Start Bay Holiday Cottages

The stunning coastline of Start Bay, stretches from Start Point to Dartmouth, with fantastic views and memorable beaches including Slapton Sands and the spectacular freshwater Ley and is part of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Start Bay is an amazing place to discover all about geology as the shape of the Bay means that there are many different types of rock on view. Along the coast the sea has shaped the landscape and also washed away the soil, making it easier to see how the rocks have been formed.

The village of Torcross stands on the end of the 4km stretch of a beautiful pebble beach known as Slapton Sands. As well as being an extremely picturesque and popular beach, Slapton Sands plays an important part in the survival of some of the UK’s rarest flora and fauna. At the back of the beach is Slapton Ley and is the largest natural lake in south-west England. Although it is only separated from the sea by a narrow shingle bar, it is entirely freshwater and is surrounded by reedbeds, marshes and woodland habitats.

Slapton is a small coastal village tucked away behind the Ley with the local church dating from around the 14th Century. Under the shadow of the clock tower sits the award winning Tower Inn, a haven for lovers of good food, fine wines and real ales.

Start Point is one of the most exposed peninsulas on the English Coast, running sharply almost a mile into the sea on the South side of Start Bay near Dartmouth. The Lighthouse, sited at the very end of the headland, has guided vessels in passage along the English Channel for over 150 years. The lighthouse is still is operation today under the control of Trinity House.