Noss Mayo

Devon

Add Noss Mayo to your Itinerary

Noss Mayo

The tiny, pretty little village of Noss Mayo is hidden away on the southern bank of the Yealm estuary and a fantastic holiday destination if you love boating and coastal walks. Across the water is the larger village of Newton Ferrers, and you can get between the two villages by a ferry that operates a triangular route and calls in at the South West Coast Path, Noss Mayo and Newton Ferrers. This ancient and secluded village is an ideal location if you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and simply ‘mess about on the river’. 

History of Noss Mayo 

Despite being a village of just over 500 people, Noss Mayo has a colourful history. Although the nearby estate of Membland was mentioned in the Domesday Book, the first record of the parish is in 1198. In 1287, King Edward I gave local landowner, Mathew Fitzjohn the manor of ‘Stok’ and so the village became known as Noss Mayo, which translates as ‘Mathew’s Nose’. 

The village survived the Black Death and, because of its prime location on the Yealm estuary, became a smuggler’s haunt. 

Things to do in Noss Mayo 

If you’re a committed ‘twitcher,’ Noss Mayo is a bird watcher’s paradise. The estuary is home to flocks of migratory birds as well as many native species. There are also plenty of opportunities for walkers and ramblers to explore the area, with the Coastal Path on three sides and the village’s own special circular walk, ironically known as ‘The Drive’. The estuary is also great for sailing and if you’re an angler, the fishing is excellent. 

Food & Drink in Noss Mayo 

Noss Mayo boasts two charming riverside pubs which sit on the Noss Creek, where visitors can sample delicious seafood dishes, traditional pub fare, and locally sourced produce. Enjoy freshly caught fish and chips overlooking the river or savour gourmet cuisine in one of the village's waterfront eateries.  

Across the water in Newton Ferrers there is another pub and a delicatessen, so you’re truly spoilt for choice! 

Events in Noss Mayo 

The Yealm regatta is a prominent date in the village calendar in the summer. The event sees Newton Creek, Noss Creek and the River Yealm come alive with a variety of rowing and sailing races, plus, other competitions both on and off the water.  

In addition to this, the village hall in Noss Mayo hosts a number of events throughout the year for the community where visitors are welcome, such as pantomimes, sports sessions and live music. 

The pubs also offer a selection of regular events such as live music, tasting menus and more.  

Something a bit different 

Noss Mayo has inspired artists and painters for centuries and there is still a thriving artist’s community in nearby Newton Ferrers. That special South Devon ‘light’ that has motivated so many great artists bathes the entire estuary, making it inspirational for today’s artists. Why not bring your brushes and paints with you and see if it can inspire your creative side too? 

Book Tickets

View

Close

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Take the A38 towards Plymouth and exit at Smithaleigh/Yealmpton. Continue into Yealmpton, then turn left into Torr Hill, onto Ford Road and along the B3186 and continue on Widley Hill. From here, follow signs to Noss Mayo.

View

Close

Public Transport Directions

The closest train stations are Ivybridge and Plymouth. 

There is a regular daily bus service connecting Noss Mayo with Plymouth (Royal Parade Stand) via Yealmpton, Brixton, Plymstock and Elburton.

The 94, Tally Ho! Bus runs three times a day from Monday to Saturday, except for public holidays.

A seasonal foot-ferry service for travel between Noss Mayo, Newton Ferrers and Wembury. The service, running between Warren Point, Yealm Steps and Wide Slip, operates from 1st April to 30th September between 10am-4pm daily.

View

Close

TripAdvisor

What's Nearby

  1. Wembury Beach

    Wembury Beach is located in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).…

    2.08 miles away
  2. Bovisand Beach

    An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the main beach at Bovisand is a sheltered…

    3.8 miles away
  3. Gaia Spa

    Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall in Devon will offer staying guests and day visitors access to…

    6.13 miles away
  4. Challaborough Beach

    A sheltered cove with a fine sandy beach in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).…

    6.4 miles away
  1. Burgh Island

    Burgh Island is an iconic South Devon landmark, located directly opposite Bigbury on Sea…

    6.61 miles away
  2. Bigbury on Sea Beach

    A stunning sandy beach in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) joined by causeway…

    6.66 miles away
  3. Bantham Beach

    A beautiful large sandy beach ideal for watersports, especially surfing. Swimming is safe…

    7.45 miles away
  4. Thurlestone Beach

    Are the usual summer crowds driving you crazy when all you want to do is chill out and…

    8.18 miles away
  5. South Milton Sands

    Thurlestone/South Milton Sands is owned by the National Trust and is within an Area of…

    8.27 miles away
  6. Thurlestone Voyage Spa

    The Voyage Spa at the Thurlestone Hotel offers the ultimate in relaxation – whether it’s…

    8.38 miles away
  7. Hope Cove Beach

    This is a sheltered, sandy beach in a traditional fishing village in the beautiful South…

    9.25 miles away
  8. Soar Mill Cove Beach

    A tiny remote sandy inlet set below the craggy black towers of Bolt Head. Access only on…

    12.62 miles away
  9. Salcombe North Sands Beach

    Crouched between two headlands in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the beach…

    12.76 miles away
  10. Salcombe South Sands Beach

    A fine sandy family beach in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), with excellent…

    12.77 miles away
  11. East Portlemouth Beaches

    Opposite the town of Salcombe on the eastern side of the estuary is a long sandy stretch…

    13.18 miles away
  12. Mill Bay Beach

    A little to the south of East Portlemouth beach is Mill Bay, a privately owned beach…

    13.3 miles away
Previous Next
Teignmouth
European Union Leader South Devon Coastal

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss