Latest news with #SouthDevon
The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
One of UK's most tranquil seaside spots at risk of losing golden sands after huge blowhole emerges
A HARBOUR in a popular seaside town is facing a major issue after a huge blowhole has formed. The South Devon beach has seen the effects of erosion caused by decades of battering waves. 3 3 Now Hope Cove harbour is doing everything it can to save their breakwater afte a blowhole formed in the middle. Built 98 years ago by fisherman, the harbour wall was last repaired in 1983. Since then, there have been no funds available to refurbish it any further. Shocking discovery During construction, fishermen would work with the tide, building a section with each tide change. Between these periods, debris, rocks, and stones would be thrown in the middle and left there while the next section was built. Over the years, cracks have appeared and high water can be seen blowing the debris through the sea wall. Sean Hassall is the joint harbour master on Hope Cove Harbour and explained that the force of the waves has given the breakwater a significant battering. 'We had the breakwater X-rayed a few years ago and to our horror, there's loads of voids between our breakwater,' said Sean. This has caused a blowhole to form in the middle of the wall, which Sean says will be detrimental to the harbour and surrounding area in time. 'The kids think the blowhole is great, but it's only a matter of time before the breakwater goes," he explained. "If it goes we lose all the sand off the beach." Hope Cove relies massively on this golden sand beach for tourism, meaning the town will suffer a financial blow. Further problems On top of that as, cliffs and a mains sewage pipe also sit close by, and could potentially be affected. 'It will erode the cliff where the pathways go over to Inner Hope and Outer Hope, and along that path, there is a mains South West Water sewage pipe so that will obviously impact on the sewage system and South West Water,' the expert said. The harbour masters have considered various options for recovery of the breakwater, ranging from £1 million to £5 million. 'We're going for the just over £1 million option, it's an easier option for us,' explained Sean. And due to the carcinogenic nature of concrete, the harbour are unable to use it. Instead, they plan to bring in big boulders to reinforce the wall and repair what is already there. And since the harbour is completely independent and not funded by the South Hams District Council, all the money will have to be raised by the harbour and Friends of Hope Cove, a charity designed to protect the cove. "We have the Friends of Hope Cove Harbour, which are a brilliant group, they're the driving force to try and raise the money to rebuild our harbour wall,' said Sean. The harbour is planning a public meeting on Wednesday, August 6 to discuss their plans and when they will go ahead. 'There's lots of indications that there might be money there, but we first need to know how much it's going to cost, when we're going to do it, who's going to do it," said Sean. "Once we know that detail, we can then go out to the wider public and say look, we need the money who's going to help us'. 'Its getting the word out to people, a lot of people are very passionate about our village, it is a special place'. The Sun has reached out to the local council for comment. More on seaside towns The best and worst seaside towns in the UK have been officially named. Plus, a popular seaside town ranked among the country's best where you can spot dolphins swimming from the shore. Another seaside town is located just 90 minutes outside of London, and you can even find Banksy art there. And a Welsh seaside town that visitors say looks like it was plucked from the Italian coastline. Plus, the up-and-coming seaside town that hosts a viral Kate Bush event. 3
BBC News
15-07-2025
- BBC News
Arrests after string of burglaries in Kingsbridge
A man and a woman have been arrested following a series of burglaries in south Devon, police have said.A number of properties have been targeted, often holiday lets or homes of vulnerable victims and various items including bank cards stolen in the Kingsbridge area, said Devon and Cornwall pages advertising cleaning services for holiday lets are believed to have been set up to gain access to lock box codes and spare keys ahead of future burglaries, police two suspects, who are both from Kingsbridge, have been released on bail, the force added. Detectives investigating the offences advised residents to be aware of instances of thieves "pretending to be legitimate cleaning businesses operating in the Kingsbridge and wider South Devon area, targeting holiday homes and vulnerable residents".
Telegraph
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
The 10 best pubs in Devon
A hearty roast in a cosy village pub will be a highlight of any holiday in Devon, and it's best enjoyed after a countryside ramble. The must-visit pubs are convivial and welcoming, serve Devon ales straight from the cask, and have menus that include seasonal and locally-sourced dishes. Many are former coaching inns and have characterful historical features such as inglenook fireplaces, flagstone floors and wood-beamed walls. In summer, nothing beats a pint in a sunny pub garden. From sea-salty smugglers inns, to clean-cut gastro pubs, here's our pick of the best. For further Devon inspiration, see our guides to the city's best hotels, restaurants, cream teas, beaches and things to do. Find a pub by area South Devon Dartmoor East Devon West Devon Mid & North Devon South Devon Pilchard Inn, Burgh Island The Pilchard Inn is a creaky, weather-beaten smugglers inn dating from 1336 (be sure to ask about the old pirates' escape tunnel). Perched on the tiny, tidal outcrop of Burgh Island Hotel (which inspired Agatha Christie's 1939 novel, And Then There Were None), it's cut off from Bigbury beach twice a day so transport when the tide is in is on high-sided 'sea tractor' – a thrill in itself. Opt for a pint of St Austell's Tribute and crab baguette in front of one of the huge stone fireplaces. Pigs Nose Inn, East Prawle Think of Camden Town circa 1985 transported to the middle of the countryside, and you'll get some idea of the alternative feel of this characterful coastal pub. Pigs Nose Inn is run by an eccentric music manager who stages big-name acts in its low-slung bar. Previous bands have included