Nicest Towns and Villages in South Devon: How to Choose the Right One

South Devon at a glance 

South Devon has a little bit of everything. You’ll find long sandy beaches, pretty estuaries, traditional seaside towns, tucked-away villages and scenic countryside, all within easy reach of one another.

The region includes:

• Dawlish Warren and the Exe Estuary, perfect for beach holidays, wildlife and relaxed family stays
• The English Riviera, including Torquay, Paignton and Brixham
• Teignmouth and Shaldon, with classic seaside charm and estuary views
• The South Hams, including Dartmouth, Salcombe, Kingsbridge and Hope Cove
• Totnes and the Dartmoor fringe, ideal for independent shops, history and countryside days out

If you’re staying at Hazelwood Holiday Park, you get the best of both worlds. Dawlish Warren Beach is close by for easy days by the sea, while many of South Devon’s best towns, villages and attractions are close enough for a fun day out.

How to choose the right South Devon town or village

Before you try to see everything in one trip, think bout what kind of day out you want.

If you want classic seaside fun, head for Dawlish Warren, Teignmouth, Torquay or Paignton. These are great for beaches, promenades, ice creams, amusements and family-friendly attractions.

If you love harbours and fishing-town charm, Brixham and Dartmouth are two of the best choices. Both have plenty of character, lovely waterside views and lots of places to stop for food and a wander.

If you like independent shops, markets and local culture, Totnes is a brilliant day out. It has a completely different feel to the coast, with a creative, colourful high street and lots of places to browse.

If you’re looking for quieter village life, try Shaldon, Cockington, Dittisham or Hope Cove. These smaller places are ideal when you want a slower pace and a proper Devon feel.

And if beaches are your main priority, you’re already in a great place. Dawlish Warren has a beautiful sandy beach, family facilities and a nature reserve, all close to Hazelwood. Have a read of our Ultimate Guide to Dawlish Warren for more ideas close

Dawlish Warren: best for easy beach days

Approx distance from Hazelwood: less than 1 mile

Dawlish Warren is the easy win when you’re staying at Hazelwood. You don’t need to pack the car, plan a big route or commit to a full day out. The beach, nature reserve, amusements, cafes and local places to eat are all close enough for a relaxed family day by the sea.

Start with the sandy beach if the weather is kind. It’s ideal for paddling, sandcastles and classic Devon beach time. If you want a quieter hour, wander into Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve, where dunes, grassland and estuary views give you a very different side of the coast.

Good for: families, beach days, wildlife, easy walks, dog-friendly breaks depending on seasonal beach rules.

Don’t miss: Dawlish Warren Beach, the nature reserve, the Exe Estuary views and the local amusements.

Practical tip: This is the best option when you want a low-effort day close to Hazelwood. It’s also a good choice for arrival day or your last morning before heading home.

For more ideas close to the park, read our Ultimate Guide to Dawlish Warren.

Dawlish: best for a gentle seaside wander

Approx distance from Hazelwood: 2 to 3 miles

Dawlish is perfect when you want a traditional seaside town without travelling far. The brook runs through the centre, black swans glide through the gardens, and the railway line follows the sea wall just beyond the town.

It’s not a big, busy resort day. It’s more of a gentle wander with an ice cream, a stroll through the Lawn, a look at the shops and a walk along the seafront. If you enjoy coastal views, the route between Dawlish Warren and Dawlish is a lovely way to stretch your legs.

Good for: relaxed mornings, train lovers, gentle walks, couples, families with younger children.

Don’t miss: Dawlish Lawn, the black swans, the sea wall railway, Dawlish Beach and the walk back towards Dawlish Warren.

Practical tip: Dawlish is easy to reach by train from Dawlish Warren, so it’s a handy car-free outing if you don’t want to think about parking.

Teignmouth: best for classic seaside charm

Approx distance from Hazelwood: 7 to 8 miles

Teignmouth has proper seaside energy. There’s a long promenade, a beach, pier, shops, cafes, harbour views and plenty of places to stop for fish and chips. It feels lively, but not as full-on as the bigger English Riviera resorts.

This is a good choice when you want a little more going on than Dawlish Warren, but still want an easy day out. Children can enjoy the beach and pier, while adults can wander the town, grab lunch and enjoy the views across the Teign Estuary.

Good for: families, classic seaside days, easy train trips, beach and town combined.

Don’t miss: Teignmouth Pier, the promenade, the Back Beach area, the harbour and the estuary views towards Shaldon.

Practical tip: Teignmouth is one of the easiest day trips from Hazelwood by train. It works well if you want a change of scene without a long drive.

