Teignmouth sits on the north side of the mouth of the River Teign which flows down from Dartmoor. A natural, sheltered anchorage, it’s been the home of seafarers for centuries, and their history is evident in the town’s gnarled wharfs, characterful pubs, and the well-known Ice Factory Theatre where ice was once made to preserve the fish for the market. The Ship Inn and The Jolly Sailor are within a stone's throw of the house, both known for their great pub food and real ales. Samphire House was once owned by a baker who probably worked at the bakery next door, now named 'Salty House'.

 

The town has its own musical and literacy heritage, including a brief scene from The Beatles film, The Magical Mystery Tour, when the fab four spent a night in the town. Teignmouth spawned the band Muse, who took their name from the amusement arcade sign on the pier which had lost its letters apart from 'muse'. Now internationally famous, a mural of them has been painted on Quay Road. When Muse returned for a gig at 'The Den' in 2009, the town was flooded by 23,000 fans, an event that is still fondly remembered! Local pubs continue the musical tradition with frequent evening and Sunday afternoons performances.

 

The poet John Keats spent a season in Teignmouth in 1818. He stayed just two doors down from Samphire House, in what is now called 'Keats' House', where he wrote a poem for the area that can be read on the side of the nearby New Quay Pub:

 

Here all the summer could I stay,

For there's Bishop's teign

And King's teign

And Coomb at the clear Teign head

Where close by the stream

You may have your cream

All spread upon barley bread...

 

Teignmouth is a festival town: Folk (Jun); Poetry (Mar); Bank Holiday Music Festival (Aug); Maritime and Shanty (Sep); Classical (twice yearly); Lantern parade (Oct); Bonfire with fireworks (Oct/Nov); and Jazz (Nov). Don't forget to check out what is going on at the Pavilions, just two minutes walk away, which offers theatre and music performances, live screenings of West End productions, a regular comedy club night, and art & music workshops. And check out their upstairs View Bar and its delicious cocktails.

 

There is no shortage of great places to eat in town, from local pubs to cafes like Oystercatchers, Finley Browns, Pearl's Parlour and Brunch, to something more special like the Lobster Lounge (excellent reputation for Tapas), the Crab Shack (outstanding seafood), and Tradewinds (Greek cuisine).

 

For those looking for an active holiday, stop by the Back Beach just meters away from Samphire House, which offers paddleboard and kayak hire, fishing and jet ski tours, and a dive centre. Also nearby you’ll find a crazy golf course, a children’s playpark, and the 'Den' which occasionally hosts a traditional English fun fair.

 

While staying at Samphire House, you won't need to go far to enjoy your stay. Whether for an active or laid-back holiday, the hidden gem of Teignmouth is becoming a destination of choice. However, be warned: you may want to stay here permanently!