Rickham Farm

The Farm and Surroundings.
Rickham Farm is located about 0.75 miles south of East Portlemouth village, on the peninsula of land between Salcombe and Prawle Point, which is the most southerly point in Devon. It is a stunningly located coastal farm occupying a truly spectacular location in the beautiful South Hams, an area of outstanding natural beauty. It is fed by a local water spring which means the water supply is as pure as it can be.

Situated in East Portlemouth, the jewel on the east side of the Salcombe Estuary with beautiful beaches, a fascinating history and peaceful coastal and country walks.

The region of South Hams and Salcombe, its most southerly town, is an area of unspoilt natural beauty with attractive countryside and a truly magnificent coast with cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches, with many caves to explore. For instance Lannacombe beach, one of the most beautiful beaches which at low tide is a child’s paradise with lots of rock pools and a lovely stretch of beach. As once being the smugglers coast, there are many caves to explore in this region.

History of region and town
The town of East Portlemouth used to be a much larger and more flourishing place than it is today; it was a port and ship-building was an important industry. It provided four ships and ninety men for the Crecy and Calais campaigns of 1346 and contributed at least one ship to chase the Spanish Armada in 1588. In 1879 the Duke and Duchess reorganised the whole village. Many fishermen's cottages were destroyed and their tenants dispossessed, while several farms and smallholdings were amalgamated into three 200 acre farms at East Portlemouth Village, Rickham and Holset. At its peak, the village had a population approaching 500 but this was drastically reduced by the reorganisation.

Nearby interesting towns
Salcombe
Within a 10 minute walking distance is the town of Salcombe. It lies beside a vast inlet called the Salcombe estuary though technically it is a ria – a landlocked saltwater inlet - ideal for sailing. The estuary provides many beautiful, safe sandy coves and a natural sheltered harbour for a variety of boats. The town of Salcombe is a picturesque harbour town with lots of restaurants, shops, museums and a lot of other things to see and experience.

The town of Salcombe was once a flourishing trading port, specialising in the fruit trade. Until about 100 years ago Salcombe earned its living from the estuary and the sea. Fishing, seafaring, boat and later shipbuilding with smuggling and probably some piracy were the principal occupations. Salcombe is easily reached via the foot ferry at East Portlemouth. On the East Portlemouth side of the harbour you'll find a small outdoor café, public toilets and some beautiful, sheltered, sandy beaches.

Kingsbridge
The town of Kingsbridge is situated only 8.5 miles from East Portlemouth. It lies at the top of the Salcombe Estuary and is a bustling town that has the feel of a bygone era. The main street, Fore Street, slopes up the hill from the quay and is well served with a range of good shops, cafes restaurants and pubs. At the top is the oldest part of the town, including a medieval shambles, St Edmund's Church dating from the 13/15th century, a town hall with a 3 faced clock and a museum housed in an old grammar school. Kingsbridge has good food shops where you can by the best of local produce including fresh fish. There is a ferry service to and from Salcombe which meanders down the estuary past the numerous little creeks giving excellent views along the way.

Rickham Farm.
Rickham Farm is a working farm, which in future may become organic. The farmhouse is a lovely old house, founded in the early 19th century, with a mix of older and newer style buildings on site. The friendly and enthusiastic Lewis family has farmed at Rickham Farm since October 2007 and before this they farmed in Yorkshire. Rickham farm is run by farmer Chris and his lovely wife Catherine, with the help of their two daughters Georgina and Susannah and son Simon. Everyone in the Lewis family is very involved in farm life and nature.

The Lewis family Farm is a traditionally run farm, with a mix of arable crops and livestock. There is a beef sucker herd of Aberdeen Angus and Dexter cattle, and Gloucestershire Old Spot and Tamworth rare breed pigs. For the last few years the Lewis family has been producing award winning sausages and other traditional meats under the name ‘Farmer Lewis’ Larder. In the farm shop you will find the award winning sausages.

Other animals found on the farm are Native breed cattle and the calves are kept in the herd. They operate like modern mums, all the calves are looked after in the field by youngest mother cow, whilst the other mums are grazing quietly further down in the field. Once another cows calves, she has to look after the youngsters! Wandering around the farmhouse yards, take a look at the hens house to find your own fresh eggs! The Lewis family are passionate about their horses and they are are keen horseriders. Guests are welcome to bring their own horses if required. Stables and grass paddocks are available to rent but must be pre booked. Please call the farm on: 01548 482471.

The location of the Feather Down Tents.
The tents are beautifully sited throughout the orchard and grass field. All with unlimited views over stunning countryside, perfectly placed to see the sun go down and hidden away from the occasional strong ocean wind.

Region and nearby national parcs.
The region of South Hams and Salcombe, its most southerly town, is an area of unspoilt natural beauty with attractive countryside and a magnificent coast with cliffs and beaches.

Situated within a distance of 18.4 miles from the farm, there is an exceptional area to explore Dartmoor National Park. It covers an area of 368 square miles - the largest and wildest area of open country in southern England. Throughout the year Dartmoor is an exceptionally beautiful place to visit, with deep wooded gorges, beautiful lake-like reservoirs and tumbling rocky rivers. There is legal public access to over 47,000 hectares of open country and 450 miles (730km) of public rights of way, providing miles of unspoilt spectacular scenery to enjoy.

Flora and Fauna
Salcombe and the surrounding area enjoy a particularly good climate with warm summers and mild winters. This means that many plants that cannot survive in most parts of mainland Britain flourish in the Salcombe area. The area is also known for its pure air. Proof for this is a kind of moss called Lichen. Lichen are sensitive to changes in the environment and in areas where the air is healthy there are many different kinds of Lichens and mosses.

Throughout the area beautiful wildflowers can be found. Particularly in the spring and early summer when the hedgerows are spectacular with Snowdrops followed by Primroses, Bluebells and Campion. Birdwatchers will also find plenty to engage them like rare bird species and a full range of migrant birds to spot along the shores and leys.

Walking and cycling routes
There are many footpaths, bridleways and trails to enjoy on and around the farm. A Bridle way for cycling runs through the farm, connecting you to the coastal and country paths.

Follow the Coastal Path from East Portlemouth and walk all the way to Start Point going past several beaches like Gara Rock, Horsley Cove, Lannacombe and Mattiscombe Sands. An ideal area for walking, for all abilities, and a nice stroll to Salcombe and back to the farm via the coastline.

Trips in the area of Rickham Farm.
The South Hams area has many places to visit and ways to explore. Many enjoy the boating and beach life and others enjoy exploring the shops and sampling the local food and beer in our pubs and restaurants. Maybe even more visitors come to this area to enjoy the scenery and explore the many beautiful walks around the towns and countryside.