Shaldon: best for village charm

Approx distance from Hazelwood: 8 to 9 miles

Shaldon is a lovely contrast to Teignmouth. Cross the bridge or take the passenger ferry and the pace slows right down. You’ll find narrow lanes, a traditional village green, waterside pubs, estuary views and a quieter beach feel.

One of the best reasons to visit is Ness Cove Beach, reached through the old Smugglers Tunnel. It gives the day a little adventure without needing a long walk. Shaldon is also good for a relaxed lunch, a gentle stroll and a slower afternoon by the water.

Good for: couples, quieter family days, village atmosphere, estuary views.

Don’t miss: Ness Cove Beach, the Smugglers Tunnel, Shaldon Beach, the village green and the ferry link with Teignmouth.

Practical tip: Pair Teignmouth and Shaldon in one day. Do Teignmouth first for beach and shops, then cross to Shaldon for a calmer afternoon.

Torquay: best for a lively day out

Approx distance from Hazelwood: 15 to 17 miles

Torquay is the place to go when your group wants options. The harbour, marina, beaches, shops, restaurants and attractions give it a busier resort feel than Dawlish or Teignmouth.

It works well for mixed-age families because you can shape the day around the weather. If it’s sunny, head for the seafront or nearby beaches. If the weather turns, look at indoor attractions, cafes, shops or family activities around the town.

Good for: families, couples, rainy-day backup plans, restaurants, attractions, lively resort atmosphere.

Don’t miss: Torquay Harbour, the marina, Torre Abbey Sands, Babbacombe, Kents Cavern and the seafront gardens.

Practical tip: Parking can be busy in peak summer, so arrive early or consider travelling by train from Dawlish Warren if you want a more relaxed journey.

Paignton: best for easy family fun

Approx distance from Hazelwood: 19 to 21 miles

Paignton keeps the family holiday simple. The sandy beach, pier, green, promenade and nearby attractions are all close together, which makes life easier when you’re visiting with children.

This is the town to choose when you don’t want to over-plan. You can move from beach to ice cream, then to the pier, then back to the seafront without needing to keep getting in and out of the car.

Good for: families, younger children, beach days, traditional seaside fun.

Don’t miss: Paignton Beach, Paignton Pier, Paignton Green, Goodrington Sands and the Dartmouth Steam Railway from Paignton.

Practical tip: Paignton is one of the most family-friendly day trips from Hazelwood, but it can get busy in the school holidays. Go early if beach time is the main plan.

If family fun is top of your list, Hazelwood’s family-friendly holidays in Devon are a great fit, with the beach, pool, entertainment and plenty of space close to hand.

Brixham: best for harbour views and seafood

Approx distance from Hazelwood: 25 to 27 miles

Brixham feels different from Torquay and Paignton because the harbour still does a proper day’s work. Fishing boats, seafood, colourful houses and narrow streets give it a stronger local character than a typical resort town.

It’s a great choice if you want a harbour day rather than a beach day. Children can enjoy crabbing and watching the boats, while adults can browse the shops, walk around the harbour and find somewhere good for seafood.

Good for: harbour views, seafood, crabbing, boat trips, coastal walks.

Don’t miss: Brixham Harbour, the Golden Hind replica, Breakwater Beach, Berry Head National Nature Reserve and the coastal path.

Practical tip: Brixham’s streets and car parks can feel tight in summer. Give yourself extra time and wear comfortable shoes, as the town is hilly in places.

Dartmouth: best for history and riverside views

Approx distance from Hazelwood: 32 to 35 miles

Dartmouth feels special as soon as you arrive. The River Dart, ferries, steep streets, colourful houses and boat-filled waterfront make it one of South Devon’s most memorable towns.

This is a full day out from Hazelwood, but it’s worth it if you enjoy history, scenery and river life. You can visit Dartmouth Castle, take a boat trip, ride the ferry across to Kingswear or simply wander the waterfront with an ice cream.

Good for: couples, older families, boat trips, history, scenic day trips, food and drink.

Don’t miss: Dartmouth Castle, Bayard’s Cove, the riverfront, the Lower Ferry, boat trips on the River Dart and the shops around the town centre.

Practical tip: One of the nicest ways to visit is by combining Paignton, Kingswear and Dartmouth using the steam railway and ferry. It makes the journey part of the day out, especially for families.

Totnes: best for independent shops and local culture

Approx distance from Hazelwood: 22 to 24 miles

Totnes is the one to choose when you fancy a break from bucket-and-spade seaside days. It has independent shops, bookshops, galleries, wholefood cafes, markets and a creative feel that sets it apart from the coastal towns.

