Living in Torcross

Torcross is a sweet little spot that is one of South Devon’s best kept secrets with a fascinating history. It is the perfect place for those who are looking to revel in the majesties of nature, and is home to a very wholesome and active community

If this sounds like a place that you would like to call home, then Marchand Petit can help you with your journey to buying or renting your own property here.

History of Torcross

The first recorded history of Torcross dates back to 1602, when it became a safe settlement in the Elizabethan times for families of fishermen who worked from the beaches. The quaint village was situated between the farming land and the sea, as the fishermen did not live right on the coast due to the threat of pirates!

This area also played a crucial role in the preparations of the D-Day landings in World War II, due to the similarities that were found between parts of the French coast (a location that was chosen for the largest 'invasion by sea' of the war) and Slapton Sands (Torcross area) itself. Now the population of Torcross lives alongside the sea and enjoys a peaceful atmosphere which is, thankfully, a far cry from its history.

What is There to Do in Torcross?

While the village of Torcross is small in size and population, it does pack a punch in offering a variety of things to do!

Right on your doorstep you will have Slapton Ley, which is a beautiful lake only a stone’s throw away from the shingle beach known as Slapton Sands. Slapton Ley is the largest natural freshwater lake in southwest England, and it is set within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It is just one of the many reasons that people come from far and wide to the area.

As mentioned in Torcross’s history, the Exercise Tiger mission has been memorialised - and is always worth visiting and paying respects to. There is a large Sherman M4 to remember those lost in Exercise Tiger, and it is situated right on the bank of Slapton Sands.

While you are visiting this location, you can take all the time you need on this well-manicured shingled beach, which is home to some of the UK’s rarest flora and fauna. This makes it the perfect spot to relax in and also explore – offering you the best of both worlds.

South Devon is well known for being a metropolis of the arts, and Torcross has some of that colourful energy running right through it. However, to really get into the heart of the arts, it is best to take a day trip out to Kingsbridge or Salcombe, both of which feature fabulous galleries with names like David Shrigley, Jeff Koons and even Banky on display.

You can also take a short trip to Dartmouth for plenty of exciting water sports activities, interesting museums, and a visit to the iconic castle too.

Food and Drink in Torcross

Torcross is home to a reasonable range of independent food shops and restaurants in the area. Pack up your picnic basket with fresh local produce from excellent venues such as The Stokeley Farm Shop (which also has beer on sale from their own brewery) or treat yourself to a takeaway from Torcross Boathouse Takeaway which offers you a fresh selection of traditional chip shop takeaway menu classics.

For something a little more unique, treat yourself with a visit to Billy the Can, a retro sweet and coffee shop that is home to hundreds of old-school favourites and also includes a local art and crafts section.

Torcross is a lovely little village if you like the peaceful lifestyle by the coast. It is an excellent place to soak up the fresh sea air and has everything you need to live a life of comfort. Not only that, but it is only a short trip away from some of the larger towns when you fancy a day out, safe in the knowledge that you are coming back to a piece of paradise rich in community and stunning scenery.

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