Thurlestone

Thurlestone, Devon, TQ7 3NU

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  • Thurlestone, South Devon

Thurlestone is a beautiful coastal village with one of the most dramatic coastlines in South Devon and well worth exploring. Originally a tiny coastal hamlet, Thurlestone is now home to a gloriously sited hotel, a popular golf course, and a variety of accommodation for permanent residents and visitors alike. 

There are 2 beaches in Thurlestone, Thurlestone Beach provides a beautifully clean area for swimming, surfing or rock-pooling. Meanwhile,and South Milton Sands, popular with surfers and families all year round. Nearby is Bantham Beach has a pretty estuary and dunes to explore just a mile away.

The village takes its name from the impressive coastal rock formation Thurlestone Rock - an arch shaped rock just off the main Thurlestone beach. The village streets are lined with thatched cottages dating back to the 17th Century, and a great pub called the Village Inn for excellent food and local beer. 

The village Church is a Grade II listed building, with a Norman Font, ancient chapel and steeped in history to explore. 

History of Thurlestone Village

Dating back to the Domesday Book, Thurlestone was described as a manor of 240 acres, with a population of 35 people, a church, a farm and a few cottages for the labourers. Thurlestone manor itself was given to Judhel, one of William the Conqueror’s army commanders as part of his reward for the conquest of southern Britain in 1068.

In the 1700’s the beaches around Thurlestone were used for smuggling. Apparently, more rum and brandy were smuggled into Devon and Cornwall in this era than arrived legally into the whole of the Port of London!

The main street still has many old cottages dating from the 17th century. They are built of stone, cob and also wattle and daub. The oldest surviving building in Thurlestone, excluding the church, is Church House, near The Old Rectory.

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Facilities

Towns & Villages

  • Church
  • Village shop

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Map & Directions

Road Directions

From the M5, merge onto the A38 heading South (Plymouth). Take the A384 exit, for Buckfastleigh/Totnes and follow this road into Totnes. Then follow the A381 towards Kingsbridge. After 11 miles, turn right at the mini roundabout onto the A379 towards Churchstow. At the roundabout beyond Churchstow, turn left onto the A381, then turn right into the lane signposted to Thurlestone, follow this road for 2 ½ miles and you will then come into the village. 

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Public Transport Directions

A bus service is available twice a day from Thurlestone to Kingsbridge, where connecting services are available to Salcombe, Totnes, Dartmouth, Plymouth and Exeter.

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TripAdvisor

What's Nearby

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