Sea Days in South Devon
We left London early in the morning and drove toward South Devon, often called the English Riviera. Our base was Brixham, a small seaside town with a vibrant harbour and relaxed coastal feel, about 4.5-hour drive from London. Midway, we stopped in Bristol for a quick walk around the Old City before continuing our journey.
We arrived in Brixham around midday and settled into the cottage where we’d be staying for the next few days. We couldn’t wait to get to the seaside, and we had already spotted the perfect place for a slow afternoon: Broadsands Beach. When we arrived, we were stunned by the row of bright beach huts lining the shore. We laid out our Little Mariner towels, set down our Little Mariner tote bag, and enjoyed the calm sea, quiet, simple moments that remind us why we created Little Mariner in the first place. As evening approached, we made our way to the harbour for traditional fish and chips and ended the day watching the painted houses glow as the sun went down.
The next morning, we packed our Little Mariner tote bags for the day and set off for Dartmouth and Blackpool Sands beach. Dartmouth is a charming riverside town known for its lively waterfront and pretty hillside homes. We reached it by taking the smallest ferry we had ever seen from Kingswear, a village famous for its heritage steam railway. We wandered through the market, tried our luck at the harbour crabbing spot, and later took a boat taxi to Dittisham, floating past Agatha Christie’s holiday home, Greenway House. There, we enjoyed a peaceful hike through the village before heading back to Dartmouth by boat.
Our next stop, and the perfect place to slow down our afternoon, was Blackpool Sands. We immediately fell in love with its wild beauty, the mix of turquoise water, shingle shore, and green hills meeting the sea. The Blackpool Sands beach café and restaurant added to the charm, with an ambiance that felt simple and effortless, just like the coastal moments that inspire our Little Mariner pieces. It was the perfect, comfortable way to bring another day by the sea to an end.
The following day, we headed to South Milton Sands, a beach known for its wide shoreline, clear waters, and views of the famous Thurlestone Rock. The drive took us through small village roads surrounded by forest and vibrant greenery. It was a very windy day, and the many kite surfers added a lively energy to the coast. Our Little Mariner towels held their place in the breeze and gave us a few calm, grounding moments by the sea, the kind of pauses that make a trip unforgettable.
For lunch, we stopped at the Oyster Shack, a special restaurant with a simple, easygoing atmosphere that made us feel right at home. We really enjoyed this hidden spot. Our last stop for the day was Salcombe, where we watched our first live crab competition, a unique and fun experience that gave us a glimpse into local life. After that, we made our way back to Brixham.
On our last day, we grabbed our coffee at the top of Brixham hill and made our way to the local market for a slow start by the sea. Along the harbour, we spotted the Golden Hind, a full-size replica of the first English ship to sail around the world. And just like that, our trip was coming to an end. It was our first time in Devon, and we loved all of it, from the small towns with their independent shops to the beaches and relaxed coastal vibes. Different coast, same love for slow moments by the water. And through it all, our Little Mariner pieces felt right at home.
Until the next one…