarely seen in other parts of Britain.
KINGSBRIDGE
Kingsbridge is about 12 miles inland from the cottage. This bustling market town stands at the head of the Salcombe estuary. There are a large variety of shops. There are traditional fishmongers, butchers and bakers in the town. There is an excellent folk museum and a newly built sports center. Walks along the estuary are particularly attractive and there are many pubs and restaurants nearby.
SALCOMBE
This attractive little town is set the western side of a large estuary about 5 miles to the West of Prawle Point. It is a haven for of world renown. Facilities abound for safe small boat sailing, cruising or fishing for a large variety of fish. The beaches are sandy and sheltered and there are magnificent walks along the rugged coastline or through the gentler countryside inland. The interesting narrow streets contain a number of good restaurants and shops.
SPORT
Salcombe has excellent facilities for sailing, with tuition available and regular races organized. A regatta is held during August. Board sailing, skin diving, and swimming can be enjoyed at many places along the coast.
Golf can be played on the 18 hole courses at Thurlestone and Bigbury, and there is a 9 hole course at Wrangaton. Within about 30 miles there are 5 other 18 hole courses, including the championship complex at St.Mellion. Facilities for tennis can be used at Totnes, Kingsbridge, Salcombe and Thurlestone Golf Club. There are squash courts at the Kingsbridge Sports Center. Salcombe and Hope Cove are the centers of the local fishing industry and there are plenty of opportunities to go out to sea and fish for many species ranging from flat fish to bream, pollock, bass and mackerel. Sharks and Conger Eel are also caught regularly. For the fresh water fisherman the area has abundant opportunities for both coarse and game fishing in well stocked reservoirs or on river beats.