2017 INFORMATION GUIDE
MODBURY
& DISTRICT
The Doors of Modbury
The best of
Devon in one Town
Complimentary Copy
Welcome to Modbury
Estate Agents
1st
Dartmoor Hunt Point-to-Point
(Flete Park)
22 April
Modbury Harriers Point-to-Point
For
Town Property
01548 830831
(Flete Park)
6 May
www.luscombemaye.com
Modbury
Modbury May Fair Week
30 April – 7 May
Dart Music Festival
12-14 May
MODBURY
MODBURY is a Heritage and Market Town within the
geographic area of the South Hams. It has been ascribed
the status of a Local Centre by its District Council,
the South Hams District Council (SHDC).
Devon County Show
18-20 May
Kingsbridge Food & Music Festival
2-4 June
Kingsbridge Fair Week
Because of this status, Modbury and the
Modbury Information Centre (MIC), also formally
identified as a Tourist Information Centre (TIC) on
Ordinance Survey maps, serves the wider
Community and Parishes surrounding the town:
Ugborough and North Huish to the North. To the
East: Aveton Gifford, Loddiswell and Woodleigh,
to the South: Bigbury, (including Bigbury on Sea
& St Anne’s Chapel), Kingston and Ringmore,
whilst to the West: Holbeton, Newton & Noss,
Yealmpton, Brixton and Ermington.
15-22 July
Totnes & District Agricultural Show
30 July
Yealmpton Agricultural Show
26 July
Modbury Music Festival
TBC (July/August)
Dartington International Summer
School
The contact details of each Parish are included
on Page 14 as well as useful information about
these Parishes and Modbury including key
29 July-26 August
Plymouth National Firework
Competition
9 & 10 August
...Motberia (Modbury) Silfestan
(Shilston), Comba (Spridlescombe),
Lega (Leigh) and
Orcartona (Orcheton).
A brief history
What’s On
in 2017
MODBURY is found in the
Domesday Book where five
manors in the Parish are listed...
Services. Within this Guide you will also find
information about accommodation, caravan &
camping sites, restaurants, pubs and takeaways,
recreation activities and facilities for most of
these Parishes and Modbury.
The Modbury Information Centre also provides
ticketing facilities for some visitor attractions
within the area as well as some outside of it,
such as The EDEN Project, Living Coasts
(Torquay), Paignton Zoo (Paignton Zoo
Environmental Park), Dartmoor Zoological Park
(We bought a zoo by Benjamin Mee),
Pennywell Farm Centre, Woodlands Leisure Park
and the National Marine Aquarium (Plymouth).
For residents and visitors alike, information is
also available about bus and rail passes, as well
as up to date time tables.
The name Modbury stems from the Saxon
‘moot burgh’ meaning a meeting place,
and from time immemorial Modbury has been
a market town.
At noon, the market bell (the site of which still
exists in the town today) used to announce the
start of the weekly market which sold produce
from the local farms. The market became a focal
point for the area in 1774 when a cattle and
livestock market was established.
These markets took place on the second
Monday of each month around the streets of
Modbury. Sheep pens were set up outside the
White Hart, and pig pens sited outside the
Exeter Inn.
As well as its markets Modbury became known
for two fairs: one held on St. James’s Day and
the Great Fair on St. George’s Day established
by the Bishop of Exeter in 1310. For 650 years
the Charter had been annually proclaimed at the
Glove & Flower ceremony, which symbolised the
start of the Modbury Fair.
This proclamation allowed for the temporary
relaxation of various laws.
In 1971 the Fair was revived; but without the
cattle and the sheep. This Fair is held during the
first week in May each year where events
include a street market, the Modbury Mile,
which is a race around the town for both young
and old, a parade, and many other activities and
entertainment that can be enjoyed by residents
and visitors alike.
BATTLE FIELDS
During the English Civil Wars (1642-1651) two
battles were fought in Modbury, the first of which
was on 18th November 1642. Under the
command of Sir Ralph Hopton, Sir Edmund
Fortesque and a party of Royalist gentlemen,
a local South Devon force was raised making
Modbury their headquarters.
The second battle of Modbury commenced at
the beginning of 1643. After the Royalists
besieged Plymouth a decision was made in
Parliament to send a relief force. The force,
numbering about 8,000, was concentrated at
Kingsbridge and a party was sent forward to
seize and form an advanced post at the bridge at
Aveton Gifford. The post was being held by
approximately 2,000 Royalists and it was some
time before the Royalists were driven from their
position. They retreated fighting field by field and
eventually made their way through the streets of
Modbury to the Court House.
After much fighting the Royalists were compelled
to evacuate the Court House and, although the
Parliamentarians were strengthened by a
contingent from Plymouth, they allowed the
greater part of the Royalist force to escape down
a lane that turns south westward from the
church, called Runaway Lane to this day,
which today is part of Modbury’s network of
beautiful walks.
MODBURY CHURCH
The first documented evidence of a church in
Modbury was in 1084, known then as the
Church of St. Mary. A charter of 1140 confirms
gifts to a Priory in Modbury. This was a small cell
comprising a Prior and two monks. The Priory
was entitled to the greater tithes of the Parish.
A Vicar was installed in the twelfth century and
held his services in the nave, while the Prior
officiated at more frequent services in the
Chancel. It wasn’t until the church was rebuilt in
1300 that it was re-dedicated to St. George.
In 1442 Henry VI dissolved the Priory; and
claimed the 485 acres of Priory lands, using
their revenues to help found his college at Eton.
(Extracts taken and edited from A History of
Modbury and Modbury - our inheritance)
Extensive literature about the area’s history,
historical buildings, personalities, events and
attractions, as well as good maps, both free and
for sale, are all available in the MIC.
