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Thurlestone

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Distance from Cottage Hotel: 6 miles / 10 kilometres (15 minutes by car)

Walking/public transport: About 1 hour walk along the coast path

Thurlestone is a village 6 miles from Hope Cove in South Devon. The village takes its name from Thurlestone Rock (meaning pierced rock), the so called 'Thirled Stone', an arch-shaped rock formation just offshore in Thurlestone Bay.

There are two main beaches, the smaller of these, Thurlestone Sands, is near the local golf course, whilst the larger is further along the coast in the direction of South Milton. Both have fine shingle and sand coverings and are in a sheltered location. Dogs are allowed on the beaches.

Thurlestone is a charming seaside village, close to Bigbury Bay, with one of the safest beaches in the country.

Opposite the beach is Thurlestone Marsh formed from a small unnamed stream which flows through low-lying flat farmland just inland from Leas Foot Sand a small village just to the southwest of the village. The site consists of a number of reed-fringed pools.

Activities

Surfing, windsurfing, canoeing are all popular in this beach and a range of sport equipment and can be hired on the beach. Thurlestone is also renowned for its golf course, riding facilities and tennis.

Wildlife

In 2001 a 30 year-old female Pygmy Sperm Whale was washed up on Thurlestone Beach.

2005 saw two significant ornithological events: In late March and early April, a flock of 68 Garganey was seen offshore in the bay; this is the second largest flock to ever be recorded in this country (there was a flock of 120 in Kent in the 1950s).

In August 2005, a Least Sandpiper, a North American vagrant shorebird only recorded once in Devon previously, was present on Thurlestone Marsh.

Places to Visit:

The village has the 'Village Inn' in the main street where you can obtain excellent food and drink at lunchtime.

The Church of All Saints, dedicated to St. Mary is a Grade II listed building. It is an ancient structure of dark grey local slate, a lofty spire which has 5 bells. Inside there is a Norman Font, ancient Chancel and an early 13th century doorway which was later rebuilt into the Tower. The remainder of the church dates from the 15th and 16th century. The church has a finely carved pulpit, partly composed of elegant panels taken from the screen.

Links

RAC Route Planner Route from Hotel

Location

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