The Garden Cottage
6205.4 miles SE of Kingsbridge | Sleeps 3 + cot*
7 Nights from £484
The location of attractions is intended only as a guide. Distances are 'as the crow flies'.
Nearby pub
Located in the small village of Beesands where you will find a mile long shingle beach backed by grassland and a fresh water lake, the Cricket Inn is a welcoming meeting place for tourists as well as residents. The Inn has a wide selection of traditional ales and fine wines and the food has a great reputation.
October 2024
Best Seafood Pancake
Everytime I visit Torbay I just have to have the seafood pancake! It is absolutely delicious. 😋😋
June 2022
Definitely worth a visit
Great food and suited us as a group of 7 with baby and two dogs.
November 2021
Excellent gem
This pub and the entire staff were amazing. The food was fantastic. Well worth the 20 minute walk in the dark!
August 2015
Great food and friendly service. Always busy so best to book. Lovely location and views of the sea as you dine in or sit outside for a drink. Dogs are welcome too which makes life easier for dog owners. We ate at The Cricket Inn 4 nights out of our 7 night holiday and enjoyed their varied menu.
October 2008
The Cricket Inn, Beesands
Open all day; practically on the beach; plenty of parking; food delicious - fresh fish and seafood and local meat too; staff really friendly and helpful.
- Dr P Frost
Nearby beach
The mile-long Beesands Beach in South Devon affords beautiful views of Start Bay. A base for many popular walks, the shingle beach is backed by a freshwater lake and is surrounded by lush, rolling countryside. Offering all sorts of facilities, including a cafe, restaurant and toilets, Beesands Beach is a lovely destination for people of all ages, whether you are looking to spend just a few hours or a few days relaxing on its shores.
Nearby walk
A walk along the coastal path taking in lovely sea views, green lanes and fields. You'll stroll past the "village that fell into the sea" which is certainly a talking point.Take a look at the southwestcoastpath.org.uk website for further details.
Nearby town
Long the favoured destination for yachties, Salcombe is in an exquisite location surrounded by sheltered water and a string of tiny, sandy bays. There is a distinctly upmarket feel to the town itself; boutique shops and chic cafes and restaurants abound throughout Salcombe’s quaint streets. Activities revolve around the wind and waves; sailing is the number one sport here and there is plenty of opportunity for lessons for the beginner or boat hire for the more experienced. For much of the year (March to October) you can also leave the car behind and use the South Sands Ferry.
September 2012
Salcombe
Salcombe is located in the most southerly part of Devon.
Because of the narrow streets and the priority given to pedestrians, a park and ride scheme operates during the summer from the outskirts of Salcombe. Plently of shops, galleries and cafes/restaurants for relaxing with a cuppa. Sit by the marina to end off a perfect day. Visit Overbeck's a National Trust Gardens, and enjoy the views over the Salcombe Estuary from the house and garden. There are 2 lovely beaches in Salcombe, South Sands & North Sands.
Also nearby
Agatha Christie's holiday home nestles on a crook of the River Dart in a beautiful woodland garden that is home to such horticultural treasures as Monterey pines, eucalyptus, China roses, myrtle and Turkey oaks. For a magical experience that's also kind to the environment, travel there by boat. 'Green ways' ferries leave from Dartmouth, Brixham and Torquay. Following a major restoration project, The National Trust has re-opened the house to the public, where quirky collections of memorabillia offer a glimpse into the private life of the well-loved crime writer. For house opening times and an events list, please visit the Web site.
October 2022
Better than Eden project
Really wonderful visit to greenway ,( the day before we had been to Eden project that was so disappointing compared to Greenway) interesting visit round house, and the gardens are wonderful the trees and plants labelled so helpful, my sister and I went on the ferry from Dittisham only a little ferry but great fun and only five minutes across estuary recommend as you can only park at Greenway for Three hours and it is all so fascinating there we spent longer than three hours. Well done to all at Greenway.
September 2021
Well worth a visit
Best place we visited
July 2021
Greenway
Former house of Agatha Christie
August 2020
Beautiful!
Amazing grounds and lovely views of the Dart.
October 2019
Lovely day out
This house is in the most beautiful spot, you could really imagine living there. The gardens are gorgeous and the walk beside the river is great for body and soul - look out for the resident seal!
