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Hope Cove
Hope is Old English meaning a small, enclosed valley. It perfectly sums up this delightful village, which not only nestles within green valley walls, but slopes down to two attractive sheltered beaches. The Cove was originally a small fishing and crabbing village, however, whilst commercial fishing is no longer carriedout, the area remains remarkably unchanged, and fishing from the rocks, or a dinghy, continues to be enjoyed by many.
'Commercialisation' consists of one small gift/beach shop and a village Post Office & Stores. That said, there is much to see and enjoy. Inner Hope is a piece of Devon miraculously preserved from a hundred years ago, a square of thatched cottages unspoiled by modern development. Other picturesque thatched cottages nestle quite happily by more modern architecture. Perched high above the beaches, by the road that links Inner Hope and Outer Hope, tiny St. Clement's Church has a commanding view of the cove. Scarcely much larger than a modern living room it has an atmosphere all of its own.
The beaches have a Seaside Award for water quality and cleanliness. They are sandy and safe. There are rock pools to enjoy and crabs to catch and for the more adventurous, sailing, windsurfing and diving. The water is unusually clear, attracting divers who explore not only the sea but also over 30 shipwrecks in the area. Dolphins and seals can be seen swimming and diving in the cove from time to time. Occasionally bathers have been lucky enough to go swimming with the dolphins.
The village straddles the stunning South Devon Coastal Path and a short walk along the safe cliff top path towards Thurlestone Sands provides spectacular views of Bigbury Bay, Burgh Island, Thurlestone Rock and further along the coast to Cornwall. On a clear day over 30 miles of Cornish coast can be seen. Indeed, the views are so great that in May 1588 thousands of people gathered in and around Hope Cove and upon the great majestic cliffs of Bolt Tail to watch he fleet of 140 Spanish galleons - the Armada - proceed up the Channel. One of the galleons, the San Pedro, went aground on the Shippen - the large rocky headland that divides Hope's two beaches.
Whilst Hope Cove remains peaceful and unspoiled there is a good range of places to eat. There are two pubs with dining facilities, one with a separate restaurant. Between the pubs lies a further restaurant, which also provides lunches, cream teas and evening meals during peak periods. Dotted about the village there are more than half a dozen Hotels, which are happy to cater for non-residents.
