East Prawle · South Devon
Things to do around East Prawle.
Beaches, wildlife, coast paths, creekside villages and a few favourite places to eat. These are some of the places we return to again and again when staying at One Town Cottage.
Start with the coast.
East Prawle sits at the end of the road on one of the wildest stretches of the South Devon coast. From the village you can walk straight out onto the South West Coast Path, drop down to small coves, look for wildlife from the cliffs or head inland to quiet estuary villages.
You do not need a packed itinerary. Much of the pleasure is simply choosing a direction, walking until you find somewhere beautiful, then stopping for a swim, a pint or lunch.
01 · Beaches and coves
Quiet beaches, clear water.
The coastline around East Prawle is full of small coves, rocky inlets and sandy beaches. Some can be reached on foot from the village, while others are an easy drive away.
Horseley Cove
One of the closest coves to the village. A lovely walk from East Prawle and a peaceful place for a swim or picnic.
Maceley Cove
A secluded cove reached from the coast path. Beautiful and usually quiet, with a steeper final descent.
Lannacombe
A broad sandy beach a short drive away, good for swimming, surfing and rock pooling. Parking is limited, which helps keep it feeling unspoilt.
Mill Bay
A sheltered National Trust beach near East Portlemouth, with calm estuary water and views across towards Salcombe.
Mattiscombe Sands
A dramatic beach near Start Point. Combine it with the lighthouse and a walk along the headland.
Woodcombe
A quieter cove along the coast path, with clear water and a sheltered feel.
02 · South Pool
Stepping stones, paddling and a very good pub.
South Pool is a pretty creekside village tucked away on the Kingsbridge Estuary. You can walk over the fields, make the short drive, or arrive by boat from further down the estuary.
It is a lovely place for a slow afternoon. Paddle in the shallow water, cross the stepping stones, wander through the village and finish at The Millbrook Inn for lunch or a roast.
03 · Wildlife and birds
Bring binoculars.
East Prawle and the surrounding coast are especially good for wildlife. Farmland, old hedgerows, scrub, cliffs and open sea all meet here, creating a varied habitat within a very small area.
Look out for cirl buntings, yellowhammers, greenfinches and goldfinches around the lanes and fields. Buzzards are often overhead and sparrowhawks can appear around the village and hedgerows.
Out at sea, seals and dolphins are regular possibilities. Foxes are common inland, and bluefin tuna are now seen again in South Devon waters.
04 · Walks and viewpoints
Walk straight from the village.
The South West Coast Path runs around the headland beyond East Prawle, so some of the best days start at the cottage door. Prawle Point is the obvious first walk, with wide views across the Channel and plenty of chances to spot seabirds and marine life.
For a longer outing, head towards Start Point and Mattiscombe Sands. Start Point lighthouse sits on one of the most dramatic headlands in the South Hams and makes a great destination in its own right.
Stay in East Prawle