A Guide to Newton Ferrers, A Picturesque Town Near Plymouth

Last Updated on 16th November 2021 by Sophie Nadeau

This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my privacy policy and disclosure for more information.

For all intents and purposes, Newton Ferrers is pretty much the larger sibling of the just-across-the-water fishing community of Noss Mayo. Located on the very fringes of the water and filled with ancient pubs and a centuries-old church, here’s a guide to the very best things to do in Newton Ferrers.

First recorded in the Domesday Book as ‘Niwetone‘, fishing vessels sway in the mouth of the Yealm Estuary and seagulls flock above. The salty sea breeze whistles through on a constant basis and breathtaking coastal walks are just minutes away. Though the bustling city of Plymouth may be just ten miles away, it feels as if it could be a thousand miles away.

Explore the historic harbour and quayside of Newton Ferrers

During the middle ages, and right up until the 19th-century, this part of the UK was synonymous with smugglers. As such, up and down the coastline evidence of smuggling routes and shipwrecked boats can be found.

Some parts of the coastline are even still home to tunnelled out cliff faces which smugglers would have used to bring their goods inland. These tunnels feature in Daphne du Maurier’s Jamaica Inn, which is set in nearby Cornwall.

Newton Ferrers itself is filled with worn away pathways and small fishing boat and you can’t go wrong by dedicating an hour or two to simply strolling around the historic harbour and snapping some photos.

Soak up the salty sea air, watch a traditional fishing town work at its best, or simply sit along the harbour front and admire the sunset. Those feeling a little peckish might consider picking up a portion of piping hot chips to go (just make sure you order them to be topped with salt and vinegar- an English favourite)!

The Church of the Holy Cross

Part of the same parish as those churches of St Peter’s in nearby Noss Mayo, as well as the Church of St Peter the Poor Fisherman in Revelstoke, The Church of the Holy Cross was first constructed in 1260 on the site of a previous church.

In the 14th century, the church was expanded to twice its size, before further renovations by George Fellowes Prynne in the late 19th-century. As with most village churches in the UK, it’s completely free to go inside and visit the church, though donations are always appreciated.

The Dolphin Inn, Riverside Road

Named for the sea and catering to a seafood loving clientele, the Dolphin Inn is the only pub on this side of the estuary (the rest of the pubs in the area being located just across the river’s mouth in Noss Mayo).

Serving local brews and fish straight from the sea, this tavern is always filled with the sound of locals and visitors alike having a great time. Family friendly and dog-friendly, the Dolphin is the perfect place to sit and relax after a busy day of exploring the South Hams.

Take a trip to Noss Mayo on the Yealm Ferry

Just across the harbour, the picturesque fishing village of Noss Mayo is easily one of the best settlements in Devon. Home to two pubs, countless coastal walks, and picture-perfect postcard views, you can’t go wrong by dedicating a couple of hours to exploring all the (panoramic) views Noss Mayo has to offer!

During peak season, which generally runs from Easter through to Mid-September, a foot ferry transports passengers between Noss Mayo and Newton Ferrers on a regular basis for a small fee.

Other times of the year, it’s possible to hire a water taxi between the two, or drive around the headland from one fishing village to the other (centre to centre is around a fifteen minute drive and on foot its around a half hour walk or so).

Nearby attractions

Holbeton

The quaint village of Holbeton is well worth a drive through on any trip to this part of Devon. Full of thatched cottages and two traditional pubs, it’s located just a short distance away from one of the most beautiful beaches in the South Hams, that of Mothecombe Beach.

Ermington

If you’re heading to Newton Ferrers from the A38 via Exeter, then no doubt you’ll pass through/ directly alongside the quaint village of Ermington en route (depending on which road you’re travelling along). Inside the village itself, a pretty pub known as the ‘Crooked Spire of Ermington‘ can be found next to a church with an equally twisted spire.

Cellar Cove

On the opposite side of the estuary, just a short walk away from Noss Mayo, Cellar Cove is one of the most beautiful beaches in Devon, if not all of England. Perfect for swimming, snapping photos, or even enjoying a picnic, it’s well worth a visit. Unlike many other beaches in the South Hams, dogs are allowed at Cellar Cove all year ’round. Find out more beach details here.

Salcombe

A little way down the coastline, still within the area of outstanding natural beauty, the ever-popular fishing town of Salcombe is filled with candy coloured houses, eateries offering freshly caught seafood, and plenty of water activities. Once in Salcombe, you’ll also find the oldest sweet shop in Devon.

Enjoyed reading about the best things to do in Newton Ferrers? Pin it now, read it again later: