The District has over 60 miles of stunning woodlands, coast and countryside with bustling towns and picture-postcard villages. Each one plays a vital role in shaping our future and driving our economy. South Hams includes the stunning and world-renowned Dartmoor National Park with its impressive tors and wild roaming ponies, and South Devon National Landscape which includes 68 beaches.
There are plenty of National Trust and English Heritage properties right on the doorstep. Dotted between them are chocolate-boxed thatched cottages and historic buildings in our towns and villages.
The Challenges
Like other parts of the country, South Hams has its challenges. The serious lack of affordable housing creates an issue for residents and has an impact on the local economy. We have an ageing population with all the care and support needs that entails. There are pockets of deprivation as well as issues of rural isolation. The effects of climate change and biodiversity loss are also starting to be seen. These are all issues that are being tackled by the District Council so we can help the communities we serve.
Our People
We have a population of 88,600 people living in the towns, villages and rural communities that make up the South Hams, which extends to an area of 887km2. Despite an increase in the population, it remains one of the lowest 10% for density across England – that’s 0.7 people per football-pitch-sized piece of land!
Transport Links
There is a network of road routes and regional airports. Trains run frequently from national destinations, as do national coaches.
- London is less than four hours away by train
- Exeter is around an hour away by car
- Bristol is around one and a half hours away by train
Find out more at Visit South Devon.