August 2019
Well worth a visit
The setting exquisite. Such lovely views. A walk to the boathouse a must. Trails for the children excellent.
July 2014
The journey to the house by way of the National Trust ferry was enjoyable as was the walk back to Dartmouth along the Dart Valley Trail and ferry (higher or lower will do, the former is cheaper). Unfortunately the house itself was a little disappointing with an over cluttered interior that did not really tell any particular story. There were bits and pieces of interest but overall it seemed as though everything from different times and sources was put in that could be which detracted. The entry to the house is timed but we still felt that it was over-crowded and NT should consider making the house visits guided only. The walled gardens were good with a beautifully restored peach house providing a highlight.
June 2013
Well worth a visit to this house, an effort to get there as you can't go by car unless you pre-book. It was a nice ride there in the boat but you would need good weather. Lovely spring flowers in the grounds. Cafe/restaurant disappointing as there were no main meal available.
May 2012
Enjoyed by All
A lovely house in beautiful surroundings on the banks of the River Dart. Good to see the interiors haven't been messed around with and still look as if Agatha and her family have just popped out for a minute. I can see why she loved it so much and the gardens are a delight. Thoroughly enjoyed by all - including a 22 year old male! Well worth a visit but, if arriving by car, don't forget to pre-book a parking space.
November 2011
A lovely boat ride from Dartmouth, but overall the house was disappointing. A hotch potch interior and hard to believe it was inhabited up until 2004. All furniture pre-dates the turn of the last century. The children did enjoy completing their quiz sheets 'can you find' and I can really recommend the pasties in the coffee takeaway shop (not the main cafe).
March 2010
An inspirational place!
This beautiful house set in wonderful surrounding is well worth a visit. It is easy to see why Agatha Christie loved this place and penned a number of her novels here. The surrounding woodlands with views of the River Dart are superb. You can take a ferry from Dartmouth to get to Greenway but we chose to take the foot ferry from Dittisham (another charming little place). I would highly recommend a visit to this lovely area.
March 2009
Visiting Greenway is a lovely way to spend the day, they also have occasional events so it is worth having a look before you go to see if any take your fancy. If you like gardens, I would recommend visiting Greenway as I thoroughly enjoyed it.
November 2008
'The Loveliest Place in the World'
Agatha Christie was right to call this the 'loveliest place in the world'. Arriving by ferry is really the best way to see it. A stroll in the pretty woodland gardens followed by some delicious homemade food in the Barn Cafe, rounded off with the return trip on the ferry makes for a thoroughly enjoyable day out.
Bantham Beach is set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has numerous awards tucked under its sandy belt. Overlooking Bigbury Bay and Burgh Island, you can take the famous sea tractor and head to the island or sit and enjoy the views from the shore. A great surfing beach, the huge swathes of sand and sea allow plenty of space for everyone. Well-provisioned and life guarded in the summer, Bantham is a fantastic family-friendly beach.
June 2024
Bantham Beach
We love this beautiful beach.The estuary runs into the sea here ,there’s a pretty boathouse and the views are stunning with vast expanses of sand and pretty sand dunes. Lovely views across to Burgh Island, you can only access the Island from the Bigbury side of the estuary though. Dogs are restricted on the main beach during the main season but if you walk over to the far right as you face the sea there is a huge area where they are allowed.
There is a charge for car parking, £7 when we visited in June, or you can purchase a weekly ticket for £30.00
Usually ,there are gastro vans in the warmer weather and Bantham Village stores(great views from their outside terrace area ) is not far away where you can get some provisions or eat in the cafe there. The Sloop Inn is nearby too.
You can walk directly from Bantham Beach along the SW coastal path to Milton Sands, about 2miles away or about another mile further to Hope Cove.
Bantham Beach had lifeguards patrolling when we visited in June.
March 2024
Misleading information
Bantham Beach is south of the estuary with no sea tractor access to Burgh Island which is from Bigbury Beach , north of the estuary.
When visiting Bantham we tried The Sloop Inn in the village for Sunday lunch but would not revisit.
October 2022
Beach walk
large car park and a short walk to a small ferry to Bigbury on sea, a great beach walk
June 2022
Perfect beach
Something for everyone here plus a good cafe.
