Attractions and Places To See around Thurlestone - Top 20

Thurlestone is renowned for its natural beauty. The iconic Thurlestone Rock, a natural limestone arch, is a must-see and gives the village its name. You can also visit the South Milton Ley Reserve, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, which is a haven for birdwatching with up to 200 species annually, and the nearby Thurlestone Marsh.

For families, Hope Cove Beach offers a sheltered, sandy spot with clear water and rock pools at low tide. South Sands Beach (also known as Thurlestone Beach or South Milton Sands) is another excellent choice, providing golden sands, calm waters, and facilities. It's ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. Bantham Beach, west of Thurlestone, is particularly popular for surfing.

Yes, Thurlestone has a rich history. The village developed around the 13th-century All Saints Church, built of local slate. You can also find The Village Inn, a historic pub with parts dating back to an 18th-century granary, rumored to contain timbers from the Spanish Armada. Church House, dating from 1536, is another of the oldest surviving buildings.

Thurlestone is perfectly situated for various outdoor activities. The South West Coast Path offers breathtaking views and diverse walking routes. You can find numerous hiking trails, running routes, and road cycling routes that explore the dramatic coastline and surrounding countryside. Watersports like windsurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular at the local beaches.

A unique experience is visiting Burgh Island, located just under 10 miles away. It's known for its Art Deco hotel and can be reached by a distinctive sea tractor at high tide. Agatha Christie was inspired by the island for some of her works. Another interesting spot is the Old Teahouse Ruin, an 18th-century belvedere offering fantastic lookout views along the South West Coast Path.

For stunning views, the area around Hope Cove Beach offers picturesque village scenes and coastal vistas. The Old Teahouse Ruin provides a fantastic lookout point over the coastline. Of course, the iconic Thurlestone Rock itself is a popular subject for photographers, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Yes, Thurlestone is home to the Thurlestone Golf Club, which boasts an 18-hole course with spectacular sea views. Established in 1897, it's known for its links course overlooking the coast.

Visitors particularly enjoy the unspoilt nature of beaches like South Sands Beach, which is sheltered and offers a delightful sun trap. The clear waters at Hope Cove Beach are excellent for swimming, and both beaches are praised for their rock pools at low tide, perfect for exploring.

Yes, the Salcombe–East Portlemouth Ferry provides a convenient way for foot passengers and cyclists to cross the Kingsbridge Estuary between Salcombe and East Portlemouth. This allows for easy access to explore both sides of the estuary.

Thurlestone is an excellent base for coastal walks along the South West Coast Path. You can enjoy routes offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastline, cliffs, and wildlife. Popular walks include paths towards Hope Cove and Bantham Beach, providing varying distances and difficulty levels suitable for different hikers.

The Village Inn is Thurlestone's historic pub, with parts of the building occupying an 18th-century granary. It's a great spot to enjoy a drink or meal in a setting steeped in local history, with tales of timbers salvaged from the Spanish Armada.

The Erme Estuary Beach offers a serene place to explore, known for its tidal nature. At low tide, it's possible to wade across the river, connecting different parts of the estuary. It's a tranquil spot for those looking to experience a unique coastal environment.