Kingsbridge

The ancient market town of Kingsbridge lies betwixt Plymouth, to the west, Torbay to the east and Dartmoor to the north and is the historic and natural centre of the South Hams. Kingsbridge can truly claim to be the "hub of the wheel" from which to explore this beautiful area.

The modern town of Kingsbridge is actually made up of two medieval towns, Kingsbridge and Dodbrooke, originally a quarter of a mile apart. Kingsbridge and the lands around it passed into the possession of the Abbots of Buckfast Abbey some time after the Norman Conquest. The Abbot of Buckfast was granted the right to hold a market in Kingsbridge in 1219, his monks selling their produce of honey, fruit, vegetables and thick cream, and so began the tradition of Kingsbridge as a market town, which continues to this day.

Kingsbridge is still a vibrant working town, not just a holiday centre, and has a varied selection of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs which are open all year. The major crowd pulling events in town are the Music Festival, held during June and Fair Week, by tradition in July. The fact that we are often lucky enough to have late, balmy autumns and early springs mean we are very much open for business 'out of season' and with Kingsbridge now awarded accreditation as the very first WALKERS ARE WELCOME town in Devon, it offers a whole year round interest for visitors.