The high street climbs up through the town, with Totnes Castle near the top and the River Dart below. It’s a good day out if you like browsing, eating somewhere independent and getting a feel for local Devon life.

Good for: shopping, cafes, markets, history, rainy-day browsing, couples.

Don’t miss: Totnes High Street, Totnes Castle, the market, the River Dart and nearby Dartington.

Practical tip: Totnes works well on a slightly cloudy day when the beach is less tempting. It’s also reachable by train, which makes it a useful car-free option from Dawlish Warren.

Salcombe: best for pretty estuary views

Approx distance from Hazelwood: 45 to 50 miles

Salcombe is a longer trip from Hazelwood, so it needs to earn the journey. Luckily, the scenery does a lot of the work. The town sits beside bright estuary water, with sailing boats, ferries, sandy coves and coastal views giving it a very polished holiday feel.

This is a good choice for a full South Hams day out. Browse the town, take a ferry across the estuary, enjoy a waterside lunch or add a coast path walk if you want to make more of the journey.

Good for: couples, scenic days out, sailing atmosphere, watersports, boutique browsing.

Don’t miss: Salcombe Harbour, the ferry to East Portlemouth, North Sands, South Sands and the coast path towards Bolt Head.

Practical tip: Go early in summer. Salcombe is popular, parking is limited, and the journey is long enough that you’ll want a full day there rather than a quick visit.

Kingsbridge: best for exploring the South Hams

Approx distance from Hazelwood: 40 to 43 miles

Kingsbridge is not as instantly dramatic as Dartmouth or Salcombe, but it’s very useful if you’re planning to explore the South Hams. It sits at the head of the estuary and gives you access to Salcombe, Hope Cove, Thurlestone, Slapton and Start Bay.

The town itself has shops, cafes, pubs and a relaxed waterside feel. It’s a practical stop for lunch, supplies or a calmer wander before heading on to nearby beaches and villages.

Good for: South Hams exploring, relaxed lunches, estuary views, practical stop-offs.

Don’t miss: Kingsbridge Quay, the town centre, estuary views and routes towards Salcombe or Start Bay.

Practical tip: Kingsbridge works best as part of a wider driving day. Pair it with Salcombe, Hope Cove or Slapton Sands rather than treating it as your only stop.

Hope Cove: best for a peaceful beach escape

Approx distance from Hazelwood: 47 to 50 miles

Hope Cove feels tucked away in the best possible way. Two sheltered coves, old cottages, a couple of pubs and the South West Coast Path make it a lovely choice when you want a slower coastal day.

It’s not packed with attractions, so don’t go expecting arcades or a big resort atmosphere. Go for the beach, the views, the coastal walk and the feeling that you’ve found a quieter corner of South Devon.

Good for: couples, quieter families, coastal walks, beach picnics, slower days.

Don’t miss: Inner Hope, Outer Hope, the beaches, the walk towards Bolt Tail and the views along the South West Coast Path.

Practical tip: Hope Cove is best in good weather. If you’re driving from Hazelwood, make it part of a South Hams day with Kingsbridge or Salcombe.

If coastal walks are part of your perfect Devon holiday, you might also enjoy our guide to the best coastal walks in South Devon.

Cockington: best for a picture-perfect village visit 

Approx distance from Hazelwood: 16 to 18 miles

Cockington is a great add-on if you’re visiting Torquay but want something calmer than the seafront. The village has thatched cottages, leafy lanes, tearooms, craft studios and a country park, giving it a very different feel from the busier English Riviera towns.

It’s a good half-day option rather than a full day on its own. Have a wander, stop for a cream tea, explore the parkland, then continue into Torquay or Babbacombe.

Good for: gentle walks, cream teas, craft studios, pretty village photos, calmer family time.

Don’t miss: Cockington Court, the craft studios, the thatched village, the country park and the tearooms.

Practical tip: Pair Cockington with Torquay. It gives the day a nice mix of seaside buzz and old Devon charm.

Dittisham: best for a quiet River Dart stop

Approx distance from Hazelwood: 30 to 35 miles

Dittisham is peaceful, colourful and beautifully placed beside the River Dart. It’s much quieter than Dartmouth, which is exactly why it appeals.

This is not a place for a packed schedule. It’s for a riverside drink, a gentle wander and lovely views across the water. If you’re already planning a Dartmouth day, Dittisham makes a lovely slower stop, especially if you can arrive by boat in season.

Good for: couples, river views, quiet village atmosphere, slower days.

Don’t miss: the riverside, village lanes, views across the Dart and seasonal boat links.

Practical tip: Don’t make Dittisham your only destination unless you’re deliberately planning a very slow day. It works best with Dartmouth or a River Dart itinerary.

