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Torcross

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Distance from Cottage Hotel: 12 miles / 19 kilometres (25 minutes by car)

The Cottage Hotel, Hope Cove, is located 12 miles from Torcross. If you, your family or friends are visiting Torcross in the near future for any occasions such as weddings, viewing properties or a business trip, we would like to offer you accommodation at the Cottage Hotel or Tanfield Bed and Breakfast in Hope Cove.

History:

Torcross was first mentioned in the manorial court rolls in March 1602. The records show that a representative of the new village reported that everything was ‘all well’.

The coastal road between Kingsbridge and Dartmouth was built in 1854 passing through Torcross and this gave a much needed lifeline to the community. A coach service was started in 1858 between Dartmouth and Kingsbridge.

World War II:

In late 1943 Torcross was evacuated to make way for 15,000 allied troops who needed the area to practise for the D-Day landings. A tragic accident occurred during Exercise Tiger. Nine German torpedo boats, alerted by heavy radio traffic, intercepted a 3-mile-long convoy of vessels travelling from the Isle of Portland to Slapton Sands to undertake landing rehearsals for D-Day. Two tank landing ships were sunk in the engagement and 750 servicemen died. 1,000 lives were lost over the course of this operation.

Places to Visit:

A Sherman amphibious tank and plaques stand at Torcross car park between Slapton Ley and the beach as memorials to the men who lost their lives. The operation to salvage the tank from the shallow waters of Start Bay was completed by 1984 and was financed by Mr Ken Small, a Torcross hotelier.

The Start Bay Inn is known for its wonderful fish food (their fish and chips are the best). You can also eat at the Torcross Boat House Restaurant and a café called The Rocket.

There is a Post Office, Village Stores and Gift Shop.

You have the beach and sea on one side of the road and on the other Slapton Ley Nature Reserve. There is a wooden ‘Lookout’ so that you can watch the bird life.

For further help contact The Tourist Information Office, The Quay, Kingsbridge, TQ7 1HS

Links

Torcross website RAC Route Planner Route from Hotel

Location

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