Welcome to Aveton Gifford’s Community Website
Your link to our community
The parish of Aveton Gifford lies in the South Hams area of South Devon, with the population spread between the village and outlying hamlets and farms. The village is situated about 3 miles inland from the coast at the head of the tidal Avon estuary, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (South Devon AONB).
Brief history
The parish has a pleasing combination of the old and the new. The manor of Avetone was mentioned in the Domesday Book and there are many indications of its ancient and historical past. In the village a 15th century bridge crosses the Avon, and the 13th century St Andrew’s church, which was badly damaged during WW2, has been extensively rebuilt. The churchyard at St Andrew’s is of interest to family historians, and a list of burials can be found inside the church.
The village today
The village today is the heart of a vibrant community, and has the benefit of a thriving primary school, a pre-school and toddler group at The Hive, a community shop and post office, and a pub The Fisherman’s Rest. There are community allotments, a village hall, the village green with a playing field and children’s play areas, and a tennis court, and South Efford Marsh is a managed wildlife reserve on the banks of the river. In 2015 the parish council took over the swimming pool at the school on a long lease, and this is now run as a community pool.
There are a number of clubs and groups for all ages and interests including tennis, allotment holders, the WI, and for older residents, the Monday Club. Tennis coaching sessions for all ages have proved popular.
Village events
Entertainments and events in the village include the annual bonfire and fireworks display in November, a very popular annual classic car show on the Sunday of the August Bank Holiday weekend, carols in December to celebrate the switching on of the Christmas tree lights, and the Church fete is held each July. The Fisherman’s Rest hosts monthly quiz evenings. The village hall hosts community events including the annual Harvest Supper, the Village Show for flowers, produce and crafts, various classes including zumba, yoga, pilates, visiting entertainers and speakers, and film shows. In recent years a local group, the South Hams Film Collective, has organised an amateur film maker’s competition, and then hosted an evening – the annual AG Fim Fest – in the hall to pick the winners.
On our doorstep
The area is popular for walkers enjoying the 14 miles of parish footpaths through unspoilt countryside and the tidal estuary, and also attracts bird watchers, photographers and artists. Kayakers and SUP enthusiasts enjoy the river, and limited moorings on the river, and on the parish foreshore are both available by arrangement and annual licence. The nearest beaches at Bantham and Bigbury are at the mouth of the river, both well known for surfing and water sports.
PARISH NOTICEBOARD
There are always one or two items of news or information that are of particular interest, and this noticeboard is where you will find updates on current issues, or important information, or requests for your help in parish and community projects or issues.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC RIGHTS AND PUBLICATION OF UNAUDITED ANNUAL GOVERNANCE & ACCOUNTABILITY RETURN
When smaller authorities have finished preparing accounts for the financial year and approved them, they must publish them (please see Accounts 2025/2026). There must be a 30 working day period, called the ‘period for the exercise of public rights’, during which you can exercise your statutory right to inspect the accounting records. The period for Aveton Gifford is running from 09/06/2026 – 20/07/2026.
Please see the documents below for more information:
AVETON GIFFORD PARISH COUNCIL
Local Government Act 1972 Section 87(2)
CASUAL VACANCY
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a vacancy exists in the office of Parish Councillor for the Aveton Gifford Parish. Unless ten or more electors of the Aveton Gifford Parish, on or before the 3rd August 2026 submit a request in writing for an election to be held, the Town/Parish Council will take steps to fill the vacancy by co-option. Requests must be sent to the Returning Officer, South Hams District Council, Follaton House, Plymouth Road, Totnes, TQ9 5NE.
Amy Clayton
Parish Clerk
14/07/2026
Become a friend of Aveton Gifford Village Shop
The Aveton Gifford Village Shop association warmly invite you to become a Friend of the Aveton Gifford Shop.
IN AN EMERGENCY – NOW FOUR DEFIBRILLATORS
We now have a third defibrillator in the village registered with the ambulance service, and ready to use in the event of an emergency. Sue Cherry has generously donated a new defibrillator unit and the Kitt Will Trust has funded its installation. The new one is at the top of Icy Park/Glebeland lane, beside the memorial bench for Alex.
The second is on the wall of The Fisherman’s Rest (to the right of the door from the parking area into the downstairs bar), and the third is on the wall of the village hall, to the left of the entrance. This defibrillator is also equipped with special smaller pads suitable for children.
They are all in cabinets that are unlocked, and do not need a code .
The fourth defibrillator is at Idston – What3Words for location clashing.hairstyle.manager or link to website/app – https://w3w.co/clashing.hairstyle.managers This is a public access defibrillator generously donated by the residents for the use of residents living in the rural area between Aveton Gifford and Loddiswell.
Our Aveton Gifford Neighbourhood Plan
This was adopted and became our own confirmed set of planning policies following the referendum vote on May 6th 2021.
You can download our Plan on the Neighbourhood Plan page.
Some Facts & Figures
Population
Population
Residential Households
Holiday Homes
Travel distances
Kingsbridge
miles
Modbury
mies
Totnes
miles
Plymouth
miles
Exeter
miles