Kingsbridge Agricultural Show
2 September
Widecombe Fair
12 September
Agatha Christie Week
13-17 September
South Hams Arts Trail
October
Dartmouth Food Festival
20-22 October
Modbury Christmas Lights Night
24 November
Modbury Late Night Shopping
Totnes Christmas Festival
5, 12 & 19 December
2
© Gill Sparks
Thursday evenings in December
Modbury & District Guide supported by Modbury Parish Council and Watson Fuels
3
A brief history
Waterside Properties
1st
For
01548 830831
Waterside Property
www.luscombemaye.com
www.luscombemaye.com
Life is a
beach. . .
Modbury is very lucky
to be surrounded by
some exquisite beaches
that have won awards
for continuing high
standards of cleanliness,
water quality and safety.
LOOKING FOR SURF? –
WE HAVE THAT TOO!
Both Bigbury-on-Sea and Challaborough were
designated as Blue Flag beaches in 2011.
If you are looking for traditional ‘bucket& spade’
beaches with toilets and refreshments, we have
those. If hidden coves with rock pools to
investigate are more to your liking
-we have those too.
BANTHAM
On the eastern side of the Avon estuary, this is
a wide sandy beach with sheltered dunes,
where the waters are favoured by surfers.
The beach is undeveloped, but there are toilets
in the car park and lifeguards. The village is an
easy walk away with shops and a local inn.
Access to the Coastal Path.
BIGBURY-ON-SEA
Modbury has many remarkable architectural
features: From the 14th century masonry
found in the Church of St. George to the
19th century Flemish bond brickwork of Brick
House in Brownston Street.
These buildings are more than just bricks and
mortar; they represent changes in fashion,
building development, use and fortune.
Every house and shop, grand or humble
provides a fascinating insight into the history of
this Heritage Market Town.
This favourite sandy beach on the western side of
the river Avon is ideal for children and has
lifeguard coverage. A café, shop and toilets are in
the main car park. There is also the village Post
Office and general store, an art studio and
café/bistro within a few minutes walk. Take a stroll
over to Burgh Island, up to the ruins of the
Hewers Hut. Take the sea tractor back if the tide
has beaten you.
In 2006, the Fenwick Charitable Trust (FCT)
launched the Devon Rural Archive (DRA) with a
project to record the history, development and
significance of the houses shown on the 1765
map of Devon produced by Benjamin Donn,
a copy of which is available to view in the
DRA library along with many other documents
which have highlighted a number of nationally
important features.
On the eastern side of the river Erme, Wonwell
is our hidden, unspoilt gem. Low tide reveals a
wide sandy beach, when you can also ford the
river and walk over to Mothecombe. Backed by
shady woodland for a cooling stroll or explore
inland along the shore of the river. Access to
the Coastal Path. Access is along a narrow
lane, with limited on-road parking.
There are no facilities.
The Devon Rural Archive (DRA) is based in the
grounds of Shilstone House (one of more than
100 buildings listed by English Heritage in the
parish of Modbury); the archive is dedicated
to the study of Devon’s domestic architecture
and associated landscapes.
Furthermore, the DRA boasts a thriving events
programme and regularly hosts exhibitions on
historic/architectural themes in its large display
gallery. There is also a permanent exhibition
4
WONWELL
The Devon Rural Archive is open to the public
Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays between
11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Entry is free and booking
is not necessary. Just drop in during opening
hours; and an expert team is on hand to guide
visitors through the resources.
of old photographs, historic documents and
architectural artefacts that guide visitors
through 6000 years in the Shilstone landscape
from the Neolithic to the present.
SURF
KAYAK
SUP
Bigbury on-­Sea
Life is a beach
The
Devon
Rural
Archive
MOTHECOMBE
Part of the Flete Estate and popular film location (Sense & Sensibility amongst others).The public
beach on the western edge of the Erme estuary becomes a vast expanse of sand at low tide.
In the car park, ¼ mile up the hill, there are toilets and a café. Access to the Coastal Path.
The private beach is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays.
THURLESTONE/SOUTH MILTON SANDS
A coarse sandy beach owned by the National Trust and overlooking Thurlestone Rock and backed
by extensive wetland. Popular with water sports enthusiasts and ornithologists.
CHALLABOROUGH
A fine, sandy, beach in a sheltered cove. There is plenty of opportunity for exploring rock pools, or for
sand castle building at low tide. This is the place for surfers or body - boarders with swells and shore
breaks. There is a car park with access along lanes, narrow in places. Alternatively walk from
Bigbury-on - Sea along the coastal path. There is lifeguard coverage, a beach shop, toilets, café and pub.
Popular with young families, and adjacent to a holiday park.
DOGS ON OUR BEACHES
Whilst we welcome our four-legged friends to the South Hams, there are some ‘dogs on beach’
restrictions in place between 1st May & 30th September. For up to date information please refer to
http://www.southhams.gov.uk/index/enjoying_index/ksp-leisure-beaches/spenvironmentdogsonbeaches.htm or telephone the Dog Wardens on 01803 861234. Alternatively any
Tourist Information Centre will be able to advise you.
ALWAYS DREAMED OF SURFING THE WAVES?
The friendly, professional instructors at one of the UK’s premier surf schools will get you up and riding in
your first lesson. Discovery Surf School has been running for 11 years and their coaching is internationally
renowned as owner Martin Connolly is the Producer of the 110% Surfing Techniques coaching DVDs,
which are sold worldwide.
Discovery Surf School’s locations at Bigbury-on-Sea and Challaborough, give access to multiple surf
breaks ensuring there is always a great wave to surf, and lessons cater for all ages and experience.
There are discounts available for courses, families and groups; and groups are kept small with an
excellent pupil to coach ratio.
Discovery was the first surf school in the UK to provide Stand Up Paddle (SUP) lessons. At the Bigbury
shop SUP equipment, kayaks, wetsuits, surfboards and bodyboards can be hired.
