Dittisham | South Devon Village Guide
Dittisham, or ‘Ditsum’ to locals, is a picturesque riverside village nestled on the west bank of the River Dart....
by Justine King / Area Guides
Modbury is a heritage market town nestled in the heart of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Within close proximity to stunning coast, countryside and Dartmoor National Park.
The town itself is peppered with characterful cottages and boasts flourishing independent shops, sumptuous cafés and a selection of thriving pubs. Modbury has a traditional feel to it, which is underpinned by a strong sense of community.
Read our complete guide to Modbury or use the links below to find out about a particular topic:
Modbury is situated in the South Devon countryside, just 4 miles from Aveton Gifford and the estuary of the River Avon, with Ivybridge as the nearest town (5 miles).
Close to the sandy beaches of Bigbury-on-Sea (6 miles) and Mothecombe Beach (7 miles), as well as the wild expanse of Dartmoor (9.5 miles), there’s so much to explore in and around the town.
There are three pubs to choose from in Modbury, all well supported by locals. Whether you’re after a pint and a quick bite to eat at the bar, or a sit-down dinner with the family, Modbury has it covered.
Just a short walk from the high street is The Modbury Inn, a family-friendly pub that prides itself on offering a warm welcome to all. The pub is dog-friendly so you and your pooch can enjoy an afternoon drink and bite to eat. And for those with allergies or food intolerances, their friendly team of staff are on hand to help cater to a variety of dietary needs.
The well-sized beer garden is perfect for sunny days and warm evenings. The pool table and dart board are great if you fancy a game or two with friends, and with free wifi and newspapers for customers too, they really do have all bases covered.
The White Hart Hotel is a contemporary gastro-pub, serving fine-dining food alongside all your favourite pub classics. Choose from a range of sumptuous classics and fresh seafood. They pride themselves on supporting local businesses, from the local produce they use to the artwork and fresh flowers on display.
Whether you’re coming as a couple, group of friends, or as a family, children and dogs are welcome, making it the perfect spot for all the family to enjoy!
The Exeter Inn is a cosy 14th-century coaching inn set in the heart of Modbury town. Renowned for its quality real ales, ciders, lagers, and wines, The Exeter Inn will satisfy your thirst.
The traditional uneven wooden beams and open fireplace give off a cosy and welcoming atmosphere from the moment you step through the door.
Dog-friendly,this pub offers you and your family the perfect pit stop on a day out. Enjoy a roaring fire in the winter and their spacious beer garden in the summer – it really has everything you can hope for.
If you’re looking for some fun evening entertainment, The Exeter Inn is the place to be. With a regular live music scene and themed nights.
Be sure to stay up to date withThe Exeter Inn’s Facebook page for their events. Don’t want to eat in? They also offer a range of takeaway options too.
Whether you’re meeting up with friends, looking for light bites, or just want a coffee and a piece of cake, Modbury has several coffee shops and cafées to choose from.
Located adjacent to the short-stay car park, Cool Beans Coffee Bar is a wonderful family-run independent cafée. Serving award-winning coffee, delicious homemade cakes and pastries, luxurious hot chocolates, natural fruit smoothies, and a varied menu of light bites and main meals.
There’s plenty of seating inside and out, perfect for those warm summer days. They also offer takeaway, so you can grab a coffee on your way into town from the car park or on your way home.
The Old Bakery is located at the lower end of the high street, near St Lukes’ Charity Shop. Enjoy a tempting big slice of cake with a hot drink, or why not treat yourself to a cooling milkshake and feast on a delicious cream tea before taking a stroll back up the high street.
Modbury is proud of its bustling high street and ticks all the traditional boxes whilst retaining its quaint market feel. There’s a cluster of independent shops, a delicatessen, gallery, a jewellery store, a post office, a pharmacy and of course, a hardware store. Some of our favourite Modbury shops include…
Established for over 20 years, Aune Valley Meat is a traditional family butcher’s. The business hub is located in Loddiswell and they offer a range of excellent, locally sourced meat including chicken, steak, and pork as well as fresh fruit and veg, eggs, bread, jams, pickles, and preserves.
Whether you’re looking for good quality meat to cook for dinner, fresh ingredients to make your favourite dishes, or you want BBQ meat packs for a family evening BBQ they have it all. With special offers available too, be sure to pop into the shop.
Love contemporary fine art? Brownston Gallery is located in the heart of Modbury representing multiple established and emerging artists. Displaying a range of exhibitions throughout the year, you’ll be sure to find a piece of your home.
Second home owner? Read our Q&A blog with Brownston Gallery for their tips on choosing art for your holiday home.
Looking to cook up a storm in your Modbury holiday cottage? Head to Mackgills Delicatessen for a great selection of wines, cheeses and all-time deli favourites. With a variety of local groceries to choose from. Taste the best of the South West whilst holidaying in Modbury.
For the creative in all of us, Fifth Sense is a lovely little independent gift shop filled with eclectic crafts, furnishings, gifts, and clothing. Walking into this store, your inner magpie will be tempted to explore all that Fifth Sense has to offer.
From scented candles, bath salts and soaps to handmade bags, cards, and gift sets. You’re bound to find something a little different to bring home for a loved one, or simply for yourself.
Looking for the perfect gift? Ringrose is an emporium of fluffy teddies, small jewellery gifts, candles, cards and local artworks. Although small, this popular shop boasts all you need for a loved one’s special occasion, or as a holiday treat for yourself.
