Not too far from where we are

Langdon Court is surrounded by charming towns and villages, each offering their own activites and places of interest.

Plymouth City Centre

6.5 miles from Langdon Court Hotel, South Devon
Plymouth is a vibrant coastal city renowned for its maritime history. It has witnessed many events that have shaped British history, including the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 and the sailing of the Pilgrim Fathers in 1620 to found New Plymouth in America.

During the Second World War, Plymouth  suffered incredible damage due to the German Luftwaffe bombing raids known as the Blitz, yet historic evidence still remains today, in the heart of Plymouth, of the old town including; The Elizabethan Merchants House, The Royal Citadel, Smeatons Lighthouse on Plymouth Hoe and the granite cobbled lanes of the ancient Barbican.

The City of Plymouth is the largest city in the South West peninsula and one of the largest in the UK. Its modernist city centre is listed as the best complete example of post war architecture in the UK and offers an abundance of cultural and leisure activities including;

• Plymouth Theatre Royal, the largest producing theatre in the South West.  Major West end productions have been created here before heading to London to rave reviews.
• The National Marine Aquarium, spend a day at the UKs largest Aquarium, there’s a turtle trio and big sharks to get up close to.
• Plymouth Pavilions is a multipurpose venue for both day and evening entertainment; including its Swiss Lake Ice Rink, Atlantis Fun Pool and auditorium hosting a variety of international stars ranging from comedians to concert pianist.
• Shopping in Plymouth brings you the largest shopping experience west of Bristol and offers a range of large department stores, smaller stores and specialist shops situated together with the newly built Drake Circus, an exceptional indoor shopping mall with a variety of high street brands and cafes new to the city.
• Eating out, apart from our own brasserie of course there are a range of great eateries in Plymouth from seafood restaurants around the Barbican to something a little unique at Hugh Fernley Whittingstalls; River Cottage canteen. Infact the city plays host to three TV chefs.  The Tanner brothers have two restaurants and Gary Rhodes is just about to open one!

Wembury Bay and the South West coastal path

Half a mile from Langdon Court Hotel, South Devon
Wembury Bay and the surrounding coastline is owned and managed by the National Trust. The beach is a favorite with surfers and has a rocky foreshore which opens onto large areas of sand and rock pools at low tide. There is a marine conservation centre near the beach car park and this is a must for young and old who want to find out more about marine wildlife and undertake a rock pool ramble. Just offshore there a large island called the Mewstone which was inhabited up until the late 19th century.  It is said this was once the Gaol for the village.

High above the beach is an isolated but romantic church with Saxon origins. Local legend has it that the original village was swept away as the cliffs crumbled in a massive storm leaving the church as a mariners landmark. This is where the owners of Langdon Court in the past are buried and you can still their tombs in the church.

The church is mentioned by John Galsworthy author of the Forsyth saga. Galsworthy stayed in the village at Ford farm close to Langdon Court.

South West Coast path West from Wembury

Taking the South West Coast Path to the west across the beach you can walk along the headland to Langdon Beach and past the newly restored (National trust) HMS Cambridge site with its hard surface walkways and wonderful views of the Mewstone, ultimately arriving at the cove of Heybrook Bay. Walk even further and you will reach the golden sands of Bovisand Beach and eventually the outskirts of the City of Plymouth.

South west coast path East from Wembury

From the beach take the path up past the church and proceed along the coastal path along the cliff edge towards the mouth of the river Yealm. This path will take you eventually to a ferry crossing which operates between April and September and can be hailed from the landing stage adjacent to some ancient cottages. Once across the Yealm you can follow the coastal path from either Noss Mayo or Newton Ferrers, both picturesque villages either side of the estuary.

Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo

8 miles from Langdon Court Hotel, South Devon
Famous for their yachting community, these two villages sit facing each other across anidyllic wooded estuary. At low tide it is possible to walk from one village to another across tidal causeways. The village supports three Inns all with waterside views.

The coastline to the east of estuary is spectacular and continues to Mothecombe a sheltered and unspoiled beach popular with visitors and residents.