Discovery Surf School run a weekly Surf Club, throughout the year on Saturday mornings and on
Sundays too during the main season.
Why not try Discovery Surf Camp as well; which is based at the Challaborough Bay Surf Shack? The day
Surf Camp (9:30-3:30) is action packed, full of surfing, water activities and some dry work to help improve
surfing knowledge.
All equipment is included in the cost of lessons. Contact Martin or Annika Connolly on
07813 639 622/01548 810535 or online at www.discoverysurf.com or pop into our shops.
More information about the DRA and its
collection is available on the website at
www.devonruralarchive.com;
email: [email protected] or call on
Tel: 01548-830832.
5
The angler will find a
great variety of
waters in and
around Modbury,
from moorland
streams to stocked
trout and coarse lakes.
The sea fishing is
some of the best in the
country, with bass and
mackerel providing
excellent sport.
Golf
1st
01548 830831
Fancy yourself as the next Rory McIlroy?
For
Country Property
www.luscombemaye.com
Coarse Fisheries
Emperor Lakes, Loddiswell
Coaching available, tackle shop, café & toilets Carp, tench, pike, roach & rudd
01548 821680
07814 060147
Coombe Water Fishery, Kingsbridge
Carp, tench, bream, & roach
01548 852038
Sunridge Fishing Lodge, Yealmpton
Carp
01752 880438
Little Allers, South Brent
Carp, bream, tench, roach
01364 72563
Filham Lake, Ivybridge
Disabled facilities & toilets
Rudd, roach, carp
01752 698080
Trout Fisheries
Newhouse Fishery Brown & rainbow trout
01548 821426
Hatchlands, Rattery
Brown & rainbow trout
01364 73500
River Fishing (trout, sea trout, salmon)
River Erme - Cleeve Angling Club, Ivybridge Day & weekly tickets available from Mr J Brodie
01752 895241
River Yealm - Upper Yealm Fishery Snowbee Ltd, Plymouth
01752 334933
River Avon – Avon Fishing Association Weekly tickets available from Avonwick & Loddiswell Post Offices
For coarse and game fishing a National Rod Licence is usually required.
Trout/Coarse/Salmon/Sea Trout
Licences can be purchased from Modbury Post Office but there are some fisheries in the area that are
covered by a general licence.
Sea Fishing
Excellent beach fishing at Slapton, Bigbury-on-Sea, Bantham & Mothecombe
Boats can be hired from Plymouth (01752 708206), Paignton (01803 551504) and Salcombe
(01548 831702)
There are four golf courses within a 10 mile radius of Modbury, each of which is very different,
offering a choice of facilities: Bigbury-on-Sea, Thurlestone, Dartmouth and Wrangaton.
Visitors are welcome, with special offers available all year round.
Situated in an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, Thurlestone is a fantastic location to play
golf and tennis. Running along the stunning coastline of Bigbury Bay, Bigbury Golf Course is a
mix of links and cliff-top terrain, with the latter providing breath-taking views of the legendary
Thurlestone Rock to the East and the beautiful Avon Estuary and Burgh Island to the West.
Bigbury Golf Course’s challenging yet forgiving coastal golf course offers 18-holes, 6000-yards
and is a very fair par-70. There are stunning views in all directions: Dartmoor to the north,
Burgh Island to the west, and on the eastern flank, Bantham Beach and the winding River
Avon. Sea breezes can make it interesting and different every time. We’re easy to find,
via the B3392 to Bigbury-on-Sea.
Outdoor activities
Outdoor activities
Fishing
Leisure Activities
‘Between the Moors and the Sea’. This short statement beautifully summarizes the
juxtaposition of Modbury and hints at the treasure trove of outdoor sporting opportunities that
lie within this area of the South Hams.
Miles of quiet country lanes await the adventurous or casual cyclist. Explore the villages and
hamlets of South Devon; ride along the Southern edge of Dartmoor or take a trip to the coast
and sit on the beach.
There are many resources to help you plan your cycling trip. The OS map for South Devon
OL20, is large scale and very detailed. Modbury has recently been added to the National
Cycle Network and Sustrans have signed a new Route 28 close to the town, which links
Plymouth and Salcombe.
More details and up-to-date information can be found at: http://www.devon.gov.
uk/index/transportroads/cycling/leisure_cycle_routes/southern_coastal_route.htm
Details of other cycle routes can be found at: http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/
Devon-Routes-71.html
Cycling
Mountain Biking & Off Road Cycling
Spoilt for choice!! With dozens of bridleways and green lanes right on our doorstep,
Modbury is ideally placed for exploring the countryside with your off-road bike.
Routes and bridleways can take you to the coast including Ayrmer Cove with many paths and
tracks in between. Runaway and Cotlass Lanes are only 2 minutes from the centre of the town!
Similarly, Dartmoor is only 5 miles to the North and can be accessed across country,
giving the opportunity to explore the valleys and forests of South Devon and cycle rarely used
routes, revealing much of the local history and wildlife.
An informal local group known as the Modbury Mountain Bikers meet once a week on Sunday
mornings (usually 10.30/11am) at Palm Cross Green Car Park (opposite Modbury School).
Good fun, low key rides of about 2 hours at a moderate pace.
Join the email list: [email protected] for weekly start times.
Haldon Forest, for off-road riding for all abilities. Only 30 minutes drive from Modbury on the A38,
a little west of Exeter you will find designated off-road cycling tracks for complete
beginners/families to serious mountain bikers. Excellent traffic free fun, graded trails and ample
parking; see here: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-6T7BHT
MARS in Modbury
Modbury Association of Recreation & Sport or MARS is responsible for providing and
coordinating Sport and Recreation facilities in the town. It is located at the town’s Recreation
Field in Chatwell Lane. It is home to Modbury Rovers Junior and Veteran’s Football Club,
Modbury Rovers Football Club, Modbury Tennis Club, Modbury Cricket Club (MCC)
and Bridge FC.
