Swallows' Flight

You will not find more beautiful and diverse countryside anywhere in England than that found in South Devon.

There is a stunning selection of beaches within walking and driving distance. If you are looking for challenging coastal path walks to secluded picnic spots, or buckets and spades beaches with safe rock pools for kids, or surf shacks and big waves, you will find the perfect beach for you within easy reach of Swallows' Flight.

The site is surrounded by green fields and the softly rolling hills that Devon is known for. Slapton Ley nature reserve is 40 minutes walk or five minutes drive away, offering great bird-watching opportunities for the enthusiast and duck feeding at close range for the children. Forty minutes drive away is Dartmoor which is well worth a visit for walks amidst rugged scenery, granite rock formations and wild ponies.

The following towns can be easily reached within 20-30 minute's drive.

Kingsbridge is a picturesque town with convenient food shopping. A newly built pontoon offers ferry trips around the estuary and a great place for crabbing with lines and a little bacon for bait! How's about a spot of stand up paddle boarding or relaxing with a drink at the Crabshell Inn?

Dartmouth is an historic town and home to the Royal Navy, with maritime links dating back to the middle ages. Today it houses a super smart marina (great for boat watching!) and a myriad of eateries from the Michelin-starred to the much loved fish and chip restaurants. Set in a stunning position on mouth of the river Dart, it has a fantastic regatta weekend every August.

Salcombe is a trendy seaside resort town home to famous fashion brands such as Jack Wills, Fat Face, Quba Sail and White Stuff who all began life, and still retail, there in the tiny high street. For white sand beaches, people watching, smart hotels and restaurants, and the best ice cream in the world found at Salcombe Dairy, Salcombe is the place to visit.

Set inland, Totnes is a vibrant market town with an eclectic selection of shops and restaurants voted as one of the British Airways world's top ten funkiest towns. With an ancient butterwalk and castle, and an alternative approach to retailing (townspeople recently voted against Costa coffee opening there as it was deemed too corporate!) the high street is bursting with quirky privately owned clothes shops and art galleries, bookshops and stores selling unusual gifts.

There are three local historic venues managed by English Heritage. Dartmouth Castle, a beautiful fortress on the edge of the river Dart. Having guarded the Dart Estuary and the port of Dartmouth for over 600 years. Berry Pomeroy Castle, a romantic ruin tucked away in a steep wooded valley. Totnes Castle, a classic Norman motte and bailey castle, founded soon after the Conquest to overawe the Saxon town. Giving views across the town to the River Dart.

The South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) covers 60 miles of stunning coastline, estuaries and countryside.

Or you could just relax in the rooftop hot tub on a deck overlooking the garden, with southerly views to Start Point.