Recently crowned as the “most beautiful village” in the UK by CN Traveller, South Pool is drawing attention for its stunning views, swanky boutiques, and welcoming pubs
Locals living in an enchanting Devon village are trying to keep the lid on details of their charming community to avoid an influx of tourists.
The village of South Pool is a jewel of South Devon with an idyllic rural charm. It’s just a short drive from the Devonshire coastline and is packed full of historic buildings. And the village is finally getting the recognition it deserves after being hailed as the “most beautiful village” in the UK by CN Traveller. It’s been praised for its vibrant community for sailors, swanky boutiques, and its delicious ice-cream parlours. Thanks to the stunning beaches nearby, the village is enjoying a huge amount of attention on social media. Bantham Beach, just 10 miles northwest of the village, was labelled the “most beautiful beach without leaving the UK” by a visitor.
While the attention grows, some locals have said they’d rather keep its allure under wraps. One resident quipped: “Shhh, don’t tell anyone! We locals want to keep it a secret!” According to Devon Live, the village is a typical jewel of the English countryside, where its narrow, winding lanes and age-old stone cottages make time stand still. Its looks like an image taken straight from a story book.
Walking along the charming streets, you’ll find the Millbrook Inn, a traditional village pub which is South Pool’s beating heart. Known for its warm hospitality, the cosy interior features open fires and wooden beams, where locals and visitors gather for a meal or a drink. The village is surrounded by rolling fields and hills, making it a massive draw for hikers and nature lovers. At Salcombe Estuary, which offers a host of outdoor activities, thrillseekers can take part in sailing, kayaking and fishing.
It’s also a favourite for people who just want to chill out to enjoy the estuary’s serene waters and stunning views. It is also well placed to use as a base to explore other parts of South Devon. Salcombe, Kingsbridge, and Dartmouth are towns nearby that offer a huge amount of shops, restaurants and cultural experiences. For those looking for a tranquil staycation, South Pool – with its stunning views, outdoor activities, and traditional English charm – would be a perfect fit.
Earlier this week, another village – described as “quintessentially English” – was crown the “prettiest village in England. Castle Combe is nestled in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Not only is it known for its race circuit, but Castle Combe, located in the south westerly county of Wiltshire, has also served as a filming location for big-screen hits like War Horse and Stardust, as well as an episode of the popular TV series Downton Abbey. The village is also a showcase for traditional and historic architecture, all crafted from Cotswold stone. Remarkably, no new homes have been built here for centuries adding to its beauty. However, it’s a unique and quirky B&B that’s drawing in visitors from Japan, reports Gloucestershire Live.