The field provides a large open and level space with a broad range of facilities. The use of
the town’s brand new and well equipped sports pavilion located on site; and is available for
private hire via the website: www.marsport.org
A Trim Trail and Memorial Garden have been added to the facilities; with a picnic area planned
for the coming year.
6
7
Riding in the South Hams
mailto:
[email protected]
www.chestonfarm.co.uk
is a licensed, BHS Highly Approved and Pony
Club (PC) Accredited Centre with a reputation
of delivering excellence. It offers something to
suit just about every equine enthusiast from
lessons for beginners to coaching advanced
riders! They have a varied team of riding
school horses from steady cobs to sport
horses and welcome many riders who bring
their own horse.
Additionally, if you are planning to visit South
Devon, the Centre offers sumptuous
accommodation in the recently renovated,
500 year old Cheston Farmhouse,
allowing you to use the centre as a base for
several days of riding and exploring beautiful
Dartmoor National Park and the South Devon
AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).
Cheston is not a pony trekking centre; but they
do offer fast and slow paced hacking out for
those competent and assessed. Children from
5+ can enjoy all day or all week programmes
of summer activities and Pony Club activities in
addition to the usual lessons.
Dittiscombe Equestrian Centre
Tel: 01548 581049
mailto:
[email protected]
www.dittiscombeequestrian.co.uk
is situated 2 miles inland from Slapton
Sands, which is famous for its role as a
training site for the D Day landings.
Established in 1989, DEC is a family run
business and a BHS approved,
licensed establishment. No mater if you are
5 or 105 riding is fun and exhilarating and
what’s more it’s excellent exercise.
At Dittiscombe private lessons, tailored to
your individual skill level, or group lessons
where the group is all of a similar level are
offered. Lessons are available for riders of 5
years + and can be taken on either your own
horse / pony or on one of DEC’s.
Coker-Brown
School of Riding 9
Tel: 07967 472097
mailto:
[email protected]
www.coker-brownschoolofriding.co.uk
The Coker-Brown School of Riding is based in
Staverton near Totnes. They have qualified
instructors, and are licensed and insured.
They offer riding lessons and hacking for all
ages and abilities, with a weight limit of 10.5
stone. There are no age restrictions so tiny
tots are welcome too! They offer private,semi
private or group lessons and club days on the
weekends which include 1 hour riding, 2 hours
stable management and caring for the pony.
During school holidays, there are opportunities
to attend pony days. They offer tailor made
birthday parties for all pony mad children!
Other riding
options for the more
experienced rider
include:
Genealogy & new features
Liberty-Trails
This year we are
pleased to introduce
two new features in the
Guide and on the
website: a section on
Genealogy and one on
foreign languages.
Tel: 07967 823674
Genealogy
Dartmoor Riding Holidays
Tel: 01837 52409
www.dartmoorridingholidays.co.uk
Dartmoor Cattle Drives
Tel: 01837 52409
www.dartmoorridingholidays.co.uk
(luxury riding packages)
www.liberty-trails.com
Modbury and District is an area steeped in
history. It is also an area that many have left
over the centuries for a life in the New World
of the Americas, principally Canada and the
USA, as well as Mexico. This means many
families from those countries use our website
to research their family history; and some
even travel here to find information about
their ancestors.
The departure of families from Modbury &
District to the Americas has been
continuous from the mid-16th Century
through to the mid-20th Century. The most
outstanding name to make the journey was
the local family of “hatters” called Stidson who
morphed into STETSON in the USA,
world famous for their Stetson hats!
In an effort to make the adventure of
accessing family roots both informative and
exciting, the Modbury TIC are creating links to
the ancient church of St. George, the Devon
Rural Archive at Shilstone, just outside of the
town, and the Modbury History Society.
Foreign Language
Having referred to families from the area
emigrating to the New World and their
descendents returning to it, we now extend a
warm welcome to those visiting us from,
shall we say, the old world of Europe, Russia,
China and the Far East.
from abroad by the
people of Modbury and
its hinterland of
surrounding 14 Parishes
of villages and hamlets.
Wir verlängern ein
herzliches
Willkommen auf
alle neuen und
zurückkommenden Besucher auf unsere
Stadt und Bezirk, ob vonanderwohin innenGroßbritannien
oder aus dem Ausland vorbei
die Leute von Modbury und
sein Hinterland des
Umgebens von 14 Gemeinden
der Dörfer und der Dörfchen.
Nous
prolongeons un
accueil chaleureux
à tous les nouveaux et retournants visiteurs
à notre ville et zone, si ailleurs
dedans du R-U ou de l’étranger
par les personnes de Modbury
et son hinterland d’entourer
14 paroisses desvillages et des
hameaux.
Special interest features
of the area include:
It is expected that various language options
will be available on the website.
AONB
We extend a warm
welcome to all new and
returning visitors to our
town and district,
whether from
elsewhere in the UK or
Being in an “Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty” (AONB) an area protected by Statute.
Famous Citizens
Modbury is the home of famous forebears,
in particular Lady Champernowne,
whose family gives its name to parts of the
town, and who is the mother of Sir Walter
Raleigh and Sir Humphrey Gilbert,
the renowned explore famous for his attempts
to find the Northwest Passage. He sailed from
Plymouth on June 11, 1583, and on August 3
arrived at St. John’s, Newfoundland, which he
claimed in the name of Queen Elizabeth I.
Although he drowned at sea on this
expedition, his exploits inspired many
adventurers and explorers over the centuries.
The Northwest Passage was eventually found
by the Norwegian explorer Amundsen.
