Salcombe Kingsbridge Ferry, Salcombe, South Devon
Explore the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary on the Rivermaid
The Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary is one of the most beautiful places in the Westcountry. A local nature reserve and site of special scientific interest (SSSI), it's also teeming with wildlife. The market town Kingsbridge sits at the top of the estuary. Salcombe is much further south near the mouth of the estuary where it meets the sea.
A ferry runs between Salcombe and Kingsbridge. It's a great way to explore the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary and its two main visitor destinations. This ferry is known as the Salcombe Kingsbridge Ferry/Kingsbridge Salcombe Ferry or the Rivermaid Ferry.
Location of the Salcombe Kingsbridge Ferry
The ferry runs between Salcombe Landing/Jubilee Ferry Pier by The Ferry Inn in Salcombe and Kingsbridge Quay or Kingsbridge Boatyard Quay in Kingsbridge. Kingsbridge Quay is by Kingsbridge Information Centre off the A379 Embankment Road. Kingsbridge Boatyard Quay is futher south off the A379 Embankment Road beyond The Crabshell Inn near Jewson.
Directions and parking for the Salcombe Kingsbridge Ferry
In Salcombe, walk to the southern end of Fore Street where it meets Cliff Road. You'll see a sign for the ferry by The Ferry Inn.
In Kingsbridge, walk south on the A379 Embankment Road from Kingsbridge Information Centre. Kingsbridge Quay is on your right close to Kingsbridge Information Centre. Kingsbridge Boatyard Quay is about 10 minutes walk further south by Jewson.
For parking in Salcombe, use Shadycombe Road Car Park (3 hours only in the summer) or Creek Car Park (long stay). These are both within short walking distance of Fore Street, The Ferry Inn and Salcombe's waterfront. In high season, we'd recommend using the Park and Ride car park on the A381 approach road into the town.
For parking in Kingsbridge, use The Quay Long Stay Car Park on the west side of Kingsbridge Quay.
Salcombe Kingsbridge Ferry
The Rivermaid takes about 35 minutes to travel between Salcombe and Kingsbridge. That's 35 minutes one way. It's a double deck boat built to travel in shallow, tidal water.
Note that Rivermaid runs other trips including Evening Creek Cruises, South Pool Cruises, Estuary & Coast Cruises, Estuary Cruises and Estuary and Harbour Cruises. Refer to the Rivermaid Kingsbridge Salcombe Ferry website for details.
Things to do near the Salcombe Kingsbridge Ferry
In Salcombe, Salcombe Landing/Jubilee Ferry Pier is by The Ferry Inn. The terrace beer garden overlooks the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary and is superb. Both pier and pub are at the southern end of Fore Street which takes you to the centre of town with its shops, cafes, restaurants and museum.
In Kingsbridge, Kingsbridge Quay is near the centre of town. Again, Fore Street is lined with shops and places to eat and drink. We love The Cod Father off Bridge Street for fish and chips.
Other things to do in the local area
If you're into walking, the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary is heaven. In Salcombe, the South West Coast Path runs along either side of the water. At low tide, you walk on beaches all the way from East Portlemouth down to the mouth of the estuary.
Salcombe is known for its boats and ferries. We'd recommend taking the ferry from the pontoon at Whitestrand Quay down to South Sands (Beach). A sea tractor takes you onto the beach!
Overbeck's Garden and Museum (National Trust) is above South Sands (Beach).
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