South Hams

South Hams is an administrative district in southern Devon that spans coastal areas with beaches, rural landscapes, and several towns including Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Dartmouth, Totnes, and Ivybridge. The region blends seaside communities with quiet rural villages, combining port towns and country village centers.

The district formed in 1974 by combining seven former districts under the Local Government Act 1972, with Totnes chosen as the administrative center. This reorganization brought together several smaller municipal areas into a single authority.

The area has many listed historic buildings, including Follaton House, which still serves as the district council headquarters and shows how older structures remain important to local administration today.

The district manages essential services like waste collection, planning, and housing advice across the region. Visitors can easily reach the various towns by car or public transport, as they all fall within the same area.

The village of Hallsands sank into the sea in 1917 after removal of a protective shingle bank altered coastal dynamics. This event shows how powerful natural forces can reshape the coastline.

Location: Devon

Inception: 1972

Capital city: Totnes

Website: http://south-hams-dc.gov.uk

GPS coordinates: 50.43139,-3.69111

Latest update: December 20, 2025 14:48