Van Hire South Hams

Right in Devon’s sweet spot, South Hams packs in everything from wild Dartmoor edges to stunning coastline. Beyond its famous landmarks and rolling hills, you’ll find all your practical bits nicely sorted – from proper parking to handy fuel stops. Towns like Kingsbridge and Ivybridge are just round the corner, making South Hams a brilliant base for getting about.

Getting Around South Hams

Navigating South Hams is a breeze, thanks to its well-maintained road network that connects its idyllic countryside with the dramatic coastline. The A38 Devon Expressway serves as the lifeline of the region, providing direct access to bustling cities like Plymouth and Exeter. Meanwhile, the A381 links prominent towns such as Kingsbridge and Totnes, ensuring smooth intra-region travel.

For those seeking scenic routes, the A379 hugs the coastline, offering breathtaking views and easy access to charming seaside villages. Smaller yet essential roads, including the B3196 and A385, lead to hidden rural gems and tranquil retreats, perfect for those looking to escape the everyday rush. Travelling to nearby areas like Totnes is straightforward and efficient, underscoring the region’s accessibility. The robust infrastructure ensures that getting around South Hams is not only convenient but also an enjoyable part of the journey.

Van Parking Options

In the northern area, Burrator Quarry Car Park in Yelverton offers 24-hour access, serving as a convenient stop en route to Buckfastleigh, while Newbridge Car Park on Newbridge Hill in Newton Abbot provides all-day parking with facilities. Avon Reservoir Car Park in South Brent offers free parking with reservoir access.

Totnes features Victoria Street Car Park in the town centre, Steamer Quay Car Park for long stays and Longmarsh Car Park with 24-hour riverside access. Along the coast, Strete Gate Car Park in Dartmouth provides free beach parking, while Bigbury-on-Sea Car Park serves Burgh Island visitors. Kingsbridge offers 24-hour access at both Quay Long Stay and Cattle Market Car Parks, the latter charging £2 for all-day parking.

Salcombe’s parking includes Snapes Point National Trust Car Park for coastal walks, Shadycombe Car Park for town access and North Sands Car Park for beach visits. Start Point Car Park in Kingsbridge operates 24/7, while Inner Hope Layby Car Park serves Hope Cove visitors. Ayrmer Cove Car Park in Ringmore provides coastal path access and serves as a convenient stop for those heading to Thurlestone.

Petrol Stations And Vehicle Services

South Hams offers a robust selection of petrol stations and vehicle services, ensuring you’re well-prepared for any journey. In Plymouth, the Asda Estover Petrol Station on Leypark Drive operates 24 hours, providing competitive prices and convenient access. Not far away, Sainsbury’s Petrol Station on Plymouth Road is another reliable option, opening early at 5:30 AM and closing at midnight, making it perfect for early starts or late returns.

Ivybridge serves as a hub for fuel stops with several convenient options. The Tesco Petrol Station at Lee Mill Industrial Estate offers 24-hour accessibility, ideal for refuelling any time of day. Nearby, the Lee Mill Services Filling Station opens at 5 AM, with friendly staff and a selection of snacks to keep you refreshed. For those requiring a quick stop, the bp station on Leonards Road provides dependable service until 10 PM, while the bp station in California Cross covers evening hours from 6 AM to 9 PM.

Heading towards Kingsbridge, the Ilbert Road Filling Station stands out for its long operating hours, from 6 AM to 11 PM and its consistently friendly service. Salcombe visitors will find the Gulf station at West End Garage and the Asda Express Salcombe Road Garage in Malborough conveniently located for quick purchases and fuel. Travellers from Totnes can enjoy a delightful break at the Harbourne Filling Station in Harbertonford, offering homemade snacks and a convenien location for exploring the countryside near Slapton. Meanwhile, the Texaco station in Dartington provides reliable service for a smooth journey through the area.

