Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bantham
This pocket-sized village has the best surf spots in south Devon - and hardly anything
else. Tucked in at the east side of the River Avon, its scattering of buildings, including an
inn and a shop, stretches back from rolling dunes.
Sights & Activities
Bantham Beach
(
www.banthamdevon.co.uk
;
Bantham; parking per day May-Sep £5, Feb-May & Oct £3.50, Nov-Jan free; )
Bantham is, arguably, south Devon's finest beach. Set at the mouth of the River Avon, this
undeveloped, dune-backed sweep of sand has views onto picturesque Burgh Island on the
estuary's other side. At high tide a ring of sand frames the sea; at low tide it becomes a
golden expanse, dotted with pockets of ankle-deep water. But do be aware: the rip cur-
rents here can be dangerous. Note the warning signs and the lifeguards' advice (lifeguard
cover runs from 8am to 6pm from May to October).
BEACH
Bantham Surfing Academy
( 01548-853803;
www.banthamsurfingacademy.co.uk
; Bantham Beach)
Two-hour sessions (per one/four
lessons £35/120) cater to all skill levels, and also include special child-friendly Kiddie
Classes (per hour £25). They also hire out wetsuits (per 2 hours/day £5/15), bodyboards
(per 2 hours/day £5/10) and longboards (2 hours/day £10/15).
SURFING
Sleeping & Eating
Sloop Inn
( 01548-560489;
www.thesloop.co.uk
; Bantham; d/f £80/100; )
Just a sandy stroll from the
beach, this 14th-century inn makes a chilled-out base. The simple rooms are decked out in
neutral tones and wood-grained furniture; choose from views over rolling fields or dunes
stretching to the sea. The bar offers a log fire, good pub grub (noon to 2pm and 6.30pm to
9pm Monday to Saturday) and a legendary Sunday lunch (2pm to 4pm Sunday).
B&B
£
Gastrobus
FAST FOOD
£