Bigbury Bay, Burgh island and Bantham

16miles from Langdon Court Hotel, South Devon
Bigbury Bay is a wide arc of golden sand with a unique attraction. Offshore there is an island that can be walked to at low tide. At high tide a remarkable sea tractor will ferry you to the island which is a treat not to be missed. The island is famous for being the place Agatha Christie based her ‘Then there were none’ murder mystery thriller. Another unique feature of the island is an Art Deco hotel complete with period furnishings.

Further along the coast is Bantham, a sand dune backed, unspoiled beach excellent for walking and surfing.

Thurlestone
18 miles from Langdon Court Hotel, South Devon
Thurlestone Sands is a wide sandy beach owned by the National Trust. The beach is backed by a nature reserve with the whole area being acknowledged as wildlife haven. Thurlestone village, inland, has a 13th Century church, pub, and village stores.

Hope Cove

19 miles from Langdon Court Hotel, South Devon
Hope Cove is protected by Bolt Tail, a dramatic headland that shelters this old fishing village from storms. The village is in fact two villages Inner and Outer Hope Cove both with excellent Inns. Crabs and lobsters are the speciality in this area. There are numerous secluded beaches and coves along the coast which will bring you to Salcombe.

Salcombe

21 miles from Langdon Court Hotel, South Devon
Salcombe lies at the entrance to one of the finest estuary harbours on the South coast of England. The area is a magnet for yacht owners.  Georgian and Victorian cottages tumble down to the estuary edge which creates a sophisticated and sheltered retreat for those that enjoy sailing and marine views plus distinctly up market shopping.

Opposite Salcombe are golden beaches and coves accessible via water taxis at East Portlemouth. Overbecks sub tropical garden, which is owned by the National Trust, is located on the fringe of Salcombe in a sheltered yet elevated position.

This unique location has meant Bananas can be grown on the site.

Kingsbridge

19 miles from Langdon Court Hotel, South Devon
Kingsbridge is a lively, riverside market town in the South Hams area of South Devon. It is situated at the head of the Estuary which leads to Salcombe. The town has a thriving community centered around the high street of Georgian and Victorian architecture.

Kingsbridge has developed into a popular destination with diverse independent shops, restaurants, pubs a cinema and a museum devoted to William Cookworthy who was born in Kingsbridge 1705 and developed English Porcelain.

Totnes

24 miles from Langdon Court Hotel, South Devon
Totnes is located on the banks of the River Dart in South Devon and is the administrative centre for the South Hams.

Totnes was an important market town by the 12th century. The number of merchants’ houses built in the 16th and 17th centuries in the main street indicates its former wealth and importance. Today, the town is an acknowledged centre for music, art, theatre and alternative living.

Totnes Castle now owned by English Heritage, is one of the best preserved examples of a Norman motte and bailey castle in England. The castle was built during the reign of William I.

The Market, Friday is market day in Totnes and a variety of traders bring their unique wares to the market square including bric-a-brac, jewellery, retro fashion and food!

Tavistock

21 miles from Langdon Court Hotel, South Devon
Tavistock is elegant granite built market town surrounded by the beautiful moorland of Dartmoor.
Providing shopping and entertainment for its residents, local villages and farming community Tavistock stands independent from its large neighbour Plymouth.  Tavistock was once a Stannary Town and owed its wealth to copper, tin and arsenic mining.

Tavistock’s market hosts specialised events, including craft and antique fairs. A farmers market takes place in the square fortnightly and has been voted Best Farmer’s Market in the South West. As well as being voted best farmers market in the South West, Tavistock have also been voted ‘Best Market Town’ and ‘Best Food Town’ in the UK during recent years.

Dartmoor National Park

12 miles from Langdon Court Hotel, South Devon
Dartmoor is one of Devon’s most dramatic places to visit. The atmosphere can change from hour to hour as clear vistas become mysterious windswept heath.  From fern filled valleys to dark brooding tors, Dartmoor offers many places to walk and enjoy total isolation.

Princetown is best known as the site of the notorious Dartmoor Prison. Visitors can get an insight to this historic town by going to Dartmoors Prison museum and visitors centre. Princetown is also famous for being the highest town on the moor being 435 metres (1,427 ft) above sea level.

Burrator Reservoirforms a picturesque lake at the southern edge of the moor. Built during the 19th century of Dartmoor granite, it still supply’s drinking water to the City of Plymouth.

During the flooding of the valley several Dartmoor farms disappeared under the reservoir waters and during years of drought, ruins once again become visible.