Ever wondered why people return to Salcombe year after year? Picture this: An early morning paddleboard to watch the sunrise over the water at South Sands; a jolly ferry ride across the estuary for a lazy afternoon on the sands of Mill Bay, then a walk across the headland to Sunny Cove for a romantic sundowner barbeque. There’s a bucketful of beaches in Salcombe to be explored and an album awaits to be filled with holiday memories…
Salcombe Beaches
Salcombe is a picturesque coastal town nestled in the South Hams. It is known for its beautiful beaches that offer a slice of paradise in rural Devon. From stretches of golden sand to secluded bays boasting sparkling, turquoise water, the beaches in Salcombe each come with their own unique charm and are definitely all worth a visit.
Salcombe North Sands
This sandy beach is located on the north side of Salcombe and is accessible by a short walk (around 15 minutes) or ferry ride from the town. The beach is surrounded by sandy dunes and woodland, providing a scenic backdrop for sunbathing, picnicking or simply enjoying the views.
Salcombe North Sands is a great spot for all kinds of watersports, including swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. The water at North Sands is generally calm and shallow, making it suitable for families with young children. There are also rock pools and castle ruins to explore at low tide, so you can keep the kids entertained for hours!
North Sands has a great range of facilities, including toilets and a car park nearby. The Winking Prawn cafe is also just a stone’s throw from the beach, where you can indulge in local seafood and ice cream, whilst enjoying the shabby chic interiors and stunning views out over the water. Parents will be pleased to hear that there are lifeguards on duty during the peak summer months. The beach is also dog-friendly, meaning that your furry friends don’t have to be left at home.
Salcombe South Sands
As the name suggests, Salcombe South Sands is located on the opposite side of the estuary from North Sands. It can be accessed by a short ferry ride from Salcombe town centre or by car as it has a parking area nearby.
South Sands is an idyllic beach with fine golden sand and clear blue waters. It offers panoramic views of the estuary and the surrounding coastline. The beach is sheltered, making it ideal for swimming, and there are often stand-up paddleboards and sea kayaks available to rent if you fancy getting on the water. Lifeguards are also on duty during the peak summer months to ensure the safety of swimmers.
South Sands makes the perfect day trip from Salcombe. It has a regular ferry service that runs across to Whitestrand Quay, meaning that when you are feeling hungry or have had enough sun, you can simply hop back over to the town for a spot of lunch or afternoon tea.
East Portlemouth Beaches
These are a series of sandy beaches located across the estuary from Salcombe in the area of East Portlemouth, which can be accessed by a short ferry ride. These beaches offer stunning views of Salcombe and the surrounding countryside and are a must-visit during your stay in South Devon.
Fisherman’s Cove
Fisherman’s Cove is a picturesque sandy beach located on the eastern side of East Portlemouth. It is accessible only by foot or by boat, which adds to its secluded charm. The beach has clear blue waters and is great for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Mill Bay
Mill Bay is a secluded National Trust beach with shallow waters and is often less crowded compared to other beaches in Salcombe, making it a great spot for relaxation. The bay is on the South West Coast Path and can easily be accessed from Salcombe on foot via the East Portlemouth passenger ferry.
Small’s Cove
As the name suggests, Small’s Cove is a tiny, secluded beach found just north of Mill Bay Beach. It is accessible by foot or by boat and offers a tranquil and sheltered spot for swimming and relaxing.
Sunny Cove
Sunny Cove is a small sandy beach located just south of Mill Bay Beach. From the car park at Mill Bay, walk through the woods and you will find the cove. The beach is surrounded by cliffs, has calm waters and offers views over Fort Charles, making it a great choice for a spot of undisturbed reading and sunbathing.
Gara Rock Beach
Gara Rock Beach is surrounded by rugged cliffs, creating a sheltered cove. The beach is relatively small, which adds to its charm and sense of privacy. At low tide, there are rock pools to explore, making it a great place for families and nature lovers. It is situated along the South West Coast Path, so if you are planning a walk with a picnic during your visit to the South Hams, Gara Rock Beach would make the perfect pit stop.
Moor Sands
Walk south down the South West Coast Path from Gara Rock Beach and you will find Moor Sands. As this delightful little bay is only accessible by boat or by foot, be prepared for a bit of effort to reach the beach. However, the journey is part of the charm, as it adds to how wonderfully unspoilt the area is.
Soar Mill Cove
Soar Mill Cove is a hidden gem along the South Devon coastline. Located between Salcombe and Hope Cove, the cove is only accessible via a relatively steep coastal path. One of the unique features of Soar Mill Cove is the presence of a freshwater stream that flows into the sea. The beach is also dog-friendly, making it a great place for dog owners to bring their furry friends for a walk and a splash in the water.
Holiday homes nearby to Salcombe’s beaches
If you are planning a trip to Salcombe and want to stay close to the area’s idyllic beaches, take a look at our range of beautiful holiday homes. From hot tubs to sea views, we have you covered.
Hope Cottage, Salcombe
Located in the heart of Salcombe town, South Devon, Hope Cottage is a luxury 3-bedroom holiday rental that is ideal for families and groups of friends seeking the authentic South Devon experience. The cottage boasts wonderful views of the estuary and the surrounding countryside, which you can enjoy from its rooftop terrace, and is located on a quiet side street, just a short walk from Salcombe Harbour, shops, and restaurants.
This former fisherman’s cottage on Island Street is one of the only properties in Salcombe with direct access to the sea, with steps down from the garden to the water. Creekside’s location is especially convenient as there are several traditional boat yards still operating in this area, as well as a private slip and boatyard right next door, which sells fresh crab and lobster. Cook up your locally sourced seafood and dine al fresco in the sheltered courtyard!
If you have been inspired by our Salcombe beach guide and want to visit the beautiful South Hams, check booking availability or get in touch with a member of our friendly team.
