Salcombe East Portlemouth Ferry, Salcombe, South Devon
Regular foot passenger ferry across the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary
The Salcombe East Portlemouth Ferry is a foot passenger ferry running regularly throughout the year between Salcombe Landing/Jubilee Ferry Pier by The Ferry Inn and East Portlemouth Landing below the Venus Cafe. In winter, it runs from the pontoon at Whitestrand Quay in Salcombe. The Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary is one of the finest places to visit in the Westcountry. Using the Salcombe East Portlemouth Ferry is an essential part of a visit.
Location of the Salcombe East Portlemouth Ferry
By Salcombe, the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary is at its narrowest between Salcombe and East Portlemouth Beaches (Small's Cove to Ditchend Cove). The ferry runs across this narrow stretch if water. In winter, it runs from the pontoon at Whitestrand Quay in Salcombe.
We've positioned the Salcombe East Portlemouth Ferry on Google maps. Zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting to see its location.
Directions and parking for the Salcombe East Portlemouth Ferry
In Salcombe, walk to the southern end of Fore Street where it meets Cliff Road. You'll see signs for the ferry by The Ferry Inn. Follow the narrow alley past The Ferry Inn on your right to the waterfront. In winter, head for the pontoon at Whitestrand Quay in the centre of town. In East Portlemouth, follow Millbay Road to Ferry Steps by the Venus Cafe. The steps lead down to a long slipway descending over the beach to the water's edge.
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 East Portlemouth, use the car parking area behind Mill Bay Beach (National Trust). However, we'd recommend using the car parks on the Salcombe side as spaces are limited in and around East Portlemouth and it's much more difficult to get to by road.
The Salcombe East Portlemouth Ferry
The ferry runs regularly throughout the year and uses small, open-top motorboats. It's aimed at foot passengers. Unlike at Dartmouth or Plymouth, you cannot take vehicles across the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary. There's a small charge. Pay on the ferry.
Things to do near the Salcombe East Portlemouth Ferry
The Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary is one of the best places to visit in the Westcountry. Use the Salcombe East Portlemouth Ferry to explore both sides of the estuary.
The East Portlemouth side is lined with stunning beaches that connect at low tide to form a single, glorious stretch of sand running down to the mouth of the estuary. These beaches include East Portlemouth Beaches (Small's Cove up to Ditchend Cove), Mill Bay Beach (National Trust) and Sunny Cove (Beach). We'd recommend walking the beaches at low tide to the mouth of the estuary. Return on the South West Coast Path that runs above the beaches and water. If you want a longer walk, follow the South West Coast Path to Gara Rock, Prawle Point and then East Prawle. There's a pub called the Pigs Nose Inn in East Prawle.
The Salcombe side is lined with pubs, cafes and restaurants. You can follow the South West Coast Path to North Sands (Beach) and South Sands (Beach) before taking the South Sands Sea Tractor/Taxi back into town. Note that Overbeck's Garden and Museum (National Trust) is above South Sands (Beach). We'd also recommend following the South West Coast Path to Sharp Tor and Bolt Head. The views are sensational.
Other things to do in the local area
Take a trip on the Salcombe Kingsbridge Ferry to Kingsbridge.
Visit Start Point and Start Point Lighthouse for immense views across Start Bay.
Whilst you are there, head north to explore the area around Beesands, Torcross and Slapton Sands (Beach).
Blackpool Sands (Beach) is a great day out.
Also visit Hope Cove, South Milton Sands, Bantham and Bigbury-on-Sea.
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