New features
Cheston Farm
Equestrian Centre
(CFEC)
Tel: 01364 649461
Cheston is located six and a half miles (16
minutes) from Modbury and just a two-minute
drive from the A38. Facilities include a huge
indoor arena and outdoor arena make riding
lessons a pleasure whatever the weather.
8
Features
Riding
Civil War
Battle Sites
The setting for two Civil War battle sites,
as well as others nearby, from the 1640’s and
Britain’s’ Commonwealth period.
Architecture
Architectural examples from several significant
periods of our history, including Regency,
Georgian and Victorian.
Touring Base
Modbury is ideally placed as an
accommodation and touring base for access
to Dartmoor National Park, Settlements from
the Middle Ages and earlier, the historical
towns of Dartmouth and Totnes, the world
renowned yachting centre of Salcombe and
the maritime city of Plymouth, the departure
point for the Pilgrim Fathers on their voyage to
the New World in 1621.
These places and sites of special interest
simply add to the pleasure and range of
activities that Modbury and its hinterland
offer the visitor: from good and varied eating
places, offering locally sourced produce;
entertainment and attractions for all the family;
walks for all ages and levels of fitness,
expansive beaches meeting European
Standards; sports activities as varied as golf
(4 local courses), tennis, horse riding,
water sports including sailing, surfing water
skiing, or simply relaxing and reading about
the area in the Devon Rural Archive.
A great variety of place to stay can be found
in the Guide or from our web site.
Don’t forget, the Tourist Information Office
volunteers are very knowledgeable and
always eager to advise and help.
9
During the past decade, Modbury has become a
popular base with individual and many walking
groups. There are so many and varied walks to take:
in and around Modbury, the surrounding parishes,
the designation of the AONB (Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty) and the South Devon Coastal Path
(part of the 640 mile long national coastal path).
The question is how to choose
which path to follow?
The best advice available is at the Information
Centre where knowledgeable volunteers can assess
preferences and advise accordingly. Maps and routes
for all the walks can be bought at the Information
Centre, Tel: 01548 830159.
Imagine...
...miles of unspoilt open
country that takes your
breath away, quiet places
where babbling streams
form the backdrop to
memorable summer picnics
and small towns and
villages offer a warm
welcome after a day
activity…
The nearest access to
Dartmoor from Modbury
is probably the Western
Beacon, which rises
above the nearby
town of Ivybridge.
This is Dartmoor
National Park.
At 368 square miles
(954 square kilometres),
Dartmoor is the largest
open space in southern
England and only a short
journey from Modbury.
The southern edge of the National Park
contains wild open moorland, granite tors
and wooded river valleys. At its edge is a
landscape of small fields enclosed by stone
walls and hedge banks. Climb to the top of
Western Beacon, above the gateway town of
Ivybridge, and, on a clear day you will be
afforded spectacular views over the green
fields of the South Hams.
10
Other walks in and around Modbury
Heritage Trail
Starting from Modbury, explore our hidden
green lanes, footpaths and bridle ways
which are well signed and maintained.
There are many leaflets to assist you in
the Information Centre, located on
Church Street, Tel: 01548 830159
Eight circular walks of widely varying
lengths have been created, all starting and
finishing from the Poundwell Car Park.
Full details and maps can
be found and downloaded from
the Visit Modbury website:
http://www.visitmodbury.co.uk/walks
Printed copies are also available free of
The town’s Heritage Trail is a good starting
point. This trail began as a project in 1998
that identified 12 specific heritage sites
around the town, which are marked by
brass plaques. These plaques,
together with additional points of interest,
are highlighted in the Town’s Heritage Trail.
When walking these trails,
please be careful as there are no
pavements on some parts of the routes.
Copies of the Heritage Trail may be
obtained from the Information Centre.
charge from the Information Centre or
Post Office.
To find your way around the Town and to
identify the many historical features do
pick up the Explorers Guide to Modbury
leaflet and check out the website:
http://www.modbury-heritage.co.uk for a
wealth of information about its long
and rich history.
Detailed instructions and guidance for all
of these walks may be obtained from the
Modbury Information Centre,
2 Modbury Court, 32 Church Street;
Tel: 01548 830159.
Although the moorland here is a haven for
wildlife it also contains evidence of past human
activity and settlement, from prehistoric
burials and houses to the remains of 19th
century industry.
Dartmoor National Park is a place of contrasts
with something for everyone. Whether you
seek a place for quiet contemplation, a great
day out with the family, a gentle stroll, or the
thrill of adrenaline sports like mountain biking
or rock climbing, Dartmoor has it all.
Western
Beacon
For a fairly level walk, or off road cycle,
the ‘Puffing Billy Track’ will give you an
excellent introduction to the southern fringes
of Dartmoor. Access is from a lane alongside
the factory with the tall chimney on the B3213
at Bittaford. The lane is a dead end and has
limited parking at the top.
An alternative insight to the Moor can be
accessed from the Avon Dam that is
signposted along narrow roads from South
Brent. There is a large car park at Shipley
Bridge, with toilet facilities, and sometimes an
ice-cream van in the summer! Follow the River
Avon upstream, along the tarmac road (used
only by authorised vehicles) for approximately
2 miles to the reservoir.
This route is great for the very young cyclists
and completely accessible for wheelchair and
mobility scooter users.
South Devon
Coastal Path
The South West Coastal
Path is considered by many
to be the greatest coastal
walk in the UK. It is
England’s longest way
marked long-distance
footpath and a National
Trail. It stretches for 630
miles, running from
Minehead in Somerset,
along the coasts of Devon
and Cornwall, to Poole
Harbour in Dorset.
630 miles of beautiful
scenery, charming villages
and challenging walking.
The Modbury Information
Centre has information
about the stretch of the path
in South Devon; and can
advise you where to find the
best walks, charming pubs
and restaurants and special
places to stay.
