South Pool


South Pool is a village, parish and former manor in South Hams, Devon, England. It is situated 3 1/2 miles south-east of the town of Kingsbridge and 2 1/2 miles north-east of Salcombe. It is administered by the South Hams local authority. Historically it formed part of Coleridge Hundred. It falls within Woodleigh Deanery for ecclesiastical purposes.
The village is in an area of outstanding natural beauty at the head of South Pool creek.

Population

The population was 412 in 1801 and 296 in 1901. Population of 137 in 2021. In 1641/2 96 adult males signed the Protestation returns.

Village

The parish church is dedicated to St Nicholas and St Cyriac. The public house is called The Millbrook Inn.

Transport

The nearest transport links are at Frogmore, Kingsbridge and Totnes. Kingsbridge is the nearest town and has a wide selection of shops, including two supermarkets.

Local places of interest

Local places of interest are Dartmouth, Salcombe harbour and the creeks towards Kingsbridge and South Pool, the coast path between Bolt Tail, Bolt Head, Prawle Point, Start Point. Salcombe is renowned for sailing, racing taking place regularly, plus a summer regatta. There are many pleasant beaches along this section of the coast path. Slapton Lea near Torcross is a nature reserve.
Southpool was rated as among the "20 most beautiful villages in the UK and Ireland" by Condé Nast Traveler in 2020.

Historic estates

The parish contains various historic estates including:
  • Scoble, about 1 mile west of the village, anciently the seat of the de Scobbahull family, whose heir was the Speccot family, of Speccot in the parish of Merton, Devon.

    Notable people

  • Leonard Darr MP. Resident from 1602 until his death in March 1615.