Combeinteignhead
Frog Cottage is well-positioned within the heart of the popular Teign Estuary village of Combeinteignhead with the position having a pleasant open south-facing aspect across the pretty valley.
The village has a good sense of community with a village hall, the popular Wild Goose public house which is a 17th century tavern and the Coombe Cellars, a public house and eatery in a superb waterside setting which was an early base for the local fishing industry and was used by smugglers where there is also a dinghy sailing club, as well as being a popular spot for windsurfing, kitesurfing, wingfoiling and paddleboarding etc.
The village church (dedicated to All Saints) has ancient origins: Bishop Bronescombe dedicated two altars here in 1259, and the high altar was dedicated in 1339. The present building dates from the 14th and 15th centuries; it was restored in the 1880s, but retains its 12th century font. The pews have fascinating carved bench ends dating from Elizabethan times. These include many well known and obscure saints as well as wild men, animals, St George in armour spearing a dog-like dragon, and some depictions that are difficult to identify. They may be the finest wood carvings in Devon.
The position offers good access to Newton Abbot, which lies around three miles away with the Penn Inn roundabout offering immediate access to the South Devon highway and a fast link to Exeter and the M5 via the A380.
The popular estuary village of Shaldon is around 2 miles away, a beautiful village with a sandy beach, various independent shops and cafes, a good selection of public houses and restaurants and a charming foot passenger ferry across to the seaside town of Teignmouth.
There are mainline rail links to London Paddington from Teignmouth and Newton Abbot.
Dartmoor
Dartmoor National Park is the largest and wildest open area of countryside in the southern half of Great Britain, with ancient woodlands, high granite Tors, and vast areas of open rolling moorland. Visit in the spring time to see the lambs frolicking in the fields and hedgerows full of wild flowers, in the summertime to laze around picnics cooling off in the clear, cool rivers. See the oceans of purple thistle carpet the moors during the autumn, or visit in the winter for a walk on the wild open rugged moorland before a cleansing ale and a roast at the local.
From history lovers to activity thrill seekers within it’s 386 square miles Dartmoor really does fulfil everyones dreams. There are myths and legends, ancient ruins and castles, the history of the area knows no bounds.
Thrill seekers can enjoy horse riding across the moors, hiking the Tors, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, letterboxing, the list goes on and on. Or maybe you want to take advantage of the spectacular scenery and photograph or paint. Dartmoor has something for everyone and reward yourself at the end of the day with a locally brewed ale in one of the many public houses on the moor.
For more information and ideas please check out:
South Devon Coast
You cannot come to Devon or Cornwall without spending time on the coast. Be it a walk along the coastal path or swimming in the sea the options are endless. The local sailing club at Coombe Cellars has a launching ramp and kayaking and paddle boarding are both available just a few minutes drive from Frog Cottage so please give yourself a day to play in the sea.
Further afield are the towns of Brixham, Dartmouth and Salcombe, all with a huge nautical influence, or closer to home are the beaches of Teignmouth and Torquay.
Cornwall
Kernow as the locals call it is a county close to my heart situated on England’s rugged southwestern tip. It forms a peninsula encompassing wild moorland and hundreds of sandy beaches, culminating at the promontory Land’s End. The south coast, dubbed the Cornish Riviera, is home to picturesque harbour villages such as Fowey and Falmouth. The north coast is lined with towering cliffs and seaside resorts like Newquay, known for surfing and Tintagel, the home of King Arthur (pictured above). Make sure you treat yourself to a pasty when visiting!
Food Recommendations
The Wild Goose. Excellent pub food and brewery 50 metres way!
The Coombe Cellars. Superb restaurant half a mile away on the Teign Estuary.
The Village Fish and Chips, Shaldon. Bloody good fish and chips!
The Salty, Teignmouth. Possibly the best seafood restaurant in Devon with fresh local fish.
The Seafood Deli, Teignmouth. Excellent fresh locally caught fish.
Crab Shack on the Beach, Teignmouth. Very good freshly caught seafood restaurant.
The bucket and Spade, Shaldon. Facing east, a great place to have breakfast or evening meal.
Cap’n Jaspers. A visit to the Barbican in Plymouth isn’t complete without a 1/2 yard at Jaspers!
The Cary Arms, Babbacombe.
The Drum Inn, Cockington.
The Cott, Dartington.
More to come as people tell me!
Recommended Attractions
Exeter Chiefs! Sandy Park, home to the best rugby team in the UK
Edge Watersports. Owned and led by the undisputed No.1 Kitesurfing family in the world learn to kitesurf, wing foil, or SUP with the ultimate watersports family in the UK
Bounty Project. Explore the Devon coast under sail onboard the replica launch from Channel 4’s hit TYV series Bounty with round the world sailor Conrad Humphreys.
Plymouth Aquarium. Only the biggest and best aquarium in the UK
Dartmoor. Horse riding, trekking, mountain biking, kayaking, orienteering, etc, etc, etc!!!
Dartmoor Cycling. The Dartmoor Classic, 38, 68, 110 mile amateur race across Dartmoor
The Eden Project. A huge EU funded worlds largest indoor rainforest and biosphere
Dartmouth. Explore this famous estuarial town
Teignmouth. Long sandy beaches and freshly caught local food, what isn’t to like!
Salcombe. One of my favourite none Cornish towns! Home to a superb regatta
Bigbury and Bantham. Proper sandy beach West Country style. Great surf!
Mousehole lights. Christmas isn’t Christmas in the SW without as trip to Mousehole to find Mowzer the cat and see the stunning harbour Christmas lights
The Teignmouth/Shaldon Foot Ferry. Park up in Shaldon and take the ferry across for supper!
Rock Solid Coasteering…. When jumping off cliffs is your thing 😳
Sea Sports, Teignmouth. Jetskis, sailing, paddle boarding, RIB courses, you name it, these guys have it!
Beckyfalls. A beauty spot with waterfall, animal encounters and education.
The Coast View Gym and Pool. The local gym and swimming pool for those needing the exercise!
More to come as people tell me!