Spring

What better way to celebrate the end of the winter than to head to East Prawle. The signs of spring all appear early and the flowers in the hedgerows and on the coastal path are breathtaking. Since there are fewer visitors, this is a good time of year to see some of the abundant wildlife in the area; there are resident seals in the Salcombe Estuary and dolphins are often spotted. Both can be seen from the coastal path and this is an excellent time to visit if you enjoy walking or bird watching. In spring you may see swallows and martins arriving from their winter quarters in Africa. It's always a good day when the swallows arrive as it heralds the start of the warmer weather and the return of the good friends made in previous years. Spring is also a quieter season in which to visit local towns such as Totnes and Dartmouth. See the Local Area page for further information.

Summer

As you would expect, this is the busiest season but as it's off the beaten track this peninsular never gets as crowded as some more accessible parts of Devon. The best summer months are June and early July as it's still fairly quiet then, but even in the height of summer you can still find empty beaches as long as you are prepared for a short walk along the coastal path. There are many water-based activities available in the summer, such as fishing, swimming, sailing, water-ski, surfing etc. Exploring the coast and rivers is best done by boat and you have a choice of boat and ferry trips from Salcombe, or you can hire your own and potter up and down the estuary exploring the little creeks. After a day out and about you'll be ready to return to Kittiwake Cottage where you can enjoy a sundowner on the patio watching the sun go down over the village green.

Autumn

The crowds have gone and, if you're lucky enough to be able to holiday in the autumn, this is one of the best times to visit. The early autumn weather can be as lovely as the summer and you have the beaches and villages to yourselves. The area is renowned for its good pubs and restaurants where you will receive a warm welcome. Local towns are interesting to explore and have a wide selection of craft shops, art galleries etc. as well as excellent food shops where you can purchase top quality fresh local produce. There are many picturesque villages in the South Hams and visiting them in the autumn is easier when the roads are quieter. This is a great time of year for walking too and if you're a keen bird watcher you will already know that this is the best season to see migrating birds, particularly after strong winds. In addition to the resident kestrels, sparrow hawks, buzzards and peregrine, more birds of prey join them as they pass through. Early on clear mornings is a good time to see larks, meadow and tree pipits, chaffinches, goldfinches, siskins and linnets all flying to Europe for the winter. In October goldcrests and a few firecrests appear and lots of different warblers are seen. There's a good chance of some windy weather at this time of year; it's exhilarating watching the sea crashing on the rocks and local beaches are good for surfing, windsurfing or kite flying. Dartmoor is a great place to visit in the autumn. It's only a 45 minute drive to the moors and the autumn colours can be spectacular. See the Local Area page for further information on Dartmoor.

Winter

Winter months can seem long and depressing, so get away from the daily drudge and enjoy a spot of self indulgent escapism. The winter climate is undoubtedly milder on this peninsula and you can get some beautiful sunny days. Winter walks are wonderful; there's something special about being on the beach in the winter, but if you find it a bit chilly you can always light a beach fire and have a brew up. The local beach at Horseley Cove is one of the best places around for wading birds and in winter you can see purple sandpipers and turnstones if you have sharp eyes. Oystercatchers are fairly abundant and you may find curlew, redshank, and grey plover. If it's too windy and exposed on the coast, the tidal creeks of the Salcombe Estuary and the River Avon are more sheltered for walking or bird watching or you could explore the local towns and villages where you can always find a cosy corner in one of the many restaurants or pubs. The Pig's Nose Inn in East Prawle is great in the winter; there's always someone to chat to and a roaring fire with chestnuts for roasting.

But if you don't fancy any activity and you just want to pamper yourself, then snuggle up in front of the log fire with a good book and a hot drink. Bliss!

Christmas is especially magic in Kittiwake Cottage where you can indulge your desire for a traditional country celebration. The pubs in the village always have a good party atmosphere and there'll be a Christmas tree and plenty of logs waiting for you when you arrive.

New Year comes in with a bang at the Pig's Nose Inn where they put on a great party. Fancy dress is optional, but fun is compulsory.

Spring flowers on the Coastal Path

Spring morning on Salcombe Estuary

Seals in Salcombe Estuary in May

Beaches in Salcombe Estuary are often empy from September onwards

Autumn on Dartmoor

December view from Garra Rock

Curl up in front of the log fire with a good book and a hot drink. Bliss!