The gorgeous little UK market town packed with 50 independent shops

Nestled between the sea and the moor this pretty little Devon market town is the gateaway to the South Hams. Situated in rural South Devon, just 12 miles east of Plymouth and only 4 miles from the A38, it is an excellent base to explore the coast and brooding Dartmoor.

Best of all, it has an excellent array of independent shops and eateries to keep visitors happy, making shopping a pleasure, not a chore. With only 1500 residents, this pretty little town/large village never feels too crowded even in the busier summer months.

The town itself is compact and boasts a host of cafes, pubs, and restaurants serving plenty of local produce. And according to the towns information centre "nearly all the shops are small, local and independently owned so you can be guaranteed helpful service with a smile."

The town in question is Modbury, a historic market town offering a delightful array of activities and attractions that allow visitors to immerse themselves in its history, culture, and natural beauty.

It is informally known as a market town, as from at least 1199, the Lord of the Manor has held the right to hold a regular market.

In the Civil Hall square, you'll find the weekly market which held on Fridays and Saturdays, an Elizabethan market held each Tuesday morning (May-September).

But what of the shops? Foodies will love Mackgill's Delicatessen was established in 1989 and provides quality food and drink to South Devon customers and visitors. It specialises in quality local produce, with over 100 different suppliers, and most of them are local. Packed with culinary delights, this unique shop appeals to both 'foodies' and those seeking the very best of local produce.

Antique lovers won't be disappointed either. Antique Prints stocks an extensive stock of antique prints, engravings and Vanity Fair Caricatures from the 16th to the 19th century.

And Antique Maps, also at 9 Church St, Modbury, is the only dedicated antique map gallery in Devon and Cornwall. They have extensive stock, and offer Free UK delivery offering something for experienced collectors and those seeking that special gift.

Fifth Sense is an independent gift shop selling local crafts, gifts, homeware, essential oils and so much more! Home of the South West’s first & only Bathroom Deli, it is turning the tide on single-use plastics in your bathroom products. You’ll find shampoo soaps, bamboo toothbrushes, bamboo cotton buds, natural loofahs & lots more great plastic-free swaps. There’s an eclectic choice of gifts for all ages and cards galore.

Aune Valley Meat is an excellent independent butchers and there are plenty more art galleries like The Brownston Gallery, antique shops like Wild Goose Antiques and jewellery shops like Hatton Jewellers.

Arwyn Jones Ceramics sells a range of beautiful and functional thrown kitchen and tableware handmade in Modbury.

Stop for a bite at the White Hart Hotel or Exeter Inn, or if a cuppa is more your thing, there is the excellent Cool Beans Coffee Shop.

Benefiting from an excellent hourly bus service linking Plymouth, Kingsbridge and Dartmouth, there is also free parking in Church Street and ample overflow parking in Poundwell Meadow car park.

In the 1990s, the Heritage Lottery funded a project to identify and promote unique features of Modbury’s heritage. Twelve Heritage sites were identified; and these are highlighted in the Explorers’ Guide to Modbury, which can be bought in the Modbury Information Centre (for 50p) or bought on the website for £1.

Modbury Information Centre promotes Modbury and the surrounding villages and amenities. Modbury is an ideal base from which to explore South Devon. From the moors to the sea.

 You can also explore the Southwest Coastal Path, the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and enjoy wonderful countryside views across the region.