Dittisham | South Devon Village Guide
Dittisham, or ‘Ditsum’ to locals, is a picturesque riverside village nestled on the west bank of the River Dart....
Loddiswell is a pretty village on the edge of the River Avon. It’s a popular destination for South Devon residents and visitors for a range of reasons. These include the village’s beautiful woodland walks along the river, its popular garden centre and the friendly pub.
Click on a link if you’re looking for something specific or read on for our full guide.
Loddiswell is quite a big village by South Hams standards, with a population of 921 according to the most recent Census. Most visitors will arrive in the village via the B3196.
Leaving Kingsbridge north via Fore Street, simply follow the road and continue straight at Sorley Green Cross and carry on until you reach the village. It’s around three miles away.
Coming from Salcombe via Churchstow, take a left at the first roundabout after you leave the village then continue on the A381 until you reach a crossroads (Sorley Green Cross). Turn left and follow the road until you reach the village. You’ll find it about three miles past Churchstow.
Loddiswell is about 15 miles from Dartmouth. Leave Dartmouth on the A3122 and turn left at Totnes Cross (Halwell) onto the A381. There are a few alternative routes but the easiest is to follow the A381 until you reach Sorley Green Cross (13 miles from Dartmouth), at which point turn right and follow the road until you arrive in the village.
There’s a lot to do in and around the village, with some nice foodie attractions, scenic walks and more. Let’s have a look at some of the things to do and points of interest.
Run by the landlady and resident chef, Helen Greet, the Loddiswell Inn serves traditional ‘pub grub’ with weekly special deals like half-price steak on Thursdays and discounts on fish and chips every Friday. It’s a spacious dog-friendly inn with welcoming feel, frequented by villagers and visitors alike. The Loddiswell Inn is situated just off the village square. There’s no car park on site but there’s free public parking about 80 m away.
On the edge of Loddiswell on Woodleigh Road, Avon Mill Garden Centre includes a farm shop, deli and café, plus a gift shop, art gallery, fashion boutique and personal fitness centre.
It even doubles as an occasional theatre, having hosted open-air Shakespeare last year and will do so again in 2017. On 16th and 17th June, Theatre Hub will perform The Tempest at Avon Mill. Find out more on their events pages.
The child and baby-friendly café at Avon Mill is a popular place to go for breakfasts, lunches and Cream Teas. You’re also welcome to bring your dog. Why not dine or drink al fresco when the sun’s out, making the most of the green and pleasant surroundings.
Run by local couple Amy and Richard, Valley View Café is one of Loddiswell’s biggest draws for local foodies. Much of the food is sourced from the farm shop at Aune Valley Meat just next door, and the views are second-to-none.
About one mile from the village, you’ll find our region’s hottest attraction, the South Devon Chilli Farm. Pay a visit to find out more about how chillies are grown, choose from an amazing variety of chilli-infused products or enjoy a spicy snack or meal in the café.
In the centre of the village, St Michael and All Angels Church is of 14th century origins, and was enlarged in the following century. It’s within the Church of England Diocese of Exeter, and you can find out more here.
On Fore Street, there also a non-affiliated church with origins in the 19th century. Find out more about the history of Loddiswell Congregational Church here.. You can also hire this venue for events such as children’s parties or meetings.
A relatively small venue, suitable for up to 100 people, Loddiswell Village Hall is located next to the main car park and has a well-equipped kitchen adjacent to the main room. Find out more about availability, pricing and facilities on the Devon Village Halls website.
Loddiswell Post Office (TQ7 4QH) is open from Monday to Saturday. During the week, it opens from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm with a one-hour lunch break from 1 pm to 2 pm.
On Saturdays, it’s open from 8.30 am to 1 pm.
There’s a SPAR in Loddiswell, which opens from 6.30 am to 8.30 pm Monday to Saturday, and from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm on Saturdays. A well-stocked village shop, it’s a greengrocer, off-licence and bakery, also selling fresh meat and a range of other convenience items.
Note that there’s also a Tesco and Morrison’s less than four miles away in the market town of Kingsbridge.
On the edge of the River Avon and Loddiswell Woods, and set amongst the peaceful rolling countryside of South Devon, the village makes a fantastic place for keen hikers to visit.
For example, this leafy stroll takes in some stunning woodland and riverside scenery and is known as one of the classic walks of the area.
Have you tried this walk from Dartmouth to Greenway and Dittisham? Explore some of the most spectacular views in the region, which stretch as far as Torbay on a clear day, discover Agatha Christie’s former holiday home and estate, and pop into an excellent pub like the Ferry Boat Inn in Dittisham to refuel.
Loddiswell and the surroundings hamlets and villages offer a lovely backdrop for a peaceful break. Here are some self-catering holiday highlights.
Hope Cottage, on the six acre grounds of Lower Idston, is just a mile from Loddiswell and benefits from stunning rural views over the peaceful Avon Valley. There are two comfortable bedrooms, one of which is en-suite, and a separate annexe for use upon request.
This additional accommodation, known as the Pump House, is available for £100 per week in mid or high season. Guests at Hope Cottage are welcome to explore the extensive, beautifully-landscaped grounds and also have access to a private terrace.
Find out more about Hope Cottage.
This cosy annexe within the extensive grounds of Manor Cottage (the owners’ home) is located in Woodleigh, just a few miles from Loddiswell. Being within easy reach of Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Bigbury Bay and Bantham Beach makes it ideal for keen walkers and others who love to explore. To the front of the property there’s a private garden and barbecue/picnic area, ideal for making the most of sunny days.
In addition to an extensive range of self-catering properties in Dartmouth and Salcombe, Coast & Country Cottages offers a variety of rural holiday homes perfect for those looking for a tranquil getaway.
Explore all of our holiday homes in South Devon villages now.
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