Torcross & Slapton

A Guide to Torcross & Slapton

Torcross was first recorded in 1602, when it became a safe Elizabethan era settlement for families and fishermen working the nearby beaches. Nestled between farmland and the sea, the village offered security at a time when many fishermen chose not to live directly on the coast due to the threat of pirates.

Centuries later, the area played a crucial role in preparations for the D-Day landings in World War II. Slapton Sands was selected for training because of its striking similarities to parts of the French coast, which had been chosen for the largest seaborne invasion of the war.

Today, the community of Torcross lives peacefully beside the sea, enjoying a calm and welcoming atmosphere that contrasts sharply with its dramatic history.

Things to do in Torcross & Slapton

While the villages of Torcross and Slapton are small in size and population, this area packs a punch when it comes to things to do and see.

Right on your doorstep is Slapton Ley, a beautiful nature reserve and the largest natural lake in the South West of England, separated from the sea by only a narrow shingle bar known as Slapton Sands. The Ley is one of the many reasons people come from far and wide, as it is one of the country’s top wildlife spots. It’s well worth spending a day in the wild here, birdwatching, catching glimpses of otters and badgers, or visiting the viewpoint to see what you can spot out over the water.

As mentioned, Torcross has a rich history, making it a perfect spot for history buffs. The Exercise Tiger mission has been memorialised here and is well worth a visit to pay your respects. A large Sherman M4 tank stands as a memorial to those lost, situated right on the bank at Slapton Sands.

This area includes part of the South West Coast Path, making it ideal for both casual walkers and experienced hikers. You can choose your difficulty level, from a gentle walk from one end of Torcross to Strete Gate on the other side of Slapton Sands, to more challenging routes in either direction along the path. Torcross to Dartmouth is a popular but demanding hike; well worth the effort when you arrive at the town for a sweet treat and a cup of coffee (or perhaps something a little stronger – you’ve earned it!). Whichever way you go, you’re guaranteed beautiful sandy beaches and panoramic views.

Despite being right next to peaceful, relaxing beaches like Blackpool Sands, an excellent spot for all things seaside, with paddleboarding, a lifeguarded swimming area, and saunas on the sand for warming up after winter dips, sometimes you still crave a little more energy. Fortunately, you’re only a short trip away from a day out in one of the larger towns, such as Kingsbridge, Totnes or Dartmouth.

Places to eat in Torcross & Slapton

If you’re looking for something to eat after a long day at the beach, fishing, kayaking, or simply taking a break from your hike to refuel, look no further than The Start Bay Inn, a family-run business serving famous fish and chips served with lashings of vinegar, proper chunky chips and zesty tartare sauce, as well as traditional fresh seafood specialities. This 14th-century thatched inn, with its seafront patio, is both delicious and welcoming, whether you’re stopping for a sit-down dinner or a takeaway lunch while enjoying the view.

History buffs in the area may want to check out Billy the Can for something unique. This retro, quintessentially British sweet and coffee shop offers plenty of old school favourites and features décor that nods to Torcross’s shared American–British history.

Just up the road from Torcross, you’ll find Stokeley Farm Shop, Café & Taphouse (South Hams Brewery), which is open almost all day. If you need local veg, homemade chutney, or a generous slab of cake, Stokeley Farm Shop has you covered. It serves hearty breakfasts, wood-fired pizzas, Sunday roasts, and an ever-changing seasonal menu, along with delicious homemade bakes and excellent coffee. Right next door is a cluster of local pop-up stalls. Tucked inside a storage barn, the taphouse is a multi-award winner, serving golden ales and easy-drinking IPAs in a venue that regularly rings out with the sound of local bands. This little hub can easily turn into a mini day out.

If you’re happy to hop in the car, the South Hams is your oyster, with the local eateries of Kingsbridge and the Michelin Guide restaurants of Dartmouth within easy reach.

Places to drink in Tocross & Slapton

Slapton is home to two beloved pubs, The Tower Inn and The Queens Arms. The Tower Inn is an incredibly popular and well-known eatery, serving fresh local ingredients and seafood cooked over coals by their French chef. It’s also a great evening spot for a good beer, a glass of wine, and excellent ales, a true local classic. If you’re after somewhere that feels a bit more down to earth, The Queens Arms is a dog-friendly pub with a solid line-up of all the classics.

If you’re looking for a casual coffee on the beach, the team from Lime Coffee and the friendly baristas and scoopers from Salcombe Dairy are serving up warm, toasty coffees and fresh, creamy scoops of their famous ice cream. You’ll find them set up on the shingle at the Strete Gate side of the beach.

The Future of Torcross & Slapton

As of February 2026, Torcross has been badly affected by a storm. We know this means it’s not as easy to get to Dartmouth, and not everything is running as usual, with homes, businesses and bus routes affected. However, the locals of Torcross and Slapton are fighting for their villages. The wider community is pulling together; The Start Bay Inn has resealed its car park and hopes to resume business as usual, the Coastguard has been carrying out checks for locals and visitors, and teams are working hard to rebuild the sea defenses. Local South Hams MP, Caroline Voaden has launched an urgent petition to demonstrate the strength of the public feeling of the A379 Slapton Line and the protection of the coastal communities at risk of erosion in Torcross, Beesands and Hallsands. If you’d like to demonstrate your support, you can sign the petition here.

Houses to buy in Torcross & Slapton

Torcross is a lovely village for anyone who enjoys a peaceful coastal lifestyle. It is an excellent place to soak up the fresh sea air and has everything you need for a comfortable, contented life, a small piece of paradise, rich in community spirit and stunning scenery.

Discover houses for sale in Torcross here, and houses for sale in Slapton here.