Explore Kingsbridge

Kingsbridge, a traditional English market town in South Devon, is a great base for those wanting to explore the region’s beaches as well as the nearby towns and villages.

The charming town is situated on a river estuary and surrounded by green rolling countryside, and proves popular with walking and sailing enthusiasts all year round. It’s also a paradise for foodies with excellent pubs, cafés and restaurants serving up delicious fresh, local produce.

We’ve put together all you need to know about visiting Kingsbridge, including information about some of the best local events and places to eat. If you decide that Kingsbridge is the perfect destination for your next romantic getaway or family holiday, click on the button below to check out our fantastic self-catering cottages in and around the town. 

Skip to:

• Kingsbridge FAQs
• About Kingsbridge
• Things to do in Kingsbridge
• Events in Kingsbridge
• Eating in Kingsbridge
• Stay in Kingsbridge

Kingsbridge FAQs

Is Kingsbridge worth visiting?

Definitely! It’s a beautiful part of the country, with some of Devon’s best coastal walks on the doorstep. The town has plenty to offer year-round, with a great mix of natural beauty and historic architecture. The friendly locals will welcome you with open arms.

What is Kingsbridge famous for?

Kingsbridge is renowned for its picturesque backdrop. The town is the setting for novels including Rachel Ray by Anthony Trollope and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce. It was also the birthplace of William Cookworthy, who was the first person in Britain to discover how to make hard-paste porcelain similar to that of the Chinese. 

How far is Kingsbridge from the sea?

Kingsbridge is situated on the Kingsbridge Estuary and is around five miles from the open sea.

Does Kingsbridge flood?

Yes, Kingsbridge has a long history of flooding, including regular tidal flooding of the quay and surrounding buildings. Kingsbridge’s watercourses are susceptible to flash flooding which is caused by intense rainfall and can happen suddenly. You can check the daily flood risk and short-term flood forecast for Kingsbridge on the gov.uk website.

About Kingsbridge

Kingsbridge is one of the largest towns in the South Hams district, with a population of around 6,000. It is situated 17 miles southeast of Plymouth and 17 miles southwest of Torquay. It is within South Devon’s National Landscape – formerly known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Nearby beaches include Slapton, Bantham, Salcombe and East Portlemouth. 

The town’s name comes from an ancient bridge that was built to link two royal estates – Alvington and Chillington. In the 18th century, milling was a major source of revenue for the town, and in the 19th century, Kingsbridge had thriving shipbuilding and tanning industries.

As well as William Cookworthy (mentioned above), other notable Kingsbridge residents from the past and present-day include poet John Wolcot, naturalist George Montagu, footballer Mark Ellis and the last Royal Navy Veteran of the Great War living in the UK, William Stone.

Things to do in Kingsbridge

As Kingsbridge is located on an estuary, it’s no wonder that there are lots of opportunities to take part in water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing. Some of South Devon’s best beaches are a short drive away.

Kingsbridge is also a great town for walking – and if you’re coming with your furry, four-legged friend, check out these top dog-friendly pub walks. You can walk along the South West Coast Path and enjoy fantastic views. If you don’t want to go too far, you can explore the town’s passageways such as Squeezebelly Lane which is one of the narrowest public thoroughfares in the UK. Keep your eyes open for the town’s hidden treasures including mosaics and a community garden.

Visit the pretty Kingsbridge Quay, which has independent shops and cafés and a miniature railway, and also The Shambles, the town’s original market hall, which has stalls selling local produce. It was rebuilt in 1796 but still has its 16th-century granite pillars. If architecture interests you, the town centre still has many 18th and 19th-century buildings to admire. Don’t miss Knowle House, the elegant Grade II-listed former home of naturalist George Montagu, which was built in the 1600s.

Overbeck’s Garden is widely considered one of the prettiest gardens in Devon, and Cookworthy Museum, in the former grammar school, showcases the history and heritage of the town. 

Harbour House Charity Arts and Yoga regularly stages art exhibitions and yoga classes, and there’s a cinema in the old Kingsbridge Town Hall building. There’s also a leisure centre with a swimming pool. Visit Kingsbridge Information Centre on the Town Square for recommendations, maps, souvenirs and even weekly car park permits and tickets to local events. 

Events in Kingsbridge

There are plenty of events held locally, at all times of the year. Look in windows for posters for clubs and events – there’s always something going on, from art workshops to concerts. There’s also a Farmer’s Market in the town centre on every first and third Saturday of the month. 

Kingsbridge Food and Music Festival

One of the highlights is Kingsbridge Food and Music Festival, a party for the people of Kingsbridge and visitors to the town to celebrate the eclectic mix of tastes and sounds that originated in the area.

Kingsbridge Fair Week

Kingsbridge Fair Week is a week of events for people of all ages, including live music, fireworks and a carnival. A comprehensive programme is available to purchase from various shops throughout Kingsbridge closer to the event and in the meantime, the Kingsbridge Fair Week Facebook page is a great place to stay updated with what’s happening.

The Kingsbridge Show

The Kingsbridge Show is always held on the first Saturday of September and is a fantastic day out for the whole family, with horses, cattle, sheep, homecraft, Young Farmers, horticulture, floral art and domestic pets all being judged and showed.

Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas

Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas is, of course, in December. It’s a festive day out with Santa, an ice rink, stalls, music and more. There will be stallholders from across Devon handing out free samples and getting you into the festive spirit. We couldn’t think of a better place to start the Christmas shopping! 

Eating in Kingsbridge

Kingsbridge is home to some wonderful restaurants, cafes, pubs and takeaways to enjoy during your stay. Dine out on delicious local seafood, try a fine-dining Michelin restaurant or take a bite of a tasty fresh pizza. We've rounded up some of our favourites for you to enjoy so let your tastebuds lead the way!

Twenty Seven

For fine dining, make a reservation at Michelin-recognised restaurant, Twenty Seven. Hidden away in a side street, this intimate eatery is run with infectious enthusiasm by its chef-owner, Jamie Rogers. There are à la carte and tasting menus, and it’s even open for breakfast on weekends.

Crabshell Inn

The family-friendly Crabshell Inn offers fresh fish and pizzas on the quayside. There’s indoor and outdoor seating so you can enjoy the views from sunup to sundown throughout the year. Soak up the relaxed ambience of this stylish and welcoming pub.

Maha-Bharat

Maha-Bharat is a multi-award-winning Indian restaurant which has impressively previously been crowned the Best Asian Restaurant in the South West as part of the Asian Curry Awards. Established in 1993, they offer authentic, high-quality Bengali and Indian cuisine using the finest range of herbs, spices, meats and vegetables.

South Devon Chilli Farm

South Devon Chilli Farm, just outside Loddiswell, near Kingsbridge, has a café with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking great views of the South Hams. It sells spicy and non-spicy dishes and there’s a farm shop where you can purchase chilli sauces, chilli preserves, and chilli chocolate products made on site.

Stay in one of our Kingsbridge cottages

Kingsbridge is a wonderful base for a holiday in South Devon, especially if you want to explore the area on foot or on the water. We have a range of top-quality holiday cottages in Kingsbridge and the South Hams and even more across South Devon. From cosy couple’s retreats to inviting properties for the whole family, you’re sure to find your next home-from-home with us. You can view our collection of Kingsbridge properties by clicking on the button below.