The River Teign is one of the most picturesque rivers in Devon (we say ‘one of’ because there's lots of stunning rivers in the region!), it starts on Dartmoor National Park and stretches some 31 miles to the English Channel at Teignmouth. It starts at two separate sources – the North Teign and the South Teign and passes through many idyllic towns and villages with lots of beautiful countryside to be admired before reaching the sea. People travel near and far to visit and photograph this part of South Devon. Here are the most insta-worthy spots along the River Teign.
Bishopsteignton
Talking a walk up the footpaths in Bishopsteignton will reveal beautiful panoramic views of the Teign Estuary, Teignmouth and Shaldon. To see these vistas, head up the foot path towards Humber Woods, past Beacon Park Plantation, and look back towards the estuary to see the patchwork of fields and gorgeous blue water emptying into the English Channel from the River Teign. You could also take the Postman’s Path Walk through the woods to get to the picnic site which leads onto Little Haldon, near Teignmouth Golf Course, to take photos of this incredible riverscape.
Dunsford Nature Reserve
If taking photos of beautiful, wooded valleys is your kind of thing, we’d suggest taking your camera to Dunsford Nature Reserve. Located on Dartmoor National Park, it’s an excellent place to capture Devon’s gorgeous flora and fauna. In the spring, wild daffodils flood the woodland in a sea of yellow and you may even spot fallow deer passing through the valley, or little otters bathing in the river. Within the trees you may see tawny owls and woodpeckers, if you’re sneaky enough, snapping a picture of these beautiful creatures will bode well for your photography portfolio!
Gidleigh Park
Located on Dartmoor National Park, Gidleigh Park is a truly insta-worthy hotel to visit! It boasts 107 acres of parkland with the North Teign River flowing through the gorgeous green grounds. Inside the hotel, the décor is stylish, with everything you’d expect from a traditional English country house hotel; antique furniture, stone fireplaces, wooden panelling along the walls and huge windows looking out to the private grounds beneath. Evergreen trees tower over the hotel, making you feel truly secluded, and the charming wooden bridges allow access across the river to the woodlands.
Teignmouth Back Beach
Teignmouth Back Beach is a small, sandy harbour, lined with colourful homes and beach houses. From here you can see all the way up the River Teign towards Newton Abbot, and on the opposite side is the quaint village of Shaldon. It’s renowned by the locals for its beautiful, picturesque views, great pubs, and excellent eateries. It’s also known as *the* place to watch the sun set over the hills, painting the sky in beautiful yellow and pink clouds. If you’re an avid sunset chaser, you absolutely must make a trip here!
Teign Gorge
Teign Gorge is a National Trust estate in which Castle Drogo sits upon. It has plenty of footpaths and bridleways so visitors can explore the wide and varied landscapes and habitats. The heathland of Teign Gorge is home to many animals such as buzzards, skylarks, and the famous Dartmoor ponies, as well as 23 species of butterflies like the rare pearl-bordered fritillary. While in the woodland, you may be able to see fallow and roe dear or woodpeckers and, in the river, you may spot kingfishers, salmon, or otters swimming in the waters. It’s the perfect place to explore if you’re an eager nature photographer!
Coombe Cellars
Located in Coombeteign, Coombe Cellars is a unique and contemporary pub and restaurant overlooking the River Teign. The building is full of charm and character with huge windows looking out to the estuary and an eclectic mixture of rustic and modern interiors. The pub has an expansive garden where you can enjoy a pint in the sun and is the perfect place to enjoy some alfresco dining! If you’re lucky enough to visit here during sunset, you’ll certainly want to whip your phone out and take some photos of your meal with the stunning sky as a picturesque backdrop.
Fingle Bridge
Fingle Bridge is the epitome of British Countryside. The beautifully crafted, 17th century stone bridge in Drewsteignton holds itself over the Fingle Brook, which flows into the River Teign. It’s also the gateway to Fingle Woods and Castle Drogo. Surrounding the bridge is a series of large hilltops to climb for uninterrupted views across Dartmoor National Park, and a sea of ancient trees, with Fingle Bridge Inn, an idyllic-looking pub, hidden between them. Whether you come just to photograph the bridge or decide to take the walk through Fingle Woods to Castle Drogo, you will certainly be disappointed if you forgot to pick up your camera as it’s one of the most photographed places on Dartmoor – for very obvious reasons!
Shaldon Beach
Another excellent sunset spot is Shaldon Beach, a lovely sandy and shingle beach sitting on the mouth of the Teign Estuary. Surrounded by gorgeous, green rolling hills and backed by the quaint village of Shaldon, it’s the perfect place to snap some seascapes for your insta feed! Throughout the year, the beach is lined with characteristic boats, but if you pop down during August when the Shaldon Regatta is on, you’ll see an abundance of unique and colourful boats sailing around the estuary.
Teigngrace
Located just a few miles from Newton Abbot, is Teigngrace, a rural civil parish, surrounded by stunning green countryside with lots of footpaths to be explored. Whether you prefer walks through beautiful meadows, towering woodlands or along the water's edge, Teigngrace is a wonderful place to spend the day in the great outdoors, capturing photos of the gorgeous flora and fauna. If you visit in the springtime, you’ll see footpaths lined with beautiful white wild garlic flowers, making you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a fairy tale!
Canonteign Falls
Canonteign Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in the South West and situated just a stone's throw away from Dartmoor National Park. The 90-acre estate has a very interesting history, and the waterfall was created in 1890 by diverting a stream over a cliff edge. The stunning grounds consist of many trails and paths through the woods, allowing you to truly lose yourself in nature, and what better way to do it than with a camera in hand. Canonteign is home to one of the few original Victorian Fern Gardens in Britian, where you may spot whimsical wire fairies hiding between the trees or Terrance the wicker T-Rex lurking in the woods, which will certainly make for some interesting photos!
If you visit any of these places, please tag us in anything you post on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook for a chance to be reposted on our page. To view more of our Top 10 Instagrammable places blog posts, please click here.
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