A Guide to the Best of Slapton (Slapton Sands & Village)
Last Updated on 9th November 2021 by Sophie Nadeau
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The charming village of Slapton can be found in the South Hams Region of South Devon and offers a plethora of activities for even the most discerning of visitors. Best of all, there’s even a delightful pub, the Tower Inn, where visitors can relax.
On a warm summer’s day, there’s nothing quite as refreshing– nor perhaps as enjoyable and as quintessentially British- as sipping on a cool drink, enjoyed in the gardens of an ancient pub.
And 14th-Century Pub, the Tower Inn, has seen more history than most drinking establishments. After all, in the garden alone, you’ll find a lone crumbling tower- all that remains of Slapton Chantry College, a once large set of monastic buildings…
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Slapton Chantry College & the Lone Tower: A brief history of the 14th-century Tower Inn
Although it’s one of only a couple of pubs in the village, you don’t necessarily come to the Tower Inn for its food. Instead, you visit the Inn for its ambience, large selection of drinks (both hot and cold, alcoholic and soft drinks are often), and seven centuries worth of history.
Once constructed as housing for the stonemasons and other skilled workers who built nearby Chantry College, it’s meant to be one of the oldest buildings in Slapton. And it dates all the way back to 1347. If you’re unfamiliar with the term ‘chantry college’, then it’s basically this: a chantry was a type of trust formed during medieval England.
The trusts were pre-reformation (that is to say, they existed before Henry VIII formed the Church of England) and comprised of several privately held buildings. Chantry college buildings were commissioned by wealthy landowners who wanted to ensure that they would spend less time in purgatory following their death- a core Catholic belief.
They typically employed one priest or more to sing masses for a deceased person and their families. The belief was that the more people who prayed for the deceased person’s soul, the less time the departed would have to stay in purgatory. Most Chantry Colleges were established in the 14th and 15th Centuries but were shut down by Henry VIII in 1547.
Slapton Chantry College is only one of four such colleges to have ever been established in South West England. Built by wealthy local landowner Sir Guy de Briene in 1372 and dedicated to St Mary, he was incredibly influential in the court of Edward III and held much sway over local residents.
How to visit The 14th-century Tower Inn
Today, all that remains of Slapton Chantry College is The Lone Tower (pictured below) sitting in the corner of the pub’s beer garden. Sadly, the tower can only be admired from afar as it is closed to the public.
Centuries of neglect mean that the rest of the buildings have crumbled away, and the remaining tower itself is not safe to visit. There is no roof, and birds can frequently be seen nesting in the upper windows.
With that being said, a drink in the pub is particularly pleasant after a trip to nearby Slapton Sands (a deceptive name, given that the beach is actually pebbles!). Within the pub itself, you can book a room if you so wish and make the inn your base from which to explore the surrounding area.
If you want to visit the Tower Inn by car, be warned: the entrance to the driveway leading to the pub is easily one of the narrowest I’ve ever seen. As a result, it can often be a tight squeeze, even in the smallest of cars. Instead, consider parking elsewhere in the village, and enjoying a gentle stroll to reach the Tower Inn.
Slapton Village: Things to see and do in Slapton
Quaint and narrow lanes meander through the tiny village of Slapton. Located around half a mile from the coast and tucked away amongst the rolling hills that Devon is so famous for, to put it simply: this part of the world is just stunning and is an easy escape from the hustle and bustle of busy everyday life.
Make a trip to Beesands
The pretty village of Beesands can be found a few miles along the coast from Slapton. Home to little by way of attractions, Beesands is set along one high street which overlooks the sea. And with just one pub, an eatery, and several holiday cottages, a visit here is the perfect chance to enjoy nature (including all of the coastal walks to be taken in the area).
Take a day trip to the sea
Elsewhere on a sunny day in the region, you can expect to find lush green fields, an azure blue sea and plenty of small villages, just like that of Slapton. In fact, the small settlement is located just a short stretch along the jagged coastline from East Prawle, the most southerly point of Devon.
It’s here in East Prawle where you can expect to find a similarly quirky pub, as well as plenty of good coastal walks. Those who are looking to escape the ‘real world’ for a little while will not be disappointed. They’ll be happy to know that you can really get out of touch with reality here- there is no phone signal and GPS is more than lacking.
Visit Slapton Church
Asides from being a short walk to the beach, having numerous pubs and a village shop, Slapton is also home to an ancient church (pictured below). Opposite the Tower Inn, you’ll find St James the Great Village Church. Built as early as the 13th Century, this church is not directly related to the Chantry College but has served local residents for the past 800 years.
