Dittisham | South Devon Village Guide
Dittisham, or ‘Ditsum’ to locals, is a picturesque riverside village nestled on the west bank of the River Dart....
The picturesque South Devon village of Malborough can be found nestled between the towns of Salcombe (2.3 miles) and Kingsbridge (4.5 miles). Amongst rolling countryside in the heart of South Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Perched high on the hills above the Salcombe Estuary, close to the South West Coast Path, the views found in the village are spectacular. Once you’ve become privy to the magic of Malborough, it is easy to see why it’s regarded as one of South Devon’s hidden jewels! Even in the height of summer, when the honeypot of Salcombe is jam-packed with visitors, there is a beautifully calm, relaxed feel to the village.
A strong sense of community envelopes Malborough. With a thriving village hall, established play area, two lively village pubs, a post office that is also home to the well-stocked Burton Farm Shop, an active church, and a bustling primary school.
Malborough is the perfect holiday destination for outdoor enthusiasts, especially those in search of a walking holiday. From the village itself you will find many walking routes that navigate stunning coast and countryside.
Looking for something in particular? Use our quick links to navigate the content, or read on for our comprehensive guide to the South Devon village of Malborough.
Malborough is located just off the A381 between the towns of Salcombe and Kingsbridge. It is a popular destination not just with residents but also with those that choose to visit.
It’s the perfect bolthole if you’re looking to slow down and retreat into village life. And it’s perfectly situated for exploring the stunning surroundings that South Devon has to offer. For those using a satnav, the postcode central to the village is TQ7 3RZ.
Contrary to what you might expect from a small village, you will find plenty of parking in Malborough. And best of all, it’s free of charge! Whilst there is a small amount of road parking to be found in residential areas, we recommend that visitors use the allocated car parks. These can be found at the Village Hall car park, the Village Square.
Additionally, there is limited parking outside the Church gates should you be attending worship or using the Post Office facilities. Needless to say, always park with respect for the local residents.
You will find the public toilets located in the village square, situated directly next to the Post Office. Providing maximum convenience, these are open 24/7. Additionally, the Co-operative also has toilets for their customers to use. These are open for the duration of their opening hours.
Regardless of your preferred pastime, you certainly won’t find yourself short of things to do when visiting the village of Malborough.
For outdoor enthusiasts, activities can be found in abundance, with walking very much dominating the scene. Located in close proximity to the South West Coast Path, the village is a popular destination for ramblers, especially those in search of a dog-friendly holiday. There are numerous walks you can enjoy, starting from the village itself.
As you would expect, being surrounded by rolling South Devon countryside, Malborough is a haven for wildlife, so stay alert and keep on the lookout. At key times such as sunrise or sunset, you are likely to spot birds of prey traversing the landscape.
The peace and tranquillity of Malborough also make it a great spot to simply kick back and relax from the comfort of your holiday cottage, and perhaps indulge in a good book!
Nothing illustrates the vibrancy of this postcard South Devon village better than its large and well-used village hall. You will find the event schedule positively thriving. Hosting regular performances from the amateur theatrical groups, KATS (the Kingsbridge Amateur Dramatic Society) and MAD (Malborough Amateur Dramatics), whose pantomimes, musicals and other works play to large enthusiastic crowds.
There are also regular workshops and other sessions such as yoga classes. You can find out more about what’s happening at the Malborough Village Hall via their website.
Situated next to the village hall you will find the Malborough Playing Fields, providing a popular and enviable play area!
Enjoying multi-purpose play equipment, football and cricket pitches, tennis courts, outdoor gym equipment and even a skate park it comes as no surprise that the village is extremely proud of this public space. With ample onsite parking too, this is the perfect spot to take both children and adults, who need to burn off a little excess energy.
The highpoint of Malborough, both geographically and architecturally, is the beautiful All Saints Church. A Grade I listed building with roots in the 14th century. It was largely rebuilt in the 15th century and has undergone significant work at various times since. You can find out more from its legacy record here.
All services are on a Sunday at 10am unless otherwise stated, and everyone is warmly welcome. The church is also a popular place for walkers from Hope Cove or Salcombe to stop and look around.
Malborough is a walker’s wonderland. You will find a myriad of rambles that leave from the village itself, navigating the ebb and flow of the South Devon countryside, and leading onto the sweeping South West Coast Path.
Best of all, there are walks to suit every age and ability. And even an accessible cycle path that leads all the way down to Salcombe! Three circular walks that start from Malborough include (but are not limited to!):
Within 1.5 to 2 hours walk, you can reach the white sand beaches of Hope Cove and Soar Mill Cove and just a little further, those of South Milton Sands and Thurlestone Beach.
This dramatic and rugged coastline sharply contrasts the rolling South Devon hills providing quite a spectacle. More often than not you will cross paths with a handful of mellow and friendly highland cows. And if you’re really lucky, you may spot a pod of dolphins playing in the crystal clear waters!
From Salcombe, it is easy to catch a bus back to Malborough if you’re feeling too tired to walk the return journey. At Coast & Country Cottages it’s no secret that we are keen walkers, and collectively, we have many South Devon footpaths. So be sure to read our comprehensive guide on South Devon Walks should you wish to learn a little more.
It’s no secret that South Devon is a food lover’s paradise, and Malborough is perfectly situated to take advantage of all that the region has to offer.