When it comes to vehicle cleaning and detailing, South Hams doesn’t disappoint. Fine Shine Ltd in Kingsbridge provides professional car washing services, operating from 8:30 AM to 4 PM, while Waves Hand Car Wash in Ivybridge is another excellent choice, open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. For more specialised care, HR Detailing & Cleaning Services in Kingsbridge and Apex Detailing & Valeting in South Brent offer bespoke solutions for vans, ensuring your vehicle stays in top condition throughout your journey.

Hardware Stores, Garden Centres And Storage Facilities

For garden lovers, Tamar Valley Garden Nursery on Calstock Road, Gunnislake, welcomes visitors daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. It’s a relaxing spot with picnic tables and refreshments. In Yelverton, Long Ash Garden Centre offers quality plants and supplies and operates from 10 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. Tamar View Nurseries in Saltash is another excellent choice, open 9 AM to 5:30 PM on weekdays and with reduced hours on Sundays.

Plymouth boasts several centres, such as Plymouth Garden Centre on Fort Austin Avenue, which includes a café and gift shop, open 9 AM to 5:30 PM. Plants Galore on Vinery Lane provides a wide range of garden supplies and operates from 8:30 AM to 6 PM, while Otter Garden Centre in Brixton combines gardening products with delicious food, available 9 AM to 5:30 PM. If you’re in Loddiswell, Avon Mill Garden Centre is another favourite for high-quality plants, open daily until 5:30 PM. This spot is not far from Bigbury, making it a convenient stop for locals and visitors alike.

Moving toward Dartmouth, Bugford Nurseries in Bugford offers seasonal favourites like Christmas trees, open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. In Totnes, Gardentime features a café alongside its plant selection, open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM. Longcombe Cross Garden Centre on the A385 is another noteworthy spot for gardening enthusiasts, welcoming visitors from 9 AM to 5 PM.

DIY enthusiasts will appreciate the offerings at Wakeleys in South Brent, operating 8:30 AM to 5 PM on weekdays, with shorter hours on Saturdays. In Ivybridge, Lawsons Ivybridge on Fore Street provides excellent service, open daily except Sunday and Screwfix at Lee Mill Bridge operates from 7 AM to 8 PM on weekdays. Additionally, Palladium Building Supplies in Ivybridge and Kingsbridge cater to larger construction needs, both with weekday and reduced Saturday hours. Jewson in Totnes and Kingsbridge provides a broad inventory of building materials and is highly regarded for customer service.

Secure storage options abound in South Hams. Kitley Self Storage in Yealmpton is available 24/7, while Dainton Self Storage in Ivybridge offers secure, dry units during extended business hours. South Brent Self Storage, located on Exeter Road, is open from 8 AM to 5:30 PM on weekdays. Totnes features Indoor Self Storage, providing excellent facilities for short- or long-term use. In Dartmouth, Indoor Self Storage Dartmouth on Collingwood Road caters to flexible storage needs, open weekdays and Saturdays. Ocean Leisure Storage in South Brent is perfect for caravans, open from 10 AM to 4 PM on weekdays.

Drive Thru, Restaurants And Supermarkets

In the South Hams area, several major supermarkets provide essential shopping options. Tesco Superstore on Cookworthy Road in Kingsbridge offers consistent opening hours from 8 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday, switching to shorter Sunday hours of 10 AM to 4 PM. For those needing extended shopping hours, Morrisons on Coronation Road in Totnes opens earlier at 7 AM and closes later at 11 PM throughout the week, with the usual Sunday hours of 10 AM to 4 PM.

Looking for a quick meal? The drive-thru KFC on Brixham Road in Paignton maintains steady hours throughout the week, serving customers from 10:30 AM until 11 PM daily. Meanwhile, Kings Fried Chicken in Kingsbridge offers evening service from Tuesday to Sunday, opening at 4 PM and closing at 10 PM midweek, with extended hours until 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. They close slightly earlier at 9 PM on Sundays and remain closed on Mondays.