Enjoying Dartmoor
Rambling around walks
Walks
For more information from Dartmoor National
Park Authority telephone (01822) 890414 or
visit www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk
The South West Coast Path originated as a
route for the Coastguard to walk from
lighthouse to lighthouse patrolling for
smugglers. They needed to be able to look
down into every bay and cove: as a result,
the path closely hugs the coast providing
excellent views but rarely the most direct path
between two points. The South West Coast
Path is no longer used by the Coastguard but
it has been transformed from a practical
defence system into a resource for recreational
walkers. The path is covered by England’s
right-of-way laws, as amended by the
Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
(CROW,) which keep historic footpaths open
to the public even when they pass through
private property. Sections of the path are
maintained by the National Trust, which owns
parts of the coast.
The path is a designated National Trail,
largely funded by Natural England. It was
created in stages, with its final section,
Somerset and North Devon, opening in 1978.
It is maintained by a dedicated South West
Coast Path Team.
The South West Coast Path Association,
a registered charity, exists to support the
interests of users of the path. The Association
was formed in 1973 and since then it has
campaigned for improvements to the path and
undertakes considerable fundraising to help
care for and improve the path. Its services
include accommodation guides and
completion certificates.
11
12
13
Local shops and services
2 Modbury Court, Modbury, Devon PL21 OQR • Telephone / Fax 01548 830159
www.modburytic.org.uk • [email protected]
Modbury is Europe’s first plastic bag free town!
Whether you are a local or a visitor, we are here to help you.
Our services include:
Finest food ‘tastefully’
presented
• Booking accommodation, locally and further afield • Transport information and timetables
• Discount vouchers for some local attractions • Ordnance Survey maps
• Local Guide & History Books • Postcards and Information Books
• Brochures for all local attractions
• WiFi available in the office
Our high standards
will exceed your
expectations
Authentic Outdoor
Cooking: Charcoal
barbecuing and Log
spit roasts
Compiled Mary Talbot-Rosevear
01548 831427 [email protected]
Designed Lauren at Kingfisher Print & Design Ltd
01803 867087 www.kingfisherprint.co.uk
Photos Alistair Davis
01752 895576 [email protected]
Print Kingfisher Print & Design Ltd
01803 867087 www.kingfisherprint.co.uk
Local produce from
our own farm beside
the Kingsbridge/
Salcombe Estuary
Claire J. Wallace – The Cordon Diploma
Tel: Kingsbridge (01548) 560191
Mobile: 07811 422612
E Mail: [email protected]
Web: www.claires-kitchen.co.uk
USEFUL INFORMATION
Doctors
Bank - Lloyds
Modbury Health Centre
01548 830666
Emergency Services
Police, Fire & Ambulance
Mondays – mobile bank with full
facilities (From April)
Chemist
Hospitals
South Hams, Kingsbridge
Open 7 days a week
Modbury Post Office
01548 830201
Dentist
01548 852349
Information on churches and times of
service in the area is available from
the Modbury Information Centre on
Tel 01548 830159.
Councils
Broad Street, 01548 830811
South Hams District Council,
01803 861234
Veterinary Surgery
South Moor Vets
New Mills, Modbury, 01548 830210
Modbury Parish Council
01548 modbury
830222infoguidesingle.pdf
street, Modbury traders still
do not issue plastic bags.
Nationally, a 5p charge is
made for plastic bags due
to legislation introduced by
the UK Government a few
years ago. We in Modbury
would like to think we
have influenced shoppers’
behaviour and brought about
a cultural change.
BIGBURY GOLF CLUB
Emergency: 999
Non-emergency: 101
Cash Point/ATM
ModburyCo-Op
Modbury Pharmacy, Broad Street
01548 830215
9 am-6 pm Monday-Friday,
9 am-5 pm Saturday
2017 is the 10th anniversary
of Modbury becoming a
plastic bag free town.
These days, Modbury is full
of biodegradable, organic,
Fairtrade, unbleached,
recycled carrier bags of every
description - except plastic.
The campaign to stop the
use of plastic bags began
in 2007 when Rebecca
Hosking and Tim Green
returned from Hawaii to their
home town of Modbury
where they had spent
the previous 12 months
filming ‘Hawaii-a message
from the Waves’, a wildlife
documentary for the
BBC Natural History Unit,
highlighting the problem
rubbish was causing to
Hawaii’s wildlife. Hawaii acts
as a ‘sink’, dragging in debris
and rubbish that people
flippantly discard.
Local traders met to preview
the film; and invited a
number of representatives
from companies that
produce alternatives to
plastic bags. At that meeting,
the idea of making Modbury
Europe’s first plastic bag
free town was suggested
and a show of hands
demonstrated that support
for that proposal was
unanimous.
The town’s traders
organised and on the 1st
May 2007 achieved their
objective of making the
town plastic bag free.
Ten years down the line
the campaign remains a
success. Despite many
changes on the high
Local shops and services
Modbury has shown that
with little effort you can
make a big difference
THE MODBURY INFORMATION CENTRE
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30/01/2017
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27/01/2017
18:21
SOUTH HAMS NATURAL
BURIAL GROUND
Lower Cross Park, Osbourne Newton
Aveton Gifford, Devon, TQ74PE
07734742177 | 07711039744
C
C
M
M
Y
Y
CM
CM
MY
MY
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CMY
CMY
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Membership options to suit all lifestyles.
Visitors, Groups & Societies welcome.
www.southhamsnaturalburialground-avetongifford.com
Great Greens, Stunning Scenery
14
Modbury & District Guide supported by Modbury Parish Council and Watson Fuels
15
St Luke’s
St Luke’s Hospice Shop
& The Little Book Shop
01548 830661
Award-winning farm shops selling real food from Devon’s farms
Farm Shop - fresh fruit and vegetables, artisan bread, groceries, fine wines and interesting
ales. Fresh fish from Ashburton’s award-winning Fish Deli
and POST OFFICE
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Come and visit our delightful village shop.
