Location

Stoke Gabriel has shops and a Post Office, two pubs, two cafes, one of which is by the waterside, and an historic church with a venerable yew tree, believed to be at least 800 years old. A walk around the village takes you past old stone cottages, colourful gardens, a community orchard and views of the river almost everywhere.

The quayside is home to the village boating association which organises events and dinghy racing throughout the summer. It’s cheerful and busy on a sunny summer’s day, with boats and canoes heading off from the pontoon and people picnicking by the Mill Pond. It’s quiet and serene on cooler autumn days and in the winter.

The River Shack on the quay, refurbished in Spring 2011, provides good food during the daytime for most of the year. Friday and Saturday evenings in the summer see the new owners, Karl and Helen, setting up the barbecue or pizza oven: in the autumn the customers retreat inside. They sell local wines, beer, cider and apple juice.

Emma’s is a cosy cafe and bistro in the middle of the village.They are open during the day as a cafe and feature fish’n’chips on Wednesday evenings and bistro nights on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Church House Inn with its massive inglenook fireplace, and rustic outside tables, dates from the 14th Century and features in the Good Pub Guide. They sell pub food and a selection of real ales. Or, as an alternative, try The Castle.

Another new venture is Totnes Kayak Academy and Canoe Hire, based on the quayside.

See the Stoke Gabriel website for more information about places and events in this lovely waterside village.

Tides Reach