Stoke Gabriel, nestled in the picturesque South Hams region of Devon, boasts a tranquil estuary shoreline with soft sand beaches. Unfortunately, the official water quality rating, as tested by the Environment Agency, is classified as Poor. During the summer months, the water temperature in the Dart Estuary can reach a pleasant 18°C.
Hand-picked holiday cottages & coastal retreats near Stoke Gabriel, Dart Estuary (South Hams) & surrounds
Rural Retreats
From £944
This excellent property is in the heart of Branscombe, approximately half a mile’s level walk to the wide pebble beach and sea. Branscombe is a delightful village and the histor...
Rural Retreats
From £950
This spacious, secluded and elegant 5* Gold detached Devon holiday cottage, is perfect for larger groups and sociable family gatherings, and is located on the beautiful Gitcombe...
Rural Retreats
From £677
Escape to this charming country-style stone cottage and explore the tranquil Devonshire countryside with the ones you love. Boasting an open-plan living area, warmed by the glow...
Rural Retreats
From £795
This cosy mid-terrace cottage is situated on the stunning Gitcombe Estate, and boasts breathtaking views of the Devon Countryside and beyond. Haytor Cottage is the ideal space f...
Rural Retreats
From £441
Woodland Cottage is a spacious and beautiful cottage set in a delightfully private and peaceful location along a country lane in North Devon. Enjoying privacy and beautiful view...
Rural Retreats
From £480
Perched in an elevated position within the Blackdown Hills National Landscape, the Shippen offers memorable views across and along the length of the spectacular Yarty valley.
Rural Retreats
From £401
Located within the prestigious Corbyn Apartments, overlooking the picturesque Torquay seafront, the Sea View Suite offers a haven of luxury and tranquillity. This beautiful prop...
Rural Retreats
From £725
Situated on the wonderful Gitcombe Estate, amongst a pretty terrace of five cottages, Meavy Cottage offers sleek and stylish open-plan living, offering the perfect setting for u...
Sediment type has not yet been recorded for this site. Underfoot conditions and bank composition may vary.
Water quality regularly fails to meet safe bathing standards. Swimmers face an elevated risk of stomach infections or skin rashes due to high bacterial loads.
This bathing water is generally resilient and has a low risk of quality degradation after heavy summer storm events.
Tested weekly by the Environment Agency England for bacteria levels (E. coli & Intestinal Enterococci) between May and September.
Monitored as a transitional or estuarine bathing water. Estuarine sites experience a mix of tidal ocean flushing and river discharge, causing fluctuating salinity and water quality.
South West Water Limited is the regional utility responsible for waste water treatment, sewage infrastructure, and storm overflow management in this catchment area.
Officially designated as a protected bathing water site in 2024. This designation mandates regular public health monitoring.
Governed under local district sanitation and environmental safety regulations in the South Hams area.
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