We stock everything for everyday needs plus a wide
range of local products, an excellent range of wines
and much, much more.
Thank you for your continued support
Broad Street Modbury
Open: 9 – 4.30pm Mon to Saturday
Café - from the best home-cooked breakfast, a light lunch or tea time treats, plus the deli
counter with our own Riverford pies and pasties, West country cheese selection and dailyprepared salads. The café garden is a delight in the summer.
Maison Boutique Modbury
Beauty Salon
Beauty Treatments
Body Treatments
Butchery - With a focus on local, ethically reared or organic meat, our friendly and helpful
butchers can advise you on the best cuts. We also cure our own bacon and make our own
sausages and burgers.
Find our Yealmpton shop at Kitley off the A379 t:01752 880925
Draw cash, post almost anything,
buy Euros and more. Even on a Sunday.
www.maisonboutiquemodbury.com
www.riverfordfarmshop.co.uk
Fore Street, Aveton Gifford, TQ7 4LL. Tel: 01548 550996
PICKLES
the one-stop holiday shop
Local shops and services
Local shops and services
Hospice
01548 831101
Knitting Yarns
Patchwork & Quilting Fabrics
Accessories and Patterns
Sewing Machines
Bright sunshine, sunny spells
 buckets & spades  barbecues
 beach games
 wetsuits
 blow-up boats
 windbreaks
rain, rain, rain...
 packaway macs
 pencils & pens
 painting kits
 wellingtons
 umbrellas
 puzzles
01548 831911
www.hulucrafts.co.uk
Sentinel House, Poundwell, Modbury, Devon, PL21 0XX
CHURCHES
Information on
churches and times
of service in the area
is available from the
Modbury Information
Centre on
Tel 01548 830159.
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© katewestart
Enjoy the British Weather with Pickles!
2 Broad Street, Modbury PL21 0PS
16
Call us on 01548 830412
www.picklesmodbury.co.uk
• 
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17
LODDISWELL, KINGSBRIDGE, DEVON TQ7 4EA
v Under same family ownership since 1971
Bed and Breakfast
v17th century farmhouse in seven acres,
adjoining 56 acres of nature reserve.
v3 bedrooms - all en suite and with tea/
coffee making facilities.
vGround floor room. TV lounge. Dining
room with beverage facilities. Large
garden.
The name Modbury comes from the Saxon ‘Moot Burgh’ – meaning a ‘meeting place’, so whether
you are catching up with family and friends, visiting for the first time, returning to the area,
or indeed passing through whilst working, Modbury is THE perfect place to rest and unwind.
Stay in any one of our Bed & Breakfasts, and receive a warm welcome from our experienced hosts.
Choose from our local inns, town houses, converted barns or working farms.
v Pets especially welcome free of charge.
Dog sitting available.
v Available for short breaks.
thebrownstongaller y
36 Church Street, Modbury, Devon PL21 0QR tel - 01548 831338
www.thebrownstongallery.co.uk
thebrownstongaller y
36 Church Street, Modbury, Devon PL21 0QR tel - 01548 831338
www.thebrownstongallery.co.uk
thebrownstongaller y
36 Church Street, Modbury, Devon PL21 0QR tel - 01548 831338
www.thebrownstongallery.co.uk
vClose to many beaches, Dartmoor National
Park and Plymouth
Sincere thanks to Alison
MacKenzie and Kate West for
their contributions to this year’s
Modbury Guide.
Accomodation
Local shops and services
v From £32 - £37 per person, per night
01548 821230 • [email protected]
Alison MacKenzie may be contacted at:
6 New Rd, Modbury, Tel: 01548 831492;
[email protected]
www.alisonmackenzie.com
Kate West Art, Cumery House, Galpin Street, Modbury.
01548 831391; www.katewestart.co.uk
Weeke View
Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast
Picturesque setting with wonderful views.
1.5 miles from Modbury. Comfortable bungalow
on working dairy & beef farm. 1 double
en-suite, 1 family en-suite & 1 single with private
bathroom. Perfect for touring South Hams,
Dartmoor & beaches. Delicious breakfast - local
produce. Good eating places recommended.
­Contact Ann Rogers
Weeke View, Weeke Farm, Modbury,
Ivybridge, South Devon PL21 0TT
Tel: 01548 830219 • Mob: 07972 839235
Open March - Nov from £30-£35 pppn.
© John Clamp
Market Days
18
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the
information contained within the Modbury Guide is
correct, the publishers take no responsibility for any
errors or omissions. The publishers of this Guide are
not responsible for any costs, loss or damage suffered
by any person, persons or company as a result of any
advertisement or article in this Guide.
Kingsbridge Farmers Markets
9 am-1 pm, 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month
Totnes Pannier & Antique Market
Friday & Saturday mornings
Dartmouth Farmers Markets
2nd Saturday of the month 9am – 1pm
Totnes ‘Good Food’ Sunday Market
3rd Sunday of the month 10am - 3pm
Kingsbridge Traders Markets
Mondays – during summer season
Kingsbridge Town Hall
CD Fair Saturdays (and Thursdays
Tuesdays – all year round
Easter to September)
Thursdays – Easter to December
Collectors Fair Mondays
Dartmouth Traders Markets
Fridays 9am – 3pm
(May to October)
Totnes Elizabethan Market
Tuesdays – May – September
Craft Market Fridays (Easter to Christmas)
www.weekefarm.co.uk
THE GRANGE
BED AND BREAKFAST
Waye Farm, Ermington, Devon PL21 3NU
Tel: 01752 830427 Mob: 07862 709825
Email: [email protected]
www.livermoreandree.co.uk
No longer a farm but standing peacefully amidst
agricultural fields, we are situated on the edge
of the A379, between Modbury & Yealmpton
not far from the sea or moors. We offer high
standard, en-suite accommodation and a hearty
English breakfast. Sorry no pets.
