Yealmpton, a picturesque village nestled in the South Hams, perfectly embodies its name. The River Yealm gracefully winds its way through the village, offering stunning views and tranquil walks. With Dartmoor National Park to the northeast and the beautiful South Devon coastline to the south, Yealmpton provides easy access to both natural wonders. Despite its serene setting, the village offers a range of amenities, including a health center with a dispensary, a Post Office, shops, a petrol station, an optician, and Ben’s Farm Shop, which showcases the finest local, organic produce.
Yealmpton’s love for good food is evident in its vibrant culinary scene. The monthly farmers’ market is a highlight, showcasing the best local produce. Nelli’s Café, an independent gem, offers delicious treats and a picturesque outdoor seating area. The Rose and Crown, a charming pub with its distinctive rose-colored walls, is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, serving up delicious meals and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Yealmpton offers a true taste of rural life, with a strong sense of community fostered by the Community Association. The association manages a community hall and an outdoor multi-use games area, providing spaces for social gatherings and recreational activities. The mobile library regularly visits the village, ensuring access to books and information.
To promote sustainability, the community has initiated various projects. Men’s Shed, a welcoming space for all, supports older residents by utilizing their repair skills. Bee-Wild Yealmpton is dedicated to creating bee-friendly environments and encouraging wildlife diversity. These initiatives contribute to a greener and more sustainable future for Yealmpton.
A Thriving Community
Yealmpton, despite its small-town charm, offers a range of essential amenities, including a hairdressers, a medical center, and an optician. Its strategic location provides easy access to both the stunning beaches and the rugged beauty of Dartmoor National Park. Plymouth, a vibrant city, is also within easy reach.
Yealmpton Primary School, a feeder school for Ivybridge Community College, capitalizes on its idyllic setting by incorporating outdoor learning into its curriculum. The school boasts its own orchard, vegetable garden, and sports pitch, encouraging students to connect with nature. Regular field trips to the River Yealm valley and the beach provide firsthand experiences of the local environment.
Locals Love
Yealmpton’s rich history is intertwined with literary lore. The charming, thatched Old Mother Hubbard’s Cottage, a Grade II listed building, once housed the housekeeper of Kitley House, a grand 16th-century estate. This very cottage inspired the beloved nursery rhyme, “Old Mother Hubbard,” penned in 1805 by the sister of Kitley House’s chatelaine. The rhyme’s enduring popularity has forever linked the cottage with the tale of the cupboard bare.