The nearby towns and villages of Salcombe, Hope Cove and Kingsbridge are also home to an array of superb restaurants that make excellent use of local produce. As a result, holidays in this part of South Devon are most definitely a foodie experience.
Being within close proximity to the coast, you will find some of the regions best beachside cafés. Head to the likes of The Winking Prawn at North Sands for casual seafood, or the Beachhouse at South Milton for dinner at sunset with the most exceptional views and local ice cream at Salcombe Dairy. If laid back beach dining is your vibe, be sure to read our guide to South Devon’s most special beachside cafés.
Alternatively, take the short journey to Salcombe where you’ll find some of our favourite pubs. Including the Victoria Inn, Island Street Bar and Grill, The Fortescue Inn and The Ferry Inn, plus a wide range of bistros and restaurants. For fine dining, read our round up of five mouthwatering Salcombe restaurants, and if this isn’t enough inspiration, you can always read our mouthwatering culinary blog content.
One of two village pubs, The Old Inn is a popular establishment and is widely known for its friendly staff and good food at reasonable prices.
The bar has been recently refurbished to create an even warmer, more characterful place to visit, and is proving exceptionally popular with local residents, which is always a telltale sign of a good haunt!
The Old Inn welcomes both well-behaved children and dogs, making it a great spot for families.
With an attractive beer garden and roaring fire in the winter, The Royal Oak pub is popular all-year round. Both local residents and holidaymakers from Salcombe and the surrounding area come to The Royal Oak to sample the many delights it has on offer.
Live music, such as the monthly acoustic jam sessions they host, adds to the sense of vibrancy around this pub, as does the local artwork that adorns the walls. The Royal Oak is dog-friendly throughout, and always provides four-legged friends and their owners a warm welcome.
For a village that is relatively small in its size, it certainly packs a punch with regards to the facilities on offer.
You will find everything you need within the village to take care of your daily needs. A well stocked Co-operative shop (also baking fresh bread and croissants daily!), petrol station and a Post Office that is open six days a week, from 09.00 – 15.00.
Burton Farm Shop, also found at the Post Office, offers a sumptuous selection of local fruit and vegetables, bread, organic milk, free range eggs, meat, cheese preserves and chutneys and an array of sweet and savoury treats!
Ashby’s, a family run, locally orientated superstore is also within close proximity either by foot or by car. Not only do they operate the popular Blue Whale Café, but here you can also find a well stocked food hall. Including products from the sumptuous Salcombe Meat Company, household and kitchenware items, pet products and a wide selection of beach/watersports accessories, as well as a selection of toys and games.
The nearest large supermarkets can be found in Kingsbridge (Tesco and Morrisons). And in Salcombe you will find a greengrocer, butcher, numerous delicatessens and many more foodie delights – creamy fudge, sweets and ice-cream included!
The attractions found in Malborough aren’t just limited to what you’ll find in the village itself. Within a few miles, you will find an array of additional things to do. There’s something to suit everyone, regardless of whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, foodie, history buff, culture vulture or seasoned shopaholic!
For water-based enthusiasts, Malborough is perfectly situated to take advantage of not just an array of nearby beaches, but also the Salcombe Estuary. You will also find nearby sailing, surfing, kite-surfing, kayaking and paddleboarding options on offer.
If you’re in search of something a little less active and more ‘rest and relaxation’, just a short distance away is the bustling town of Salcombe. It’s cobbled streets are home to an array of boutique shops, art galleries and sumptuous waterside eateries. Read our carefully curated guide on the best things to do in Salcombe for more information.
If you’re partial to a little history, then further afield you will find the historic town of Dartmouth, and of course the famous Dartmouth Castle.
A little further along Start Bay is the village of Hallsands home to the ‘village that fell in the sea’, and also Start Point Lighthouse where you can learn tales of storms and shipwrecks. For more inspiration, read our comprehensive guide on things to do in South Devon.
At the centre of a triangle of popular holiday destinations. Malborough is a short distance by car or foot from a myriad of beautiful beaches.
Favourites include Soar Mill Cove, North Sands, South Sands (from here, you’re only a ferryboat trip away from the golden sands of East Portlemouth). Other beaches can be found at Hope Cove and neighbouring South Milton.
The stretch of South Devon coastline closest to Malborough is a paradise for beach fanatics. It boasts a wealth of both secluded coves and large sandy expanses that are perfect for exploring.
Should you want to venture a little further afield you are spoilt for choice, the shingle shores of Hallsands, Beesands and Slapton Sands offer a different experience entirely. But for something more wild and rugged, be sure to head to Prawle Point – Devon’s southernmost point. From here you have access to some of the most secluded beaches in the area including Mattiscombe and Lannacombe.
At Coast & Country Cottages we love the seaside, so much so we have curated a collection of beach loving content that covers all of South Devon’s sandy shores. Leaving no stone or grain of sand unturned! Read through our beach related blog posts or download our South Devon Beach Bible.
With its picturesque surroundings, beautiful walks, charming pubs and quiet yet convenient location, Malborough is a popular destination for holidaymakers.
At Coast & Country Cottages we offer a handpicked selection of holiday cottages in Malborough, ranging from traditional family cottages boasting open fires to romantic boltholes and luxury getaways. With the area being so popular for walking holidays, it comes as no surprise that we also offer a variety of dog-friendly properties too!
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