East Portlemouth, South Devon
- Remarkably beautiful village opposite Salcombe on the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary
- Estuary and coast lined with stunning blond sand beaches
- Great estuary and coastal walking on the South West Coat Path
- Super destination for boat trips and watersports
- Lots of top pubs, cafes and restaurants selling local food and drink
- Main photo: sandy beaches lining the eastern side of the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary below East Portlemouth. View to Sharp Tor where the estuary meets the open sea
Why holiday or weekend break in East Portlemouth?
To help you choose East Portlemouth, we've listed some of the local attractions below.
The Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary
East Portlemouth is located in the lower section of the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary across the water from Salcombe. The villages climbs from the water's edge to the Church of St Winwaloe. There's a small car parking area between estuary and church with plenty of benches from which you can enjoy one of the classic Westcountry views. It's an amazing spot. Paths rise from the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary if you're coming via the foot passenger ferry from Salcombe.
East Portlemouth beaches
The low tide beaches on the east side of the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary by East Portlemouth are among the best in South Devon. You can walk to all these beaches. Note that the South West Coast Path runs behind the beaches providing safe access at high tide.
East Portlemouth Beaches (Small's Cove up to Ditchend Cove) are opposite Salcombe. The Salcombe East Portlemouth Ferry drops you off here.
Mill Bay Beach (National Trust) is further south. At low tide, it's a big, deep sand beach with magnificent views of Salcombe and the lower section of the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary.
Sunny Cove (Beach). Continue south and you come to relatively more remote beaches near the mouth of the estuary. There's a superb, curling sandspit here.
There are impressive beaches on the west side of the estuary as well.
North Sands (Beach). Easily accessible by car, this is a big low tide sand beach. The Winking Prawn overlooks the beach. The ruins of Salcombe Castle (English Heritage) are to your left as you look out to the estuary from the beach.
South Sands (Beach). As the name suggests, this intimate beach is a little further south. Visit on the South Sands Sea Tractor/Taxi! Overbeck's Garden and Museum (National Trust) is above the beach.
There are plenty of top beaches on the South Devon coastline east and west of the mouth of the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary. We'd recommend following the South West Coast Path to these beaches. The coastline is remarkbale.
Gara Rock Beach is to the east.
Soar Mill Cove (Beach) is to the west.
East Portlemouth South West Coast Path walking
See our Salcombe/East Portlemouth South West Coast Path Walk listing for more information.
East Portlemouth ferries and boat trips
The Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary is a great place for short ferry and boat trips. The water is relatively flat in comparison to other Devon ferry and boat trips out at sea. Ideal for children.
Salcombe East Portlemouth Ferry is a very short trip between Salcombe and East Portlemouth.
South Sands Sea Tractor/Taxi runs down the lower section of the estuary. The first/last part of the journey involves transferring from/to a sea tractor that then drives from/to South Sands (Beach)
Salcombe Kingsbridge Ferry runs between Salcombe and Kingsbridge in the middle and upper sections of the estuary.
East Portlemouth food and drink
The Venus Cafe and Takeaway is located on the east side of the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary at East Portlemouth. There are super views of Salcombe from the terrace.
Gara Rock Restaurant and Cafe Ode at Gara Rock are east of the mouth of the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary. Follow the South West Coast Path from East Portlemouth to work up an appetite.
The Ferry Inn overlooks the estuary in Salcombe. Stunning location for a pint.
The Jetty Restaurant (Salcombe Harbour Hotel) is one of the best places to eat in South Devon. The views match the food.
The Winking Prawn. Exceptionally popular place to eat behind North Sands (Beach).
South Sands Hotel. Another top location to eat. South Sands Hotel is at the back of South Sands (Beach).
Salcombe
Salcombe is across the water from East Portlemouth so trips from village to town are a must. Take the Salcombe East Portlemouth Ferry.
When the sun's out, places like St Ives in Cornwall and Salcombe in South Devon are up there with the best destinations in the world. The location and light at Salcombe are exceptional. Enjoy local seafood, boat trips, beaches, watersports and walking.
Overbeck's Garden and Museum
Overbeck's Garden and Museum (National Trust) is on the west side of the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary where the estuary meets the sea. The gardens are superb and their location high on cliffs above the estuary provide for great views.
East Prawle
East Prawle is Devon's southernmost village. Whilst it's a bit of a yomp, you can walk to the village on the South West Coast Path. The coastline between East Portlemouth and East Prawle is sublime.
Take in the views from Prawle Point.
Stop at Pigs Nose Inn for food and drink.
Start Point and Start Bay
Head east of East Portlemouth to explore Start Point and Start Bay.
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