Salcombe, South Devon
- ?One of the most beautiful towns in the UK. When the light's right, one of the most beautiful destinations in the world
- Located on the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary which is lined with magnificent sandy beaches
- Great for boat trips, ferries and watersports
- Super range of pubs, restaurants and cafes
- Offers amazing estuary and coastal walks
- Main photo: view of Salcombe and the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary from Snapes Point
Sublime. Just go
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. Just go.
Why holiday or weekend break in Salcombe?
To help you choose Salcombe, we've listed some of the local attractions below.
The Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary
Salcombe is situated on Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary. The village East Portlemouth is across the water. Kingsbridge is to the north. The location can be awesome.
Salcombe and East Portlemouth beaches
At low tide, sandy beaches line the estuary at Salcombe and East Portlemouth.
On the East Portlemouth side of the estuary, beaches include:
East Portlemouth Beaches (Small's Cove up to Ditchend Cove).
Mill Bay Beach (National Trust).
On the Salcombe side of the estuary, beaches include:
Salcombe and East Portlemouth beaches and walking
Take the Salcombe East Portlemouth Ferry to East Portlemouth Beaches (Small's Cove up to Ditchend Cove) and follow the sand to the sea. Wander back on the South West Coast Path.
Alternatively, take the South Sands Sea Tractor/Taxi to South Sands (Beach) and walk back on the South West Coast Path taking in the beaches on your way.
Salcombe ferries and boat trips
The Salcombe East Portlemouth Ferry runs between Salcombe and East Portlemouth.
South Sands Sea Tractor/Taxi connects Salcombe and South Sands near Overbeck's Garden and Museum (National Trust).
You can also take the Salcombe Kingsbridge Ferry up/down the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary to Kingsbridge on the Rivermaid.
You can enjoy other cruises on the Rivermaid as well (estuary cruises/estuary and harbour cruises/evening & creek cruises/estuary & coast cruises).
For boat hire, try Salcombe Boat Hire, Salcombe Dinghy Sailing, Whitestrand Boat Hire and Tuckers Boat Hire.
You can take coastal trips between Salcombe and Dartmouth. See our Dartmouth listing for more information.
Salcombe shopping
Salcombe is an exceptionally popular holiday spot. The centre of town is packed with shops. Head to Fore St to buy clothing and art, local food and toys.
Salcombe food and drink with a view
Restaurants. The Jetty Restaurant (Salcombe Harbour Hotel). South Sands Hotel. Gara Rock Restaurant. dickandwills.
Pubs. The Ferry Inn. Victoria Inn.
Cafes. The Venus Cafe and Takeaway. Cafe Ode at Gara Rock. The Crab Shed. The Winking Prawn.
Fish & chips. The Plaice.
Ice cream. Salcombe Ice Cream.
Salcombe South West Coast Path walk
Walk the South West Coast Path on either side of the estuary.
If we had to pick one, walk Salcombe to Sharp Tor (Salcombe) and Starehole Bay and Starehole Cove on the western side. The views from Sharp Tor are stunning.
See our Salcombe/East Portlemouth South West Coast Path Walk listing for more information.
Salcombe area National Trust properties
Overbeck's Garden and Museum (National Trust) is a must. Take the ferry and sea tractor to South Sands and wander up.
Mill Bay Beach (National Trust) is National Trust land.
In the area, visit Coleton Fishacre (National Trust) and Greenway (National Trust).
Salcombe watersports
Local providers include Sea Kayak Salcombe (South Sands), Sea N Shore, Singing Paddles (Kingsbridge) and Triocean Surf Shop (Churchstow).
For sailing, try Salcombe Boat Hire, Salcombe Dinghy Sailing, Whitestrand Boat Hire and Tuckers Boat Hire.
Salcombe cycle hire
This area of South Devon is great for cycling. Either bring your own bikes or hire when you're in Salcombe. Try Salcombe and South Hams Bike Hire.
The English Riviera and South Devon
Take day trips to Brixham, Paignton, Torquay and Brixham. Elsewhere in Devon, visit Dartmouth and Bigbury-on-Sea/Bantham.
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