Best attractions and places to see around East Allington, a village in South Hams, Devon, offers a mix of historical sites, rural landscapes, and coastal proximity. The area is characterized by rolling countryside, woodlands, and access to the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Visitors can explore local footpaths and enjoy views of the Dart Estuary and the English Channel.
Last updated: May 25, 2026
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Make your Bakewell Slice last at the cafe. Β£3.80 and its a two-chomper :-)
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Just love the character that Dartmouth has to offer. The inner harbour is cute with shops and houses around it and a small park directly adjacent to it.
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Great little place to visit. It's an English Heritage Site so free entry for members.
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This American Sherman Tank was recovered from the sea in 1984. It is a memorial to those who lost their lives during exercise Tiger. Exercise Tiger was ill-fated with instances of friendly fire, miss managed communications and amidst the confusion German fast attack boats slipped in amongst the landing craft and sunk a couple. About 700 allies lost their lives here practising for the D-Day landings.
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Dartmouth Castle was built in 1388 to protect the rich town's harbour against French raids. About a hundred years later the walls were strengthened, and the gun tower was added. This was the first coastal artillery installation in the UK. The castle was updated in the mid 1600s for the English civil war. It's been updated several times since then, and was used in the first and second world war. Today the castle is managed by English Heritage, it's open for visitors every day from 10:00 - 17:00. It's paid entry unless you're an English Heritage member.
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Definitely worth it. A delightful little experience and cheap too
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The Dartmouth to Totnes ferry takes you on a scenic river trip up or down the River Dart. It takes about one and half hours each way and costs Β£19 per adult (May 2023). You can only buy a return which is a shame as it's a really nice walk on the west shore of the Dart following the John Musgrave Heritage Trail. The ferry runs regularly between April and September with a restricted service in October and no sailings in the winter.
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The Dartmouth Passenger ferry is one of three ferries which cross between Dartmouth and Kingswear. The passenger ferry runs about every 15mins and costs Β£2 per adult (May 2023 price). Ferries run every day between about 7:30 & 18:50. The car ferries which also take passengers run later.
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The area around East Allington is rich in history. You can visit Dartmouth Castle, a 14th-century fortress that guarded the Dart Estuary and was the UK's first coastal artillery installation. Nearby, explore the Gallants Bower Civil War Fort Ruins, which offer insights into 17th-century conflicts and remarkable views. Additionally, the Sherman Tank Memorial near Slapton Sands commemorates the tragic D-Day rehearsal, Exercise Tiger.
Yes, there are several family-friendly options. The Dartmouth Castle is suitable for families, offering historical exploration and a tearoom. A scenic trip on the Dartmouth to Totnes Ferry provides a relaxing way to see the River Dart. For more active fun, Woodlands Family Theme Park is located about 3.4 miles away, and Pennywell Farm is another popular family attraction in the wider area.
East Allington is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. You can enjoy panoramic country views from local footpaths. The Gallants Bower Civil War Fort Ruins offer amazing 360Β° views both inland and out to sea. The South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is easily accessible, featuring diverse landscapes, including inland hills and stunning coastline. Slapton Ley, the largest natural freshwater lake in South West England, is a significant National Nature Reserve popular for walks and birdwatching.
The area offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. You can explore many local footpaths and rural walks through lush, rolling countryside. For specific hiking routes, consider the easy hikes available, such as the 'Avon Mill Garden Centre β Loddiswell Village Well loop' or the 'Salcombe Dairy Beach Cafe β Slapton Sands Memorial loop'. Find more details and routes on the Easy hikes around East Allington guide.
Yes, East Allington is an excellent area for road cycling. You can find various routes, including the 'St Peter's Church, Ugborough β Winding Road Near Modbury loop' or the 'Kingsbridge Harbour β Salcombe Ferry Dock loop'. These routes offer a chance to explore the soft hillsides, woodlands, and small fields linked by thick hedgerows. More road cycling routes are detailed in the Road Cycling Routes around East Allington guide.
The Dartmouth Inner Harbour is a charming spot at the mouth of the River Dart, popular for its character and small craft. You can also take the Dartmouth to Totnes Ferry for a scenic river trip. For coastal experiences, Slapton Sands is a shingle beach with historical significance, and Blackpool Sands is another beautiful beach located about 5.2 miles from the village.
Slapton Sands is a shingle beach with a poignant history. It served as a rehearsal site for the D-Day landings during World War II, where 749 American soldiers tragically lost their lives during an attack in 1944. The Sherman Tank Memorial nearby stands as a tribute to these servicemen.
East Allington hosts the annual East Allington Whacky Races, a popular community event where the village's main road is closed for a fun competition featuring homemade soapbox go-karts racing downhill. This event showcases the village's vibrant community spirit.
The bustling market towns of Kingsbridge and Totnes, and the historic port town of Dartmouth, are all within easy reach of East Allington. These towns offer further amenities, shops, and cultural experiences. The charming South Devon village of Blackawton is also nearby for a pleasant visit.
The Fortescue Arms is a beautiful 19th-century pub in East Allington, known for its rustic charm, antique settles, roaring log fire, and warm welcome. It's a popular spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy food and drinks.
East Allington offers several moderate running trails through its scenic countryside. Popular routes include the 'Bottomclose Plantation loop', 'Wallaton Cross loop', and 'Allington Wood loop', all starting from East Allington. These trails provide excellent opportunities to enjoy the rural landscape while running. You can find more details on the Running Trails around East Allington guide.
St Andrew's Church is a Grade II listed building with origins dating back to the 13th century, significantly enlarged in the 14th century. It holds historical importance as the venue for a major announcement during World War II concerning the evacuation of large parts of South Devon for D-Day preparations.


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