Located in the same vicinity as The Old Bakery, Shop At The Top is your local second-hand clothing store. You can often find designer pieces for bargain prices, vintage clothing, and anything in between. So after a coffee and a slice of cake be sure to peruse the shelves, you may just find a special bargain.
In nearly every town or village, you’re bound to find a well-known convenience store. There’s a small Co-Op in Modbury where you’ll be able to find all your food essentials for your self-catering holiday.
Located along the high street, Hatton Jewellers Modbury offers a wide range of services from repairs and restorations to valuations and engraving. From the shop window, you’ll see a wide selection of rings, necklaces, broaches, and watches.
From antique pieces to bespoke pieces, their years of experience will help you find the perfect match for your loved one. Why not spoil that special someone with a gorgeous piece of jewellery?
Whether you’re looking for some new carpets for your home or holiday let, The Floor Show has a range of samples that might just be what you’re looking for. Take a walk inside and have a chat with their team to find the perfect addition to your abode.
Established in 1988, Devonshire Fine Art as it is also known, is owned and run by Daivd and Karen Smith. The gallery specialises in antique paintings and prints, antiquarian maps, as well as a high-quality framing service. So, if you’re looking for some fine art, be sure to give them a visit.
Located on Brownston Street, just off the main highstreet, Mr McAllister’s Amazing Toy Soldier Emporium showcases and sells figurines made by one of the most famous toy soldier makers of all time – William Britain. Here you’ll find an array of collectables, model figures, toy soldiers, and military Ephemera.
Wild Goose Antiques in Modbury is an eclectic shop boasting of a fun-filled collection of unique signs and treasures.
There are two charity shops along Modbury’s highstreet; St Luke’s Hospice and Country Hill Animal Shelter.
St Luke’s Hospice is an independent charity that provides specialist care and support to people with progressive life-limiting illnesses within Plymouth, South West Devon, and East Cornwall.
The Country Hill Animal Shelter take in, rehabilitate, and re-home cats that have been abandoned, neglected, unwanted, or have simply found themselves homeless through no fault of their own.
Hair and beauty salons are just about everywhere, and Modbury has three. Whether you’re looking to have your hair and nails done for a special occasion or you just fancy a relaxing pamper session, you’ll find everything you need at Nicholas Hair and Beauty, Hawthorn, or Beautique.
Modbury is a walker’s wonderland. Enjoy a selection of waymarked walking routes that cover a variety of distances. As Modbury is situated in a typical South Devon valley, do expect some steep hills to climb, but we can assure you, the sweeping views of the countryside reaching as far as Dartmoor are well worth the climb.
The Visit Midbury website is a great place to find the finer details of Modbury walks, so be sure to check it out when planning your adventure. At Coast & Country Cottages, we love exploring Erme Wood, which isn’t too far from Modbury and is part of the Dartmoor National Park.
For those eager to explore the surrounding area, South Devon boasts miles of spectacular coastline, woodland trails, riverside rambles and rolling countryside – you really are spoilt for choice.
To help navigate the area, we’ve created a comprehensive walking guide – for more information on where to find the best walks in South Devon. Download our walking guide.
Whilst Modbury is one of the smaller towns in the region, it’s the perfect bolthole from which to explore all that South Devon has to offer. Geographically, the town is nestled within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is within close proximity to the coast, estuaries and the Dartmoor National Park.
There’s a bounty of activities for outdoor enthusiasts on both water and land. Why not spend your time walking, cycling, surfing, sailing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding? But that’s not all, there’s also a range of popular attractions nearby, from world-class golf courses to luxury spa experiences and popular theme parks.
Spend your days exploring the bustling harbour towns of Dartmouth and Salcombe or take a drive to Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City. Here you’ll find a wealth of restaurants and shops, as well as the National Marine Aquarium.
For more inspiration on how to spend your time, download our comprehensive guide on Things to do in South Devon.
Boasting a wealth of secluded coves, shingle bays and large sandy expanses, it’s no secret that South Devon is a beach lover’s paradise. And for those visiting Modbury, you’re perfectly situated close to many of South Devon’s beaches.
Just a short drive away you’ll find Mothecombe and Wonwell Beach, Bigbury-on-Sea, Burgh Island and Bantham Beach – all of which are popular destinations amongst both locals and visitors. A little further afield, the shingle shores of Start Bay offer a different experience entirely, as do the sandy bays of Salcombe.
At Coast & Country Cottages we love the beach, so be sure to read through our beach related blog posts for more inspiration. Got a dog? There are plenty of dog-friendly beaches in South Devon where you can take your four-legged friends year-round.
For those reaching Modbury by car, sat nav users can enter the postcode PL21 0QJ, which will take you to the council-run Poundwell Meadow Car Park. Here there are around 80 spaces and the adjacent, smaller short-stay car park has around 10 spaces.
There is also plenty of unrestricted on-road parking, although these spaces can fill up quickly, especially during the busier summer months or over weekends.
Here at Coast & Country Cottages, we have a wide selection of self-catering properties that are perfect for a South Devon retreat. From country escapes to couples breaks and family-friendly holiday cottages, we’ll help you find your home away from home.
by Justine King / Area Guides
Hi, I'm Justine. Holidays and travelling have always been a favourite of mine from a young age. Having recently decided to travel...
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