I’ve just returned my my holiday in Devon, we stayed in Hope Cove. What a beautiful, relaxing week away I’ve had, just what I’ve needed! I did a lot of walking, relaxing by the sea reading my book, meeting family (socially distanced) and had some amazing meals out. In this blog I’m going to try and give you my recommendations for the Hope Cove area, including places to eat, dog friendly beaches, and my favourite walks.
We arrived on the Saturday, we didn’t do much except have a little wonder around Hope Cove. Our apartment was situated literally a minute walk away which was perfect! On the Sunday (dad’s birthday) we went on a lovely long walk around the coast path, stopping at Oceans Reach for a drink (really lovely place to stop mid walk, very pricey but I’d say it’s worth it for a drink).
For Dad’s birthday meal we went to Kingsbridge to eat at the Crab Shell. Meal wasn’t the best of the week (I had gluten free pizza, lots of gluten free options) I’d give the food 6/10 and I think it’s important to note how “Covid secure” I felt the restaurant was, I’d give 8/10 for Covid security.
Monday, more beautiful walking, this time with family to and around Thurlestone, along the coast paths, another beautiful breathtaking walk. On our way back we stopped at South Milton Sands which is dog friendly, Leon had his first ever dip in the sea, he loved it! That evening we had a meal with family at their apartment, I’d give them 10/10 for the food and Covid security!
Tuesday, Leon and dad went on dad’s “most favourite walk ever” to Salcombe from Hope Cove (8 miles but he did nearly 10 because they got lost somehow). Me, mum and family went to Salcombe, we couldn’t believe how busy it still was in September, we did struggle to park, but we eventually parked in Shadycombe car park (The Creek carpark is nearby which is good for the ferry which we didn’t get to go over on this time). We had a drink at the top of the town at Sailor V, we didn’t eat, I was tempted because there was a gluten free brownie advertised (gluten free brownies get stick but I do love them!) We had a stop at my favourite shop in Salcombe, Amelias Attic. We had lunch in Street Island Deli, which is right next to the Shadycombe car park, steps up and down from the deli. The deli were really helpful in helping me find something gluten free to have, I chose a couple of salads to try and they were delicious, we also had a place to sit outside which was beautiful. That evening we had dinner at The Sloop in Bantham (which has a beautiful beach) the menu was excellent, lots of gluten free food marked on the menu (usually find menus only mark vegan or veggie) food 6/10 Covid secure 9/10.
East Prawle was our day out on Wednesday. The sat nav kept trying to take us down the gnarliest track roads ever (a lot of roads are like this around there, so narrow too I think the narrowness is made worse by how high the banks are!) we followed the HGV road signs to East Prawle (disclaimer the HGV roads barely fit a tractor down, I can’t imagine how narrow the roads were it was trying to take us down). East Prawle is beautiful, there’s a National Trust car park, but we parked in the village. Very very Cliffy in places (not great if you have vertigo!) after the strenuous walk we had a drink at the village pub The Pigs Nose, we sat outside and it was lovely. There was also a Piglet cafe and emporium, none, unfortunately were open.
Wednesday evenings meal was my favourite by far. The Bear and Blacksmith in Chillington. Food and Covid security both 10/10 the staff even wore face masks! The chef made me a special veggie gluten free meal and it was absolutely delicious. Can not recommend this place enough.
Thursday was pretty chilled, we went to South Milton Sands again so Leon could have a proper swim in the sea, which he loved. We had a drink and ice cream at the Beach House which is just above the beach, it’s lovely, but small and does get quite busy.
Thursday evening we ate with family at The Inn in Thurlsetone which was really good. Food 10/10 Covid secure 9/10 staff wore visors. Again, they made sure my meal was gluten free (coeliac disease is pretty serious so have to make sure all food is fully gluten free).
Our last day Friday, mum and I popped to Kingsbridge in the morning. Really nice little town, we had a coffee at a cafe called Mangetout, they are currently working on opening the outside area to make more space as the cafe is very small and doesn’t have a lot of seating, especially with Covid social distancing methods. My favourite shop in Kingsbridge is Lazy Sunday’s. We then had another walk around the coast paths, another little run on the Hope Cove beach with Leon (there are 2 beaches in Hope Cove that have different rules and different times and seasons dogs are allowed on the beach so it’s worth checking it out first). We had dinner at the Cove. The menu wasn’t clear what was gluten free but I had another gluten free pizza, which was yummy. We had been to The Cove a couple time that week for a drink, but it was nice to eat there, very relaxed and a cool vibe. Food 9/10 Covid security 8/10.
We left at 4am Saturday morning, which as a great time to leave, we managed to get home in just under 3 hours. After working throughout the whole pandemic it was a lovely week away to relax, does anyone else find the sea air makes them feel serene? I’d recommend staying in Hope Cove and exploring the surrounding areas. There’s so much more we wish we could’ve done and seen, but I think we covered quite a lot in a week! Until next time take care.
Laura’s blog 