Historic Port of Dartmouth
The historic port of Dartmouth is just 5 miles away.
It is full of attractive old buildings, modern restaurants, shops, pubs, and cafés , and is home to the Britannia Royal Naval College, which has been training naval officers since 1863.
You can participate in many water-borne activities – rowing, sailing, canoeing, fishing, various ferries, etc., from Dartmouth, or just relax in the gardens, museum or the Flavel Arts Centre.
Our proximity to Dartmouth is undoubtedly a great feature of the Start Bay Holiday Park, however our residents do not have to endure the frenzy of Dartmouth on their own doorstep.
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Blue Flag beach, Blackpool Sands
This beautiful award winning blue flag beach is less than 2 miles from the Holiday Park.
It provides superb sw imming in clean, clear water, tested by the Environment Agency – with the beach cleaned daily in the main season when lifeguards are also on duty.
The Venus Beach Café for organic and locally produced food and the Venus Beach Shop for beach goods and games operate from the beach.
To ensure cleanliness, dogs are not permitted in the car parks or on the beach from March to November.
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Two mile long beach, Slapton Sands
Slapton Sands extends over three miles, with the northern end just below Strete (Strete Gate).
There are car parks at Strete Gate, close to the midpoint, and at the southern end at Torcross where you can find pubs, cream teas and excellent fish and chips.
Also at Torcross is a recovered Sherman Tank commemorating lives lost tragically during D-Day rehearsals.
Throughout the length of the beach there are splendid views towards Start Point Lighthouse to the South and to the Dart Harbour entrance to the North.
Nature Reserve, Slapton Ley
Behind Slapton Sands is the Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve, the main feature of which is the largest natural freshwater lake in the South West.
It is a haven for wildlife including an enormous variety of birds.
The Slapton Ley Field Centre manages the nature reserve as an "outdoor laboratory" incorporated in the educational courses and research it conducts.
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The Dartmouth Hotel, Golf and Spa
The Dartmouth Golf and Country Club has become the Best Western The Dartmouth Hotel, Golf & Spa.
You can enjoy a round of golf just 3.5 miles from the Start Bay Holiday Park.
The two courses are open to non-members on payment of a green fee.
The spa and restaurant facilities are also available to the general public.
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find out more.
Woodlands Leisure Park
The Woodlands Leisure Park has a large numb er of rides and attractions for children of all ages.
It also has a zoo farm with several animals and an impressive falconry centre.
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Greenway House and Garden
Greenway House was built in the 1700s and it is believed that part of the gardens was the work of prisoners from the Spanish Armada.
In 1938, the estate was purchased by Agatha Christie when it became her summer retreat.
Since 1999 it has been managed by the National Trust, which has done major restoration work on the house which is now open to the public.
There is also a glorious wooded garden on the banks of the Dart with delightful pathways across the steep slopes.
It includes interesting trees from the 18th and 19th centuries, camellias by the dozen, magnolias, ferns, rare shrubs, small ponds, and interesting features such as a tide filled bathhouse or an oriental goddess in a niche.
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Coleton Fishacre House and Garden
Coleton Fishacre was created by Rupert and Lady Dorothy D'Oyly Carte in the 1920s and is now managed by the National Trust.
The splendid gardens descend down the steep valley to Pudcombe Cove and the coast path.
Magnolias, hydrangeas, rhododendrons and camellias abound, together with rare and exotic plants.
A stream runs through the garden with ponds and interesting water features; a high gazebo has a magnificent view out to sea.
You can also visit the house with its elegant Art Deco-influenced interior.
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South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path runs 630 miles around the coastline from Poole Harbour to Minehead via Lands End.
Some of the most spectacular stretches of the path are those through the South Hams from Dartmouth to Strete and onwards past Start Point, Prawle Point, Bolt Head and the Rivers Avon, Erme and Yealm.
The delightful section between Strete and Blackpool Sands is right on our doorstep – but for the energetic, the rest of the path in the South Hams is very worthwhile exploring.
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Start Point Lighthouse
Only a handful of Trinity Houses lighthouses are open to the public, but this short list includes the striking Start Point Lighthouse, situated on one of the most exposed peninsulas on the English Coast at the southern end of Start Bay.
The Lighthouse tour, which takes approximately 45 minutes, is fascinating and has magnificent views from the lantern room.
DARTMOUTH STEAM RAILWAY AND RIVER BOAT COMPANY
Based on the glorious South Devon coastline in South West England, enjoy your days out in Devon on the steam trains, boat trips and paddle steamer.
The only attraction in Devon that lets you enjoy the delights of Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Dartmouth and the River Dart, Kingswear and Totnes on your day out!