Leigh Barn. What a stunning building!
Sit back and relax in this super comfy environment.
Bedroom 2 has a wonderful en suite bathroom.
What a super little patio-area to enjoy these superb gardens.
Looking down at the front of Leigh Barn, what a stunning place!
Beautifully designed living areas.
What an inviting living-room with a toasty wood-burner.
Well-equipped kitchen.
Delightful dining table, perfect for four.
Bedroom 1 on the ground floor. These beds can be made up as twins, or as a 6' double bed, depending on your preference.
Bedroom 1 leads into a en suite wet-room.
Stairs which lead off from the living-room.
The stairs lead from the living-area, directly into bedroom 2.
Bedroom 2 is so spacious, it has its own sofa! Perfect to escape to with a good book.
Bedroom 2 is a real treat with its beautiful beams and stunning wooden floors.
En suite bathroom for Bedroom 2.
A carefully placed bench has been placed behind Leigh Barn for your extra comfort and enjoyment, when soaking up these amazing surroundings.
Looking across at the front of Leigh Barn, with the owner's house situated to the right of the picture.
Every aspect of Leigh Barn and its' grounds are lovingly maintained and professionally cared for, all year round.
Breathtaking views!
Uninterrupted beauty from every angle.
Leigh Barn is surrounded by breathtaking history.
Looking back at Leigh Barn from the furthest point in the garden. You can just sneak a peek of the resident gardener's house to the right.
The front of the ranges.
If you seek a little shade, these fabulous trees are perfect for nestling up against with a good book.
Taking a morning, afternoon or evening stroll within the privacy and safety of your own garden, is something quite special.
Leigh Barn nestles in the most superb setting.
The entrance into Leigh Barton.
Why not sit next to beautiful stretch of water with a picnic? You need to venture no further than your own private garden to experience such a special setting!
The carefully selected plants and shrubs burst with colour.
Behind Leigh Barn lies the most lovingly maintained gardens and lawn.
There are some spectacular views and walks around the South Hams. This is the Kingsbridge Estuary with Salcombe shown on the left.
A fishing boat steaming along past Slapton Sands.
Bantham Beach is within an easy drive.
Kingsbridge is a short drive and has a wealth of interesting shops and a market on two or three days of the week.
The peaceful valley at Leigh Barton with the gardener's cottage to the left, below that is Leigh Barn and Leigh Barton is across to the right.
Leigh Barn
28771.5 miles NW of Kingsbridge | Sleeps 4 (no children under 5)
7 Nights from £596
The location of attractions is intended only as a guide. Distances are 'as the crow flies'.
Nearby pub
The Church House Inn is a delightful 13th century pub with characterful interiors, an inglenook fireplace and wood burners. Food is freshly cooked to order and there is outside seating available for summer al fresco dining.
March 2024
A Great Find
Staying at Leigh Barn this is our local, 1 1/2 miles by car. We went twice during our stay and it did not disappoint either in food, ambience or the care and friendly nature of the staff. Seafood features heavily but sufficient alternatives are on offer. The steak and ale pie is a proper PIE!
Nearby beach
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
Nearby walk
A gentle one mile stroll around the town with a trail map available on the Web site giving lots of interesting facts about the town including the story of the Curious Clock!
Nearby town
If you're looking for a traditional, bustling market town surrounded by lush rolling countryside then Kingsbridge is the place for you. Situated at the head of the estuary you'll find interesting lanes and passageways with an eclectic assortment of independent shops, cafes and restaurants.
April 2023
Closed!!
We went on a Tuesday for lunch.
We had a pushchair and this made some places inaccessible. places that were open were full the pub by the carpark was a 40 minute wait for food.
Many of the shops said they only open at the end of the week. This was during the Easter holidays!!
August 2011
Lovely town to visit with quirky little market.
August 2008
Kingsbridge
Set on a steep hill with a small harbour at the bottom, where a weekly market is held, Kingsbridge has lots of lovely shops to wander in and out of- often owned by generations of the same family- something we see too little of these days. A few good deli's, greengrocers, and butchers shops lend it an old fashioned air - reminds me of towns from 30 years ago - and there are plenty of chic kitchen and furnishings/interiors shops and cafes to entice as well as a popular farmers market once a month . Great 25m swimming pool and gym/squash facilities at the leisure centre, the Reel Cinema, which is small but perfectly formed, a bowling green and tennis courts, and trips down the estuary on "Rivermaid" means this is a place with lots on offer!! Wish I could live there!!
Also nearby
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!
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.
Fresh, local oysters from Bigbury Bay; if you are squeamish about eating them raw, there are a variety of baked and grilled options.
June 2023
Quirky but fabulous!
A slightly challenging drive to the Oyster Shack (very narrow, winding lanes) is amply rewarded by fabulous food and friendly service. It really is a shack, but a very comfortable one!
August 2022
Fab food and location
Third time coming here, as previously experienced amazing food well worth the cost.
June 2021
Delicious seafood
We ate here for lunch and it was absolutely delicious. Quite pricey but the quality was worth it. Oysters were very fresh and we enjoyed the different toppings. BBQ octopus and dressed crab. Brilliant for gluten-free (delicious GF bread!) Came off the beach - 10 mins from Bigbury-on-Sea so we had a lovely day. Thank you.
September 2019
The oyster shack
Great sea food and welcoming staff. Quirky decor very relaxed and informal. We went twice for lunch which speaks volumes and I can recommend the lobster. We visited in autumn and could imagine on a summer evening sat outside it would be magical.
July 2008
Shell Out!
Very good sea food restaurant, lots of choice - not just Oysters! Good lively atmosphere - best to book, even at lunchtime.
Sit on the sand, go for a paddle or walk across to Burgh Island at low tide. Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bigbury on Sea Beach offers plenty of choice for everyone. If you don't want to bring your own, sports equipment hire is available. There are also lifeguards on patrol in the summer, an added comfort for families with children.
March 2024
What a Setting
Spectacular panoramic 180 deg. coastal sea views, quirky sea tractor ride over to Burgh Island if the tide is in or otherwise a stroll over golden sands. Visited quite a few times and it never disappoints.
June 2022
Community cafe a must
Just above the beach in a White House is a community tea rooms. Views to die for from either inside or out and the cakes and light lunches were so delicious we went back for more!
May 2022
Mrs M
Lovely beach for families and very well patrolled.
Good access for dogs too.
July 2017
Help for Disabled
The Venus Cafe, just below the car park at Bigbury-on-Sea, has a beach wheelchair that can be borrowed free of charge. We were able to wheel my mother over to Burgh Island.
The slopes going down to the beach are quite steep. It's not so bad going down, but you need to be quite strong to push the wheelchair back up!
October 2013
Large sandy beach when the tide is out. Interesting rock formations around towards the Avon estuary.
September 2012
Lovely Sandy Beach
A large sandy beach and great for surfing. Children can play.You can either walk across to Burgh Island or take the sea tractor when the tide covers the causeway.
July 2008
Great beach
A large sandy beach with some surf. Walk to Burgh Island at low tide or take the sea tractor.
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.
Articles | From around the area
Things to do
Miracle Theatre
Places to Go
Woodland walks in Devon
Things to do
Festivals in Devon 2024
Classic Fodder
