Things to do
You will certainly find plenty to keep you occupied when you stay at Hollyhocks, aside from the wonderful free estate facilities, venturing out into the local beauty of South Hams or the spectacular scenery of Dartmoor there are superb places to eat and the quirky towns of Modbury, Totnes, Kingsbridge and Salcombe just a short drive away.
Free of charge to all Colmer Estate guests
- Heated indoor pool ( Bookable in 45 mins time slot per day to enjoy the pool entirely to yourselves)
- Heated outdoor pool (open late May to mid September)
- Fitness suite
- Tennis court
- Table tennis table
- Games room for children
- Boules pitch
- Children’s play area with play fort in a large secure walled garden (dogs excluded)
Explore the local area
The California Inn just on the crossroads at the end of the lane offers substantial servings of traditional pub grub for those visitors not wanting to drive. The Ringfeeder farm shop and cafe is less than a mile away just 3 minutes by car. For an Also only 4 miles away is Avon Mill Garden Centre cafe for food and little boutique shops. The Venus beach cafe is located at Bigbury on Sea. They Oyster Shack near Bigbury and The Crab Shell Inn, Kingsbridge are recommended by previous visitors for those who are fond of seafood. For beautiful surroundings and great food Shilstone House is just 11 minutes away. For a decent pizza with an amazing view The Cove at Hope Cove is a good choice. Totnes has some quirky eateries such as Wild Fig Deli & Cafe, Seeds 2 and The Hairy Barista, The Steam Packet Inn, and The Curator coffee is reported to be the best in Totnes (also now open in Modbury) Ben’s Farm Shop to be found just outside Yealmpton on the old Plymouth Road. For the best fish and chips in Devon Britannia on the Beach at Beesands is a must try, delicious food with an amazing view.
For a fantastic Sunday roast try The Journey’s End Inn at Ringmore especially after a walk down to Aymer Cove and back.
Some of the spectacular Beaches nearby are perfect for families, surfing and exploring whilst keeping an eye on the tide!
- Bigbury on Sea – West Beach dog friendly all year
- Banthan Beach – South Devon’s surfing beach – Dog friendly all year some restrictions apply
- Thurlestone – Dogs dog friendly all year
- South Milton Sands – Dog friendly all year
- Hope Cove – Mouthwell beach (seasonal restrictions for dogs May to September), Harbour beach to the south is dog friendly year round but dogs must be kept on a lead at all times
- Sunny Cove Beach, Eastportlemouth – Dog friendly all year
- Lannacombe Beach, East Prawle – Dog friendly all year
- Strete Gate Beach – Dog friendly all year
- Beesands – Dog friendly all year – try the amazing fish and chips from Britania on the Beach
- Blackpool Sands – Dogs are welcome from December to Easter
- Soar Mill Cove – near Salcombe – Dog friendly all year
- North Sands, Salcombe – Dog friendly all year
- Wonwell Sands, Kingsbridge – Dog friendly
- Mothercombe beach, Plymouth – seasonal restrictions for dogs 1st May to September
- Aymer Cove, Ringmore – National Trust car park – dog friendly all year
- Noss Mayo and the River Yealm estuary to Newton Ferres – beaches and beautiful woodlands, dogs on leads
- Wembury Beach, Wembury – seasonal restrictions for dogs 1st May to September (free parking for National Trust members) great for rock pooling
Local walks
With 450 miles of public rights of way crisscrossing Dartmoor it’s hard to choose a route, always be prepared for changeable weather and wear a good pair of walking boots!
Avon Dam, South Brent (car park postcode TQ10 9EL) 2/12 miles of mainly tarmac footpath alongside the Avon river.
Cadover Bridge and Lakes (car park postcode PL7 5EH)
This stunning area is a great starting point for many walks and trails.
Haytor (visitor centre postcode TQ13 9XT)
On the south eastern edge of Dartmoor, Haytor has spectacular views.
Bellever Forest near Postbridge is a beautiful place for a walk.
The Devon Wildlife trust Andrew’s wood only 3 minutes by car from Colmer Estate – A beautiful patchwork of woodland and meadows in the heart of the wonderful South Hams countryside
Blackdown Rings Iron Age Fort is only 4 minutes by car – The site takes its’ name from the massive earthworks which encircle the hilltop here. The original Iron Age hill fort was built over 2000 years ago. Soon after the Norman Invasion of 1066 a motte and bailey castle was also built here by the Normans. The views over the surrounding hills are spectacular, so wait for a clear day to do this walk.
DWT South Efford Marsh is only 13 minutes away by car at Bridge End, Aveton Gifford, Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 4NX – One of South Devon’s premier bird watching places. A wildlife hide brings you close to the action.
The South West Coast Path is one of our most precious wildlife corridors and is home to a huge variety of wildlife. Much of the land beside the Path has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and it passes through many nature reserves. The stretch between Bantham and Solcombe is mostly owned by the National Trust, there are spectacular views and fairly easy walking past Thurlestone until it begins to dip up and down to the sea towards Hope Cove. The stretch between Hope Cove and Salcombe is thought to be one of the most beautiful sections of the entire 630 miles of the South West Costal Path. The path is quite rugged and difficult in places but becomes easier as you join the Courtney Walk on the final stretch to Salcombe. National Trust car parks are easy to find by following signage.
There are two pick your own places to choose from locally:
South Milton Flower Farm for pick your own flowers and vegetables open Sundays 10-4, Tuesdays Yoga and flower picking 4-6pm
Pips Pick Your Own near Yealmpton for fruit and vegetables plus a pumpkin patch in the autumn open daily 10-6pm
