Top 7 Natural Monuments around Buckland-Tout-Saints

The region around Buckland-Tout-Saints offers a diverse range of natural monuments. You'll find rugged coastlines, sandy coves, and rolling countryside within the expansive South Devon National Landscape. A short drive away, Dartmoor National Park presents dramatic moorlands and granite tors. Specific highlights include prominent headlands like Bolt Head, picturesque beaches such as South Sands Beach, and unique woodland areas like Buckland Wood.

The South Devon National Landscape, where Buckland-Tout-Saints is situated, is renowned for its diverse and picturesque environments. It features rugged cliffs, sandy coves, tranquil countryside, rolling hills, and secretive estuaries. It also boasts ancient oak woodlands, some of which are considered 'temperate rainforests,' teeming with mosses, lichens, and diverse birdlife. The area offers an extensive network of footpaths, including a 96km section of the South West Coast Path, providing breathtaking coastal views.

Yes, you can. Buckland Wood, located within Dartmoor National Park, is a notable natural feature and part of a Woodland Trust Rainforest Recovery Project. This 102-hectare site is a rare temperate rainforest, characterized by its lush lichens, mosses, and bryophytes, with the River Dart flowing through it. It offers a unique opportunity to experience a globally important habitat.

Absolutely. Dartmoor National Park, a short drive from Buckland-Tout-Saints, offers a dramatic contrast with its wild, open moorlands. It's characterized by expansive moorlands, forests, rivers, wetlands, and iconic craggy granite tors. You can explore its striking tors, swathes of heather, and deep river valleys, which offer stunning views and a sense of wilderness.

Two excellent options are Bantham Beach and Bigbury-on-Sea Beach. Bantham Beach is known for its vast golden sands, consistent waves for surfing, and rock pools. It's great for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Bigbury-on-Sea Beach features a sweeping stretch of sand and clear, shallow waters, ideal for families. It's also popular for windsurfing, paddleboarding, and kitesurfing, and offers the unique experience of walking or taking a sea tractor to Burgh Island at low tide.

Yes, South Sands Beach is considered one of the most unspoilt beaches in South Devon. Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it's part of a cove, providing shelter from sea winds and making it a delightful sun trap. Another lovely option is Soar Mill Cove, a secluded sandy beach great for swimming, nestled in a valley just outside Salcombe with majestic National Trust coastline all around.

The area is rich with walking opportunities. You can enjoy scenic coastal footpaths, such as the one leading to Sharp Tor Coastal Path, which offers lovely views and connects to Bolt Head. Dartmoor National Park provides 450 miles of paths across its moorlands. For more general hiking, you can find various routes in the area, including easy loops around Kingsbridge Harbour or along the Avon Estuary. Explore more options in the Hiking around Buckland-Tout-Saints guide.

Yes, the coastal path around Bolt Head is known for being a challenging but rewarding section of the South West Coast Path. The trail above Starehole Bay is particularly impressive. The dramatic clifftops along Bigbury-on-Sea also offer excellent walking opportunities with stunning views.

Bantham Beach is one of the most popular surfing spots in South Devon, suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. It's also great for paddleboarding and kayaking. Bigbury-on-Sea is a popular spot for windsurfing, paddleboarding, and kitesurfing, thanks to its clear, shallow waters and open expanse.

Many natural monuments in the area are family-friendly. South Sands Beach and Bigbury-on-Sea Beach are ideal for families, offering safe swimming, rock pooling, and plenty of space for beach games. Overbeck's House and Gardens, while a historical site, also offers beautiful gardens that families can enjoy, often with family-oriented activities.

Dartmoor National Park is rich in archaeological artifacts, featuring Neolithic tombs, Bronze Age stone circles, and ancient field systems. The iconic Burgh Island, accessible from Bigbury-on-Sea, has historical ties to smuggling and was a source of inspiration for Agatha Christie. Additionally, Overbeck's House and Gardens, now a National Trust property, offers a glimpse into the eccentric life of its former owner, Otto Overbeck, and his unique inventions.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning coastal views, especially along the paths around Bolt Head and Sharp Tor Coastal Path. The unspoilt nature of beaches like South Sands Beach and the unique experience of the South Sands Ferry are also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the sense of tranquility and the opportunity to reconnect with nature, whether on a secluded beach or exploring the dramatic moorlands of Dartmoor.

Yes, there are several cycling routes in the wider area around Buckland-Tout-Saints. You can find routes that explore the Kingsbridge Estuary or take you past highlights like South Milton Sands. For a comprehensive list of options, refer to the Cycling around Buckland-Tout-Saints guide.