A Guide to Stoke Gabriel and The Millpool

10th January 2022

A Guide to Stoke Gabriel and The Millpool Life at Stoke Gabriel very much revolves around the calming ebb and flow of the River Dart, and in particular, the peaceful Mill Pool.

With sailors, kayakers, paddleboarders and wild swimmers out enjoying the creek in all seasons, residents at The Millpool - a collection of ten waterfront homes and winner of the 'Small Residential Development of the Year 2021' - enjoy dynamic views which will change with every hour and season.

Here's our guide to Stoke Gabriel and a life lived by the Mill Pool.

Kayaking


Whilst the Mill Pool and creek is adored by the village’s active sailing club community, one of the most popular ways to explore the River Dart is by kayak or paddle board. Kayak with beautiful wild seals, kingfishers, egrets and herons on the way to scenic spots such as Dartmouth, Dittisham, Tuckenhay, or Totnes.

Don’t worry if you or your visitors forget your kit. Equipment is always available for hire from the Totnes Kayak company with prices starting from £28 for 2 hours. River guides and coaching sessions are also available.

Crabbing


Head down to the village’s quaint quay to enjoy one of South Devon’s crabbing hotspots. Crabbing equipment and bait are available to purchase from Stoke Gabriel’s River Shack Café, along with light refreshments to keep everyone fuelled for hours of fun. Enjoy an excellent cup of coffee, delicious ice creams or tasty scones (served the Devon way – of course!).

Apple picking


If you fancy exploring Stoke Gabriel by foot, a woodland walk through the community orchard is always a delight. With over 40 established apple trees, the village upholds their 300-year-old cider making tradition. The best part is, with no fencing around the orchards, you’re free to wander through the orchards, sampling some of the Bramleys or Sweet Copins apples along the way!

Lazy lunches


Why not try the local cider or apple juice in one of the village’s local pubs? For just a small village, there are a number of options for great food and drink. The dog-friendly family pub, The Castle Inn, is a firm favourite among both locals and visitors – so booking is always advised. The Church House Inn, built in 1152, is unusual nowadays as it is still owned by the local parish church. It's also a real hub for the village. To ensure you can savour the hospitality from either of these charming pubs, please do contact them directly for opening times.

Head a little further afield along the banks of the River Dart and you’ll find the beautiful Sharpham Vineyard in Totnes. Open for tasting in the winery and for tours of the vineyard, we’d recommend popping along to stock up on their award-winning wines and cheeses.

Retail therapy


The Millpool is perfectly situated close to some of the best retail therapy spots in Devon. Only five miles away is the market town of Totnes, which benefits from a variety of independent cafés and is home to an eclectic mix of shops and handy local amenities.

Head into Exeter City Centre, just twenty-five miles away, for access to many of the high street’s favourites such as John Lewis and Marks and Spencer in the popular Guildhall and Princesshay Shopping Centres.

Beach days


Crystal clear waters, large sandy beaches and beautiful secluded coves are all within easy reach of Stoke Gabriel. There are many with blue flag awards, such as the large shingle beach at Blackpool Sands or the favourite with water sport fans, Meadfoot Beach. But don’t overlook the sandy swathes of Goodrington Sands, nor the charming, sheltered cove at Hope Cove, a little further south…

Ramble on


With stunning coastlines, award-winning beaches and the sweeping expanses of Dartmoor National Park, all nearby, a gentle stroll or a rocky ramble is always on the cards. For walks closer to home, take a saunter along the shoreline to Duncannon beach, or venture out into the woods that look out towards Dittisham.

Stoke Gabriel is undoubtedly a stunning spot in the desirable South Hams and a luxury new home at The Millpool offers a perfect base from which to enjoy the simple pleasures of living in this special location. Click here to find out more about The Millpool, a unique new homes development for the over 55s that promises great living with all of this and more on your doorstep. Just two properties now available!