South Hams

Local authority district in Devon, England

Coordinates:	50.37, -3.84
OS grid ref:	SX 68 53

The South Hams district lies on the south coast of Devon, stretching from the northern fringes of Dartmoor to a deeply indented shoreline on the English Channel. Much of its coast falls within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is criss-crossed by the South West Coast Path, with estuaries such as the River Dart and the Kingsbridge Estuary creating sheltered harbours and sandy creeks.

Principal towns like Totnes, Dartmouth, Salcombe and Kingsbridge offer a mix of independent shops, galleries, weekly markets and a strong maritime culture. The local economy leans heavily on tourism, sailing and fishing alongside agriculture - dairy, orchards and cider production - and a growing small-business and creative sector; summer visitors commonly swell many communities.

Historically the area contains medieval ports and fortifications such as Totnes Castle and Dartmouth Castle and retains a pronounced nautical heritage. It is prized for outdoor pursuits - walking, sailing and wildlife watching - but also faces rural challenges, notably second homes and housing affordability, which are important issues in local life and planning.

South Hams postcode districts

PL8, PL21, TQ6, TQ7, TQ8, TQ9, TQ10

Most populated places in South Hams

Places in South Hams

Allington & Strete Ward
Ashprington Parish
Aveton Gifford Built-up area
Berry Pomeroy Parish
Bickleigh Built-up area
Bickleigh & Cornwood Ward
Bigbury Parish
Bigbury-on-Sea Built-up area
Brixton Built-up area
Dartington Built-up area
Dartmouth Built-up area
Dittisham Built-up area
Inner Hope Built-up area
Ivybridge Built-up area
Kingsbridge Built-up area
Lee Mill Built-up area
Loddiswell Built-up area
Malborough Built-up area
Marldon Built-up area
Modbury Built-up area
Newton Ferrers Built-up area
Salcombe Built-up area
Slapton Built-up area
South Brent Built-up area
Stoke Fleming Built-up area
Stoke Gabriel Built-up area
Stokenham Built-up area
Strete Built-up area
Thurlestone Built-up area
Totnes Built-up area
Wembury Built-up area
Yealmpton Built-up area