August 2021
Great beach with views across to Burgh Island
Lovely privately-owned, wide, sandy beach. Beautiful views across to Burgh Island, walking access is possible at times, depending on the tide. Good facilities, lots of parking (there is a daily charge, so check before going). We enjoyed a great pizza from one of the gastro-buses in the car park. There are picnic benches in the gastro-bus area, and hot, and cold drinks, and other food available.
September 2008
Privately owned beach open to the public. A truly beautiful beach. Wide sands, surfing and wind-surfing, rock pools and a delightfully gentle introduction to the South West Coast Path with views over Burgh Island. No dogs allowed during the summer months. Charge made for car parking.
August 2008
Great family fun beach
Lovely beach with little coves to hide away in, rock pools and lovely clean sandcastle sand; wide enough for kite buggies, best surfing beach on the south coast along with Bigbury on Sea beach opposite. Burgh Island out to sea with its restored evocative 1930's hotel clinging to the edge was the inspiration for Enid Blyton's Kirrin Island as well as a number of Agatha Christie novels! Dogs allowed on the beach Oct- April and then along the far right hand side (west) during the remainder of the year. Beach balls and skimboards etc plus coffees and teas available from the post office cafe back in the village- great estuary view while sipping away on the deck out back. Lunch or supper in the Sloop pub- best to pre book in season
Historically, Dartmouth was of strategic importance as a port used in the crusades of 1147 and 1190. Dominated by Britannia Royal Naval College, it has two fortified castles protecting the mouth of the River Dart. There are many historical buildings, a cobbled market place, shops, galleries, gourmet restaurants and delicatessens. National Trust Gardens, the South West Coast Path and clean beaches are nearby.
March 2024
Lovely place
We visited several times via the Upper ferry both during the day and in the evening for dinner. Pretty town with some nice shops and galleries.
2 good restaurants Amalfi kitchen and Andria which was excellent.
Would be a problem with oarkibg I high season
August 2021
Dartmouth
We were staying in Brixham and decided to book tickets on the boat to Dartmouth .the boat crossing was fine , lasted about 80 mins. Dartmouth is a beautiful location with some great shops and eateries .well worth a visit!
We got the steam train back to Paignton which was a good experience and then the bus back to Brixham .Alternatively the drive to Dartmouth is short and you can get on the car ferry across the river
October 2020
Dartmouth boat trip.
We loved Dartmouth. Use the park and ride bus down into the town, much easier than trying to park.
The one hour boat trip was very informative and we saw Seals.
Take the car ferry across the river and enjoy the scenery on the route back.
August 2020
Lovely!
Travelled there by steam train and then went out on the steam paddle ship. Lovely town and great day out.
August 2020
Lovely!
Travelled there by steam train and then went out on the steam paddle ship. Lovely town and great day out.
August 2019
Brilliant
So much to do. Beautiful harbour. Good shopping, great eateries. Lots of boating/kayaking opportunities.
September 2012
Dartmouth
A bustling town with good shopping and art galleries and other galleries. If you want to park in Dartmouth town centre you will have to get there early or there is Park & Ride at the top of the town.
April 2012
Dartmouth
Stunning location and very picturesque
July 2008
A nice vibe
A bustling town with many good restaurants, some good shopping and a growing reputation for art galleries. Try tapas at Browns Hotel.
18 fun holes with spectacular views over the coast and out to Burgh Island. Visitors are made welcome and bookings can be made at the pro shop.
June 2022
Bigbury Golf Club
A well maintained golf course with great views. Staff and members very friendly and welcoming.
July 2008
Enjoy the Views
Stunning location for a course - never mind how the golf goes, you can just stand back and take in the view!
Savour the wholesome food cooked here using local ingredients, seafood is a favourite, whilst keeping an eye on the wildlife that visits the creek.
May 2018
A Wonderful Fish Dish in the Sunshine
We called in to the Millbrook for lunch on the last day of our stay at Garden Cottage and regretted that we hadn't tried it sooner. We sat in the small outside seating area and ordered the fish of the day which in this case was plaice. It was light, beautifully cooked and absolutely exquisite. The best fish dish that I can remember. It is quite expensive and doesn't do traditional 'fish and chips' but if you want excellently prepared food in a small and friendly environment, make your way to the Millbrook.
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