Driftwood Lodge

5024

Stoke Gabriel | Sleeps 8 + cot*

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7 Nights from £1681

The location of attractions is intended only as a guide. Distances are 'as the crow flies'.

Nearby pub

Perfectly situated on the banks of the river Dart, The River Shack has gorgeous views and is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Pay and display parking is available and there's masses of outside seating. Children and dogs are very welcome.

Nearby beach

Overlooked by little beach huts with brightly painted doors, Broadsands Beach near Paignton is an idyllic beach on the English Riviera. In a gently sweeping arc, the beach's gradual gradient and soft sands make it a wonderful choice for families and those looking to paddle their feet on a hot day. An award-winning beach, there is also a large area of parkland in strolling distance providing a great area for children to run around and play games.

Nearby walk

The pretty village of Stoke Gabriel has lots of choice when it comes to walks. At low tide enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shoreline to Duncannon beach or maybe cross over to the woodland towards Dittisham. A Footpath can even take you to the bustling town of Totnes, a great walk for both you and your dog.

Nearby town

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

An old market town with archetypal crooked, narrow lanes and quaint cottages. Totnes now has a slightly bohemian air, with lots of tempting delicatessens, eco-friendly shops and wholefood cafes. There's a special buzz in the air on market days (Fridays and Saturdays).

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

September 2012

Totnes

An old market town with high street shopping (no malls). Take a walk through the town and sit and relax by the River Dart. Or you can take a boat trip.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

July 2008

Not coastal, but a nice town.

A pleasant market town and a good base for trips on the River Dart.

Also nearby

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

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.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

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.


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

September 2021

Well worth a visit

Best place we visited


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

July 2021

Greenway

Former house of Agatha Christie


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

August 2020

Beautiful!

Amazing grounds and lovely views of the Dart.


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

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!


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

August 2019

Well worth a visit

The setting exquisite. Such lovely views. A walk to the boathouse a must. Trails for the children excellent.


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

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.


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

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.


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

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.


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

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).


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

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.


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

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.


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

August 2020

Lovely!

Travelled there by steam train and then went out on the steam paddle ship. Lovely town and great day out.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

August 2020

Lovely!

Travelled there by steam train and then went out on the steam paddle ship. Lovely town and great day out.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

August 2019

Brilliant

So much to do. Beautiful harbour. Good shopping, great eateries. Lots of boating/kayaking opportunities.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

April 2012

Dartmouth

Stunning location and very picturesque


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

October 2022

Beach walk

large car park and a short walk to a small ferry to Bigbury on sea, a great beach walk


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

June 2022

Perfect beach

Something for everyone here plus a good cafe.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A fine example of Arts and Crafts style architecture, with lovely Art Deco interiors. The gardens cling to the valley sides and feature a rare collection of exotic plants. An events listing is available on their Website for both the house and gardens.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

March 2024

Excellent property

A beautiful house in a lovely setting.
Very interesting contents and staff were really helpful and knowledgeable.
Stunning gardens with lovely views of the sea / coastline from various places.
Nice cafe and seating area.
Our favourite National trust property to date!


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

June 2023

Ms

A must see, absolutely stunning house, furniture and setting


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

August 2019

Good day out

Beautiful garden. Lovely lunch.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

July 2014

We walked to this property from Dartmouth which was a lovely quiet stroll along empty Devon lanes rewarded by a fascinating house with interesting period pieces and historical commentary followed by beautiful gardens with plentiful spots to sit and enjoy all the different styles and views within. For those wanting a snack the tea-room provided a good choice of quality foods served in either courtyard or an airy cafe. The walk back to Dartmouth can be by the same route or take in the Daymark and WW2 relics and SW coastal path if you are feeling more energetic


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

November 2011

Walking Bliss - if you're up for it!

We park near this property and rather than visit the house, take to the coastal path. You have a choice of directions, towards Brixham or Kingswear. It's not for flip-flops, buggies, small children or the infirm; you need good stout boots and ankle support but the walk and views are breathtaking. I wouldn't recommend it in very slippery weather, unless you stop when you get to the cliff, but if, like me, you enjoy feeling the weather in your face to feel alive then this is great. Hard core steep in parts.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

August 2011

Beautiful garden - don't miss it

Fantastic garden walk with sea view at the end.

The Seahorse is the brainchild of award-winning restauranteur, food writer and chef Mitch Tonks. It specialises in the very best in local seafood cooked over a charcoal fire, and has an extensive, carefully selected wine list. Overlooking the Dart estuary, it serves great food in relaxed, comfortable surroundings. Pearlfisher, The Seahorse's courtesy launch, is available to take guests across the river.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

January 2023

Outstanding fish restaurant

We had two meals at The Seahorse, one in the evening and the second at lunchtime.
The welcome is warm and friendly and the food is excellent.
Tried other Dartmouth restaurants but this is best … by some margin!


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

July 2014

First class food and service. You do need to book well in advance but will be rewarded with great sea food and some good and reasonably priced wines


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

August 2008

Favourite place in dartmouth to eat.

Mich Tonks has a real flair for cooking seafood, smart food, great atmosphere but not stuffy and pretentious.

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