For a brief getaway, driving is the most convenient way to discover the marvels of Devon, especially the South, where there is an impressive collection of coves and beaches to explore. This coveted UK destination boasts sandy shores, studded cliffs, medieval towns, expansive moorland national parks, and the charming English Riviera. And while every corner of this region offers an enticing holiday backdrop, there’s one spot that car-bound visitors simply mustn’t overlook.
Slapton is a village and civil parish in the South Hams district of Devon, England. It is situated near the A379 road between Kingsbridge and Dartmouth, which falls within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The coastal village hosts Slapton Ley Nature Reserve and two beaches, separated by a single, open road.
Perhaps the most striking feature of Slapton is the scenic road connecting Dartmouth and Kingsbridge, sandwiched between two contrasting landscapes.
On one side lies Slapton Ley, the largest natural freshwater lake in the South-west. It extends 1.5 miles and encompasses over 490 acres of woodland, marshes, and reedbed habitats.
Home to a diverse array of animals, insects and plant life, it’s an ideal spot for families, wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers to explore. For those who enjoy a good walk, a variety of circular routes are available to meander around.
On the flip side, Slapton Sands beckons with its stunning pebble beach that unfurls for nearly two miles from Strete Gate to the village of Torcross.
The ridge at Slapton Ley Lake was formed when the sea retreated at the end of the last ice age, about 10,000 years ago. As the ice melted, the sea advanced, pushing the shingle to its current position for about 3,000 years. This ridge blocked streams from the River Gara, forming the lake.
Visit South Devon’s Travel Guide extols the coastal gem for its “Mediterranean style climate”, ensuring a “safe, clean and calm” sea.
During the peak summer season, adventurers can indulge in an array of water sports, including surfing, windsurfing, and canoeing, all under the watchful eyes of lifeguards.
Both the nature reserve and the beach are brimming with attractions, but it’s the drive weaving between these contrasting landscapes that has garnered acclaim for its spectacular vistas.
Fishing enthusiasts shouldn’t pass up the mackerel hot spot in Start Bay; every summer, in July or August, mackerel shoals pass through, and white bait, fleeing mackerel, leap out of the water and onto shore to escape prey.
In March 2017, a humpback whale remained in the same area for nearly six weeks, inspiring awe in the crowds it attracted day after day.
TripAdvisor reviews rave about the “scenic route”, with one visitor describing the surroundings as “stunning”, despite the leisurely pace of the journey.
Another enthusiast shared: “Slapton Sands Memorial Car Park is one of our favourite destinations overlooking the sea on one side and the Ley on the other. Ideal for fishing or walks to Torcross or through the woods.”
This coveted stretch of the A379 remains accessible throughout the year, although it suffered significant damage during Storm Emma in March 2018 and became temporarily impassable.
Sections of the road were completely obliterated by the storm, but following major reconstruction efforts, which included relocating the road 10 metres inland to escape the sea’s wrath, it now stands resilient.