Dittisham | South Devon Village Guide
Dittisham, or ‘Ditsum’ to locals, is a picturesque riverside village nestled on the west bank of the River Dart....
Surrounded by stunning countryside and situated a little off the beaten track, East Allington is a rural, agricultural South Devon village. Nestled amongst working farms and quiet country lanes, it provides the perfect bolthole for a secluded escape, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
With the towns of Totnes, Kingsbridge and Dartmouth just a short distance away, and easy access to the beautiful South Devon coast and also Dartmoor National Park, it is conveniently placed to explore the surrounding area. This small and wonderfully formed village is home to a thriving and active local community.
Expect to find an active church, small village store, primary school and extensive playpark when you visit, not to mention the annual East Allington Whacky Races, depending upon the time of year! Well-known as the home of one of the region’s most popular pubs, it also provides some lovely views and enjoyable rural walks. Despite its size, you won’t find yourself short of things to do when visiting.
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The village is well–served by The Fortescue Arms. A beautiful nineteenth-century pub that’s full of features from many years ago. Expect an eclectic mix of rustic tables, antique settles and a roaring log fire.
It’s a favourite watering hole with locals as well as visitors who’ve been lucky enough to make the discovery, and it’s particularly well-known for its warm welcome. Pets are also welcomed with open arms in the bar area where you can purchase a ‘dog’s dinner’ for just £5! So be sure to ask a member of staff for details.
What’s more, there is a tethering post and freshwater for horses located in the car park. While families are encouraged to dine here, the owners do request that children remain seated and supervised.
The menu focuses on traditional pub classics using local and seasonal produce. Take a look at the lunch, dinner and Sunday menus here, and always try to book a table in advance because it does get busy.
Whilst the village of East Allington may appear small and secluded, don’t be deceived. You will find a wealth of things to do, both in doorstep adventures and activities a little further afield. Should you want to stay within the village, spend your time exploring the myriad of local footpaths that take in panoramic country views and enjoy a bounty of local wildlife.
If you’re looking to venture slightly further afield, perhaps bring your road bike and tally up a few miles navigating the local area. Slapton Sands is around five miles to the South-East should you want to escape to the coast, or visit the beautiful South Devon village of Blackawton.
For those after something a little more gentle, head to the pub for some sumptuous food and a little downtime or relax in the comfort of your self-catering holiday cottage. The village of East Allington provides its visitors with the ultimate opportunity to really slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures life has to offer.
Just a short drive away you will find a wealth of activities to enjoy. For those in search of a little retail therapy, why not head to the bustling market town of Totnes where you will find a huge variety of things to do. Or perhaps you’ll prefer the harbour towns of Dartmouth and Salcombe, all of which are home to a range of independent boutique stores.
For those with children hankering after something a little different (and needing to burn some energy!) there are several popular family attractions nearby. Take a look at Woodlands Theme Park and Pennywell Farm, as well as Paignton Zoo a little further afield but well worth the visit!
For outdoor enthusiasts, the South West Coast Path provides an abundance of nearby walking adventures, as does The Dart Valley Trail. Don’t forget Dartmoor National Park which boasts incredible Dartmoor walks for all ages and abilities further afield.
Walking aside, you’re never too far from the water or the stunning countryside. Whether you’re looking to head down to the river at Dittisham and Tuckenhay, or on the coast where you can wild swim, surf, paddle board and kayak – the list is exhaustive!
This region of South Devon is the ultimate playground regardless of age, taste, rain or shine, so be sure to take some time and read our comprehensive round-up on things to do in South Devon.
The East Allington Whacky Races is an exciting downhill go-kart race where homemade carts compete in an exhilarating race against the clock. This is one of South Devon’s wackiest days out, jam-packed with family fun, stalls, activities and refreshments.
Car parking for the event is free, and all proceeds raised are divided between the Devon Air Ambulance Trust and a combination of local groups and organisations. The races began in 2005, and have to date, raised over £30,000 for charity, which we think is an incredible achievement!
If you’re feeling really up to the challenge why not enter the Wacky Races yourself? The best way to register your interest is via their active Facebook page. Good Luck!
East Allington boasts an enviable recreational ground. Enjoy a multi-purpose fenced play area with newly installed equipment, football field, skateboarding ramp, picnic area and large dog-friendly meadow.
It comes as no surprise that the village is proud of this green space. It is the perfect place to take small children (and canine companions alike!) should they need to burn off some excess energy. Located opposite the grounds of the East Allington Football Club, there is limited (but not often busy) roadside parking.
St Andrew’s Church in East Allington stands proudly in an elevated position, adjacent to the Fortescue Arms pub. A Grade II listed building, the parish church was enlarged in the 14th Century, and its origins are thought to be rooted in the century prior.
It underwent extensive work in the early 1500s before a major restoration in the 19th century. The church is particularly famous because it was the venue for a significant announcement during World War II when large parts of South Devon were evacuated for what turned out to be the D-Day preparations.
The church is particularly active on its Facebook page, so do check this for regular updates. Leading to the church you will find a footpath from the village park. This makes for a lovely, gentle family stroll, best enjoyed with a meal in the pub afterwards – the perfect Sunday day out.
In the village of East Allington itself you will find a small village store (situated just off Laburnum Way). Here you can pick up various day to day essentials you might need. The nearest larger supermarkets are situated in the towns of Kingsbridge and Totnes should you want to do a more extensive shop.
If you don’t fancy venturing to the shops then perhaps order a Riverford Organic food box for delivery direct to your holiday cottage.
East Allington is conveniently located in the heart of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just off the A381. Nestled in rolling countryside, the village is just over 3 miles from the village of Halwell, approximately 4 miles from Kingsbridge and around ten miles from Totnes.
There is no central car park in the village but residential roadside parking is plentiful. As always though, please park with respect to the locals.
The Mounts is a small hamlet on the A381 consisting of just 17 houses. Officially part of the Parish of East Allington, it is located about one mile from the main village.
East Allington and the surrounding South Devon countryside makes for a wonderful place for a holiday. With picturesque villages, a relaxed pace of life and simple pleasures – most notably traditional pubs and secluded walks.
Coast & Country Cottages offer an extensive selection of village properties, from country escapes to traditional coastal cottages and even rural farmhouses.
Regardless of whether you’re a couple in search of a romantic break, a larger group or family looking for a spacious holiday home, or you wish to bring your canine companion for a dog-friendly holiday in South Devon, we have holiday cottages to suit your requirements.
If you can’t find exactly what you are looking for then please do contact our friendly team who will be happy to help.
Book your holiday cottage near East Allington
Struggling to find the perfect property, why not take a look at these elegant properties for inspiration. You can even book these properties today, so they are well worth a look.
Furneaux Hatch is a wonderful traditionally thatched, Grade 2 listed cottage. Boasting an attractive interior, quaint exterior, and within close proximity to local attractions. With stunning views of the countryside, this property offers some brilliant walks right on your doorstep.
It sleeps up to four people so would be perfect for small families, and what’s more, is it’s dog friendly too. Be aware though, the back garden is not fully enclosed and backs onto livestock fields so dogs and children will need to be supervised.
Rosemary Cottage is a beautifully presented three-bedroom cottage in the tasteful Buckland Court. It’s ideal for families as well as couples or friends. A little over two miles from East Allington, Rosemary Cottage offers exposed roof beams and stripped wooden floors for a stylish, yet authentic cottage feel.
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