The Area
Hope Barton is the ideal base from which to explore all the wonderful things South Devon has to offer. Situated near the coast in Hope Cove, between Salcombe and Kingsbridge, Hope Barton offers easy access to a wealth of local towns, villages, attractions, beaches and sporting activities.
The South Hams always enjoys one of the mildest climates in Britain, protected as it is by Dartmoor National Park to the North and caressed by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream to the South - even the name 'Hammes', is taken from the Anglo-Saxon for 'sheltered place'. While it always helps to have perfect weather, it is not vital in order to enjoy the many, varied and wonderful sights, events and attractions that make the South Hams the ideal holiday venue for all ages and interests the year round.
The South Hams has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with its rolling hills, wooded river valleys, patchwork fields, sandy beaches, a spectacular coast line and small picturesque villages. There are ample opportunities to walk, sail, surf, windsurf, fish, ride, golf etc. as virtually every sport and outdoor activity is well catered for.
Culture - art galleries and exhibitions; craft markets; open air theatre and amateur theatrical shows; live music - open air concerts on the band stand, choral concerts, barbershop, folk and popular artistes in many of the pubs. Not forgetting the professional theatres in Torbay, Plymouth and Exeter.
Wildlife - in the estuary and and just out to sea, porpoises, dolphins and whales can often be seen, while unusually in October 2004 our very own seal pup was born in Hope Cove. The area is rich in birdlife including cirl bunting, egrets, peregrines, sparrowhawks and buzzards.
Gardens - tropical or English country; cliffside or woodland; riverside or formal; or a little on the wild side.
Attractions - farm animals to touch and feed; wild animals to wonder at - penguins and sea lions or tigers and snakes, fabulous fish or scary shark; steam trains or river boats; caves or water slides; model village or museum; vineyard or nightclub.
There is something for everyone in beautiful South Devon.