The Animals, the Boomtown Rats and Curiosity Killed the Cat. It's shambolic, laid-back and cluttered with fading muso-memorabilia and rickety furniture. There's a new outdoor pizza oven and cocktail menu, a pool table, toys for children and a 'knitting corner' for those who want to enjoy a drink in peace. The Cott Inn Established in 1320, The Cott is one of the oldest inns in Britain, and its roof is reputed to be the longest thatched roof in England. Walkable from the River Dart and just a mile from Totnes train station, it's lively and welcoming, with a strong local following. Outside there's a spacious beer garden and patio plus a wood-fired oven in a separate garden kitchen used from March to September. It's not a rowdy pub, but there are regular music nights. The Millbrook Inn, South Pool A wonderfully atmospheric 15th-century bar and restaurant with beamed walls, flagstone floors, an inglenook fireplace and simple wooden furniture. In summer, at high tide, the Millbrook Inn gets mobbed when boaters jet up from Salcombe, but at low tide it's a peaceful retreat cut off from the crowds on the coast. Upmarket pub classics are served up in a cosy, wood-beamed restaurant and use organic local produce when possible – like smoked pork belly with Devon cider sauce or locally-landed fish with brown shrimps, samphire and sauce vierge. Drinkers are well catered for, with a selection of local ales on tap, craft beers, local gins and Scottish single malt whiskies. Dartmoor The Rugglestone Inn With flagstone floors, open fires and Dartmoor-brewed Legend and Rugglestone Moor brews poured straight from the barrel, this Grade-II pub with rooms in the remote village of Widecombe is the moor-dwellers' choice. The rudimentary bar is tiny, giving plenty of opportunity to join in locals' conversations. The two restaurants – one of which has an open log fire – are spacious, and outside, over a small bridge, is a large sheltered garden with fabulous Dartmoor views. Guest ales from the southwest are on tap, and local farm ciders, including Sandford Orchards Devon Red, are also available. NoBody Inn, Doddiscombsleigh An entire wall of this traditional 17th-century inn is given over to its collection of 240 whiskies and spirits, and there's a 100-strong wine list. Blackened oak beams, antiquated weapons and farm tools hang from rough plaster walls. There's story in every nook; the central beam separating two periods of the inn is from a local church's bell tower; you can see where ropes have worn the wood away. Don't miss a pint of NoBody Inn ale, which is brewed in St Austell in Cornwall. East Devon The Bridge Inn, Topsham Owned by the same family since 1897, this 16th-century cob-and-stone pub in the pretty waterside town of Topsham is a 'museum-with-beer', where little has changed for centuries (faded bunting from George V's coronation in 1911 still hangs in the tiny bar). With up to 10 ales poured straight from the cask, it's a must for connoisseurs, especially because measures come in a third of a pint, allowing for a wider variety of tasting. Regular drinkers leave Post-It notes on their favourite barrels of beer, asking to be rung when a fresh barrel is opened. West Devon The Ship Inn, Noss Mayo The sun terrace of this two-storey inn on the banks of the Yealm estuary is a wonderful place for a waterside tipple. The Ship Inn has oak floors, log fires, old furniture, bookcases stacked with paperbacks and interesting nautical memorabilia, including searchlights, torpedoes and an impressive ship's bell used for chiming last orders. The cellar stocks a great range of regional beers, including Summerskill's, which is brewed just down the road. Nearby, the local sailing school has an excellent reputation, there is nearby boat hire, plenty of easy coastal walks and great crabbing spots. Mid & North Devon The Rock Inn Close to Woolacombe and Croyde, The Rock Inn in Georgeham is perfectly placed for a post-surf roast. Meat is all sourced locally, with deli boards piled high with Devon-cured charcuterie. The little wooden bar has five cask ales to choose from, including Otter and Exmoor Gold, as well as an extensive wine list. Book a table by the fire in the bar for the cosiest setting. There's a large 'conservatory' at the back, but it lacks atmosphere. The Rising Sun, Lynmouth Overlooking Lynmouth harbour, with dramatic views of Lynmouth Bay and Exmoor National Park, this 14th-century thatched smugglers' inn is in one of Devon's most picturesque locations. Inside, it's wonderfully rickety and rambling, with a fire-lit bar, padded window seats with views of the harbour, Exmoor cask ales, award-winning food and genial locals. It's little wonder RD Blackmore felt compelled to write several chapters of his West Country classic, Lorna Doone, here, and poet Percy Bysshe Shelley spent his honeymoon in one of the pub's cottages with his 16-year-old bride, Harriet, in 1812. How we choose Every bar, venue or experience in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from casual pubs to exquisite cocktail bars – to best suit every type of traveller – and consider the service, drinks, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert Epic scenery, cosy pubs and a strong community spirit drew Suzy Bennett from East London to a remote village on Dartmoor over a decade ago. She travels everywhere with her dog, Ziggy.
BBC News
03-07-2025
- BBC News
Barn targeted in suspected arson attack in Devon village
A barn in a Devon village has been destroyed in a suspected arson attack. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service crews were called to the incident in West Alvington in South Devon at about 22:25 BST on from Kingsbridge and Salcombe extinguished the fire in the stone barn by 00:43 on fire service said the cause of the fire which "completely destroyed" the building was "believed to be deliberate".
BBC News
03-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Coastguard rescues 40 people from stranded boat near Brixham
A passenger boat carrying 40 people has been rescued by coastguard crews after it ran aground in South Devon on Coastguard said the vessel's engine failed after it hit a submerged object off Man Sands near Brixham at about 19:30 BST. Torbay RNLI Lifeboat and Brixham Coastguard Rescue Team were both tasked to assist in the rescue. The vessel made its way to Brixham Harbour escorted by the lifeboat where all passengers were able to safely disembark, the coastguard said.
