Thurlestone, a village in Devon, offers a tranquil escape with a range of attractions for a weekend visit. The Thurlestone Hotel, a family-run establishment since 1896, provides a blend of individual charm and high-spec amenities, including a golf course, two pools, and a spa. Its apartments, like the 'Soar' unit, feature well-decorated living spaces and multiple bedrooms, with three-night stays starting at £1,443.
Saturday Exploration
After a breakfast emphasizing local produce at the hotel's Trevilder Restaurant, a visit to nearby Salcombe, often referred to as ‘Chelsea-on-sea’ for its affluent visitors, is recommended. The town boasts unique shops such as Brocante for gifts and Will Bees Bespoke for handmade leather goods.
A 12:30 p.m. excursion on the South Sands ferry from Salcombe's pontoon offers a novel experience. The ferry utilizes a hydraulic sea tractor to transfer passengers to the beach, as direct docking is not possible. For lunch, Bo’s Beach Café & Bar, situated in a former RNLI lifeboat house, provides sandwiches and outdoor seating on the boat slipway. Alternatively, the Harbour Beach Club Hotel & Spa nearby serves seafood.
Later in the afternoon, the hotel’s Voyage Spa is an option. While family members can enjoy the heated indoor pool, a 40-minute Hot Stone Massage is available for relaxation.
Dinner can be enjoyed at the 16th-century Village Inn, located next to the hotel. This establishment features ceiling beams reportedly salvaged from Spanish Armada ships. The menu includes vegetarian options like a beetroot, stilton, and kale wellington, alongside steaks for meat-eaters.
Sunday Activities
Approximately two miles away, Hope Cove is a picturesque coastal village with a history as a smugglers' hub. The beach offers opportunities for rockpooling and kite-flying. The Curator café near the car park serves coffee. On the drive home, Greenway House, Agatha Christie’s former holiday home managed by the National Trust, is a notable stop. Preserved as it was in the 1950s, it includes the boathouse by the River Dart, a setting from her novel 'Dead Man’s Folly'.