In the interwar years, holidays became more popular with ordinary people. By the Second World War almost 15 million people regularly sought relaxation at the seaside - and not always suited and booted or wearing an obligatory hat! More affluent people visited the remoter parts of the West Country. The beaches, as you can see here, were less crowded. Bantham village remains largely untouched in Devon's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty of the South Hams.

For over 100 years Bantham was owned by Commander Evans and his descendants until sold in 2014 to the owner of the Great Tew Estate in Oxfordshire, Nicholas Johnston, who pledges to keep the estate as it is and outbid the National Trust. The Bantham Estate comprises land on both sides of the River Avon estuary and includes Bigbury golf course, a row of 17th century cottages, a pub and a small quayside.

The Estate runs the entire Ham including the beautiful beach which overlooks Burgh Island, the sand dunes, coastal footpaths, agricultural land and buildings. Lt Cdr Evans bought the village smithy and in 1922 he acquired the whole village and accompanying land. The Ham dates back to Roman times