Start Bay and Slapton Sands: best for open coastal scenery

Approx distance from Hazelwood: 38 to 42 miles

Start Bay feels wide, open and more rugged than the resort beaches. Slapton Sands is a long shingle beach backed by Slapton Ley, a freshwater lake and nature reserve, so the landscape feels spacious and a little wilder.

This is a great choice if you enjoy scenic drives, coastal walking and quieter sea views. It’s less suited to small children wanting soft sand and amusements, but brilliant for fresh air and a proper change of scene.

Good for: scenic drives, walking, photography, wildlife, quieter coastal stops.

Don’t miss: Slapton Sands, Torcross, Slapton Ley, Start Point Lighthouse and the coastal views around Strete.

Practical tip: The beach is shingle, not sand. Bring sturdy footwear and check the weather, as this stretch can feel exposed on windy days.

Burgh Island and Bigbury-on-Sea: best for something special

Approx distance from Hazelwood: 45 to 50 miles

Burgh Island feels like a proper adventure. At low tide you can walk across the sand from Bigbury-on-Sea. When the tide comes in, the famous sea tractor carries visitors across, which makes the journey part of the fun.

Bigbury-on-Sea has a wide sandy beach, coastal views and space to enjoy a full day by the water. Burgh Island itself adds the drama, with its art deco hotel and tidal setting.

Good for: memorable day trips, beach time, views, couples, families with older children.

Don’t miss: the sea tractor, Burgh Island views, Bigbury-on-Sea Beach and the coast path around the area.

Practical tip: Check tide times before you go. They can change how you access the island and how much beach you have to enjoy.

Which South Devon town is best for beaches?

For easy beach days with lots of facilities, Dawlish Warren, Paignton, Torquay and Teignmouth are great choices.

Dawlish Warren is especially handy if you’re staying at Hazelwood, as the beach is close by and easy to enjoy without a long journey. It’s perfect for families who want sand, sea air, cafes, amusements and nature all in one place.

For more scenic beaches and coves, look towards Salcombe, Hope Cove, Bigbury-on-Sea and Start Bay. These can take a little longer to reach, but they’re well worth it if you enjoy coastal views and quieter spots.

Which South Devon town is best for families?

For family holidays, Dawlish Warren is a brilliant base. You have the beach, nature reserve, local attractions and easy train links close by, plus Hazelwood’s onsite facilities to come back to after a day out.

Paignton is also excellent for families, thanks to its sandy beach, pier and classic seaside attractions. Torquay works well if you want more restaurants and things to do, while Teignmouth offers a slightly calmer seaside feel.

If you’re planning lots of family days out, staying somewhere practical makes life much easier. Hazelwood has family-friendly accommodation, an outdoor heated pool, evening entertainment and plenty of space to relax after a busy day exploring.

Which South Devon town is best for couples?

For couples, Dartmouth, Salcombe, Shaldon and Totnes are all lovely choices.

Dartmouth is ideal for river views, boat trips and good food. Salcombe feels bright, pretty and coastal. Shaldon is smaller and quieter, with village charm and estuary scenery. Totnes is perfect if you enjoy independent shops, cafes, culture and browsing somewhere a little different.

If you’re staying at Hazelwood, you can enjoy relaxed beach time in Dawlish Warren, then plan a couple of day trips to these lovely South Devon spots. For an extra treat, take a look at Hazelwood’s lodges with hot tubs in Devon.

Which South Devon towns and villages are good for dog-friendly days out?

South Devon is a great place for dog-friendly holidays, with coastal walks, estuary paths, beaches, villages and countryside to explore.

Dawlish Warren, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Shaldon and parts of the South West Coast Path are all good options, although beach dog rules can vary by season. Always check local signs before letting your dog onto a beach.

Villages like Hope Cove, Shaldon and Dittisham can be lovely for a gentle dog-friendly wander, while longer coastal walks are ideal if your dog has lots of energy.

Hazelwood has dog-friendly accommodation in Devon, so your furriest family member doesn’t have to miss out on the holiday fun.

Best South Devon towns and villages for first-time visitors

If it’s your first South Devon holiday, you don’t need to squeeze everything in. Pick a few places that give you a good mix of coast, countryside and local character.

A simple first-time itinerary could include:

• Dawlish Warren for beach time and relaxed family fun
• Dawlish or Teignmouth for an easy local seaside trip
• Torquay or Paignton for a classic resort day out
• Brixham or Dartmouth for harbour views
• Totnes for independent shops and culture
• Shaldon or Cockington for a slower village visit

That gives you a lovely taste of South Devon without spending your whole holiday in the car.