The estuary town hub of the South Hams
Nestled in the undulating hills of the South Hams and with a Conservation Area at its heart, Modbury is an ancient market town that has stood the testament of time and gathered a patchwork past that has seen many mentions in the history books.
Modbury
A Guide to Modbury
It has served as the site of two bloody battles in the Civil War, is recorded in the Domesday Book and became widely renowned for its wool trade in the early 19th century. It championed sustainability long before most, receiving national and international acclaim when, all the way back in 2007, its local traders declared they would no longer give customers plastic bags. Today, it is recognised by its much photographed, distinctive, and predominantly Georgian and Victorian main street, dotted with indie boutiques and vintage treasure troves, coffee shops and well-frequented watering holes, as well as all of the amenities that make a little town like this the perfect place for families.
The unspoilt and absorbing countryside of the South Hams encircles the town, while the nearby coastline sits to the south and the majestically rising foothills of Dartmoor lie to the north. Plymouth City Centre and its historic waterfront is a mere 15 miles away, Kingsbridge under 8 miles, and the A38 Devon Expressway even closer still. With so much on its doorstep and within its myriad of streets, Modbury is the perfect place to hunker down this winter.
What to do in Modbury
Culturally, Modbury is a vibrant place throughout the year. Marchand Petit’s Modbury office touches shoulders with the nationally renowned Brownston Gallery, one of the South West’s leading contemporary fine art galleries. With the unfailingly warm and welcome Catherine at its helm, the gallery sources and exhibits original and exciting artworks from both artists at the top of their game and rising stars making their mark in the art world.
Another cornerstone of the community are the Modbury Players, a group of local talented thespians whose theatrical performances and concerts attract a crowd from across the South Hams. February 2024 sees them bring Oliver! to the stage, with Marchand Petit proud to be sponsors.
Modbury twins with Lanvéoc, in the Finistère department of Brittany in north-western France, a place easily accessed via the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry. You can be at the terminal in under an hour and regular exchanges between the two towns puts weekends brimming with French cheese, wine and general joie de vivre at your fingertips.
For those of an outdoor disposition, Modbury’s obvious attraction is its myriad of coastal and country walks, as well as its close proximity to the beaches of Bigbury and Wonwell, and the pretty Aveton Gifford estuary, all of which are within a ten-minute drive. And whether you are shopping for picnics at the beach or feasts at home after long wintery walks, stocking up is an absolute pleasure here with such sources of good, locally-produced food as the Aune Valley Farm Shop, Mackgills Delicatessen, and The Old Bakery.
Where to eat in Modbury
Modbury is certainly a place for hospitality. Essential caffeine and cake pitstops include The Curator, a new arrival to the town that has made waves with its cool interiors and fantastic wood-roasted coffee. Longer-standing favourites Cool Beans Café and The Old Bakery are also found in the town centre, while The Ring Feeder, a farm-themed café with spectacular views is just north of the town. Venturing further into the meandering hills that surround the town, Shilstone, a wonderful Grade II Listed country house in country, serves up light bites and hot drinks on the ground floor of the historic Devon Archive building and in a charming outdoor area.
Also nearby is the Calancombe Estate, an award-winning Devon Vineyard, Winery and Distillery whose grand tours are rounded off with a chance to sample their unique wine, cassis and gin and tuck into charcuterie piled platters. We particularly love the Grand Afternoon Sparkling Tour & Tasting; starting with a guided stroll through the vineyard and winery, followed by a guided tasting of three sparkling wines and a delicious Devon cream tea, it is the perfect way to spend an indulgent Saturday afternoon.
The traditional First and Last Bistro at Ermington, and the Heron Valley Café, with its celebrated Weaver Green shop, are to the east, just below Blackdown Rings, the earthworks of an Iron Age hill fort. Venus Café at Bigbury-on-Sea sits overlooking the sea and dishes up beachside dining for sand-bound families and the post-surf crowd, while The Oyster Shack on the Avon Estuary is also within a few minutes’ drive, or a healthy walk, of Modbury town.
Houses to buy in Modbury
Discover a range of homes for sale in Modbury here.