PRICES FROM £35.00 pppn
19
O
so ut
n of
br
ea
ks
.
se
a
Spacious self
catering wing of farmhouse,
complety self contained.
A warm welcome awaits you
on our family-run working
farm overlooking the sea and
sandy beaches of Bigbury
Bay. Close to golf course,
ideal for walking and fishing.
Bigbury-on-Sea, Kingsbridge TQ7 4AR
Mrs J Tucker
Tel: 01548 810267
E-mail: [email protected]
www.bigburyholidays.co.uk
Free wi-fi
Come
Come
andand
relax
relax
andand
unwind
unwind
@ @
The
The
Lodge
Lodge
Mary
Mary
Mills
Mills
Farm
Farm
“Dining Pub of the Year” 2010 ~ “Devon Chef of the Year” 2011
• Children
• Children
& pets
& pets
welcome
welcome
• Safe
• Safe
secluded
secluded
garden
garden
parking
parking
• Ample
• Ample
• 2 miles
• 2 miles
fromfrom
Kingsbridge
Kingsbridge
• 7 miles
• 7 miles
fromfrom
sandy
sandy
beaches
beaches
The
Tel.01548
Tel.01548
853669
853669
California
Country Inn
Reservations call
Accomodation
Accomodation
Self-catering
& Camping
Looking for a more independent stay? We have high quality Self-Catering
accommodation in cottages, converted barns or on farms. If you want a pitch, for
tent, motor-home, or caravan we have sites with stunning rural views, on sheltered
parkland, or close to the South West Coastal Path.
www.marymillsfarm.co.uk
www.marymillsfarm.co.uk
Email. [email protected]
Email. [email protected]
01548 821449
California Cross, Modbury
South Devon PL21 0SG
californiacountryinn.co.uk
FAMILY CAMPING
OVERLOOKING
BIGBURY BAY
Telephone:
01548 810267
Mrs J Tucker, Mount Folly Farm,
Bigbury-on-sea
E-mail: [email protected]
www.bigburyholidays.co.uk
10 minutes walk from
the beach.
Wash basins,
showers and toilets
STAY SOMEWHERE SPECIAL
This site is about five miles from
Plymouth City Centre, situated on
the A379 Plymouth to Kingsbridge
road. It is ideally located for touring
the Westcountry and is a sheltered
parkland site and only two minutes
walk to the village of Brixton.
Open all year.
All year caravan storage available.
20
Brixton
CaravanNr.
& Camping
Park, Devon
Brixton, PL8 2AX
Venn Farm,
Brixton,
Plymouth,
Plymouth, Devon, PL8 2BN
Tel/Fax:Tel:
01752
Mobile:
01752880378
402732 • •Mob:
07903 07903
432746 432746
www.vennfarm.co.uk
www.vennfarm.co.uk
Award winning family holiday village of luxury lodges in South Devon
•
•
•
•
16 acres of garden and woodlands
Indoor pool, gym, games room and outdoor play area
Minutes away from the coastal towns of Dartmouth & Salcombe
On the doorstep of Devon’s finest Blue Flag beaches
Book now…
Call 0800 680 0966 or visit www.thethatches.co.uk
21
Local pubs and restaurants
TonyTony
keeps
a sharp eye out for the best in local produce
keeps a sharp eye out for the best in local
to provide
a varied
and exciting
fixed-price
menu,
2 and 3
produce
to provide
an exciting
a la carte
menu,
which
is complimented
by anbyexcellent
wine wine
list. list.
courses,
which
is complemented
an excellent
A special
midweek
also available
on
A special
midweek
menumenu
is alsoisavailable
on a Tuesday,
Wednesday & Thursday evenings.
Wednesday & Thursday evening.
Such
appeal
First
Last,
it has
a strong
Such
is is
thethe
appeal
of of
thethe
First
andand
Last,
thatthat
it has
a strong
local
local following as well as customers who travel many miles
following
as
well
as
customers
who
travel
many
miles
to food.
enjoy
to enjoy a relaxed evening or Sunday lunch with superb
a relaxed evening or Sunday lunch with superb food.
It does get busy, particularly at weekends, so it’s very
Itadvisable
does get to
busy,
weekends,
so it’s very
bookparticularly
in advance.atHighly
recommended.
advisable to book in advance. Highly recommended.
www.thefirstandlastbistro.co.uk
www.thefirstandlastbistro.co.uk
01548 830671
01548 830671
Local pubs and restaurants
Personally run by Karen and her Chef husband Tony, the small
run and
by Karen
and her
Chef husband
Tony,
andPersonally
intimate
First
Last Bistro
in Ermington
is one
of the
the small and intimate First and Last Bistro in
of treasures
the South of
Hams.
Ermington istreasures
one of the
the South Hams.
THE WHITE HART
01548-831561
E
FRE RY
The White Hart, in the centre of
Modbury, offers an eclectic mix of
modern British Gastro Pub and
traditional European Cuisine from
its award-winning Chef,
Laur Gales. There is also an
excellent selection of wine,
local beer and cider.
ENT
Open Daily, 10 - 4.30
(except Xmas holiday period)
Chilli Sauces
and
Chocolates
Free sampling
every day
Cafe with
lovely views
Plant display
(Jun - Nov)
Free Tours
+ Chilli
Challenge
(seasonal)
Kids
activities
and
Play Area
22
Loddiswell, Devon TQ7 4DX
www.sdcf.co.uk tel: 01548 550782
O
10 mnly
ins
f
Mo rom
db
ury
23