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Golden sand, rolling hills, and a tranquil estuary… these are the perfect seashores in Salcombe, Devon…
Perched on the nook of the Kingsbridge Estuary on the most effective stretches of coast in South Devon, Salcombe is blessed with some significantly lovely seashores.
From in style household hangouts inside strolling distance of city, to hidden sandy coves you must hike to get to, there’s a seashore to swimsuit all tastes on this wonderful a part of Southwest England.
Having visited quite a few instances – and written an precise guidebook to Devon – I’ve gotten to know Devon’s south coast fairly effectively. So right here’s my insider’s information to the perfect seashores in Salcombe, that will help you plan your good seaside vacation…
6 Greatest Seashores in Salcombe
Fast tip earlier than we start: not one of the seashores in Salcombe are lifeguarded. They’re all on an estuary quite than open sea, so the swimming situations are usually secure, however the estuary is tidal so you’ll want to test tide instances earlier than planning. Learn the following tips from the RNLI for more information.
1. North Sands Seaside – Salcombe’s Closest Seaside
Missed by the Sixteenth-century ruins of Fort Charles (aka Salcombe Fortress), North Sands is Salcombe’s nearest seashore. A small, completely fashioned cove with a lovely sandy seashore ignored by leafy hills, it’s straightforward to see why North Sands is likely one of the hottest seashores on the town.
Canine are welcome all yr spherical and North Sands is usually voted some of the dog-friendly seashores in Devon. But it surely’s additionally nice for households due to the sheltered bay and secure, shallow water.
The seashore is totally submerged at excessive tide, however at low tide, there’s an enormous expanse of sand to get pleasure from. Low tide additionally leaves rockpools teeming with marine life – head to the rocky space close to Fort Charles to see what you may spot.
Services: There’s a small public bathroom behind the seashore. You may eat in or purchase takeaway meals at The Winking Prawn – one in every of Salcombe’s hottest eating places. Not lifeguarded.
Getting There: you may stroll from Salcombe’s city centre in about 20 minutes, but it surely’s hilly. There’s a small pay & show automobile park (instructions right here) with house for round 90 automobiles – this will get very busy on sunny days. Alternatively, take the South Sands ferry and stroll over (particulars under).
2. South Sands Seaside
The subsequent bay over from North Sands is South Sands – some of the lovely seashores in all of South Devon.
This one is my private favorite! Sheltered by hills on both facet, the seashore is normally wind-free and seems like a little bit of a solar entice.
Similar to North Sands, the seashore is totally submerged when the tide is available in. However excessive tide is a good time for swimmers, as you may enter the water straight from the seashore steps. I watched just a few locals bathing on a drizzly March morning on my final journey (however didn’t fancy becoming a member of them!!).
Services: There are public bogs near the seashore, and two inns with excellent eating places. The terrace at South Sands Resort is a beautiful spot for drinks on a sunny night. Not lifeguarded.
Getting There: One of the simplest ways is to hop on the South Sands Ferry which runs to the seashore from Whitestrand in Salcombe (instructions right here). It prices £4.75 (£3.75 for kids) and you’ll pay by card or smartphone. FYI – the ferry solely runs from Easter to October. Alternatively, it’s a hilly 30-40 minute stroll from Salcombe’s centre or a brief drive, however parking is restricted.
3. East Portlemouth Seaside (Fisherman’s Cove & Small’s Cove)
A brief ferry trip throughout the estuary from Salcombe lies the village of East Portlemouth and a string of idyllic sandy seashores. That is the quieter facet of the estuary, residence to hidden coves and a wild stretch of coast path.
Closest to the jetty are Fisherman’s Cove and Small’s Cove, generally collectively referred to as East Portlemouth Seaside. Right here, you may get pleasure from clean golden sand, gorgeous views of the estuary, and clear, secure bathing waters.
The japanese financial institution of the estuary additionally stays sunnier for longer, so you may get pleasure from a full day on the seashore – and watch the sundown over Salcombe on the finish of the day.
Services: There are public bogs on the Nationwide-Belief-managed Mill Bay automobile park. FYI, there was once a department of Venus Cafe at East Portlemouth Seaside however it’s now not working. Decide up picnic provides in Salcombe to take with you. Not lifeguarded.
Getting There: Hop aboard the Salcombe East Portlemouth Ferry (it leaves from the Ferry Inn Steps – instructions right here) to cross the estuary in a matter of minutes. The ferry runs year-round and prices £2.30 every means (£1.70 for kids).
4. Mill Bay Seaside
Barely additional south from the 2 seashores talked about above, Mill Bay Seaside is a sheltered, family-friendly cove with fantastic golden sand and turquoise waters.
The seashore is privately owned, partially by the Nationwide Belief, however guests are welcome. This seashore has a few of the finest swimming situations within the space, with very clear, secure water, and a number of other services readily available – so it’s a giant hit with households.
Services: There are bogs and a Nationwide Belief automobile park at Mill Bay. You can too discover a seasonal pop-up cafe within the carpark. Not lifeguarded.
Getting There: Use the ferry service talked about above. From East Portelmouth Touchdown, Mill Bay is a couple of 10-minute stroll south alongside the coast path.
5. Sunny Cove Seaside
Additional south once more alongside the East Portlemouth facet of the estuary lies the evocatively named Sunny Cove – a large stretch of sandy seashore that feels deliciously secluded.
That is the final seashore on the estuary earlier than the coast path peels away to the east. As a result of it may well solely be reached on foot or by boat, Sunny Cove is commonly a lot much less crowded than the opposite seashores in Salcombe – good if you wish to get away from all of it!
Services: None – aside from these at Mill Bay talked about above. Not lifeguarded.
Getting There: Use the ferry service talked about above. From East Portelmouth Touchdown, Sunny Cove is a couple of 20-minute stroll alongside the coast path.
6. Gara Rock Seaside (aka Seacombe Sands)
Preserve following the coast path east and also you’ll finally come to Gara Rock – a distant clifftop lodge with a preferred, award-winning restaurant. Under this can be a picturesque sandy seashore tucked right into a rocky cove: Gara Rock Seaside – also referred to as Seacombe Sands.
This one is a little bit of a hidden gem: the lengthy trek to get there and lack of services or parking make it a reasonably secluded and unspoilt alternative. In the event you get fortunate, chances are you’ll even have the place to your self!
Services: None – aside from the lodge and restaurant half a mile uphill. Not lifeguarded.
Getting There: Take the ferry to East Portlemouth and comply with the South West Coast Path – it’s about an hour’s stroll to Gara Rock Seaside. In the event you choose to drive, there’s restricted parking obtainable at Gara Rock Resort and Restaurant, half a mile from the seashore (the trail is pretty steep). Nonetheless, there’s no automobile ferry, so that you’ll need to drive across the estuary through Kingsbridge, that means the drive is about 40 minutes.
Seashores a Little Additional Afield
South Milton Sands – an extended sweep of golden sand with a rock arch out to sea, backed by grassy sand dunes. Don’t miss the fabulous Seaside Home restaurant right here.
Blackpool Sands – a large, sandy seashore on a sheltered bay close to Dartmouth. Lifeguarded.
Slapton Sands – an extended, slim pebble seashore with the ocean on one facet and a lagoon on the opposite. Lifeguarded.
Mattiscombe Sands – a hidden sandy cove backed by rocky cliffs, which might solely be reached by strolling – closest automobile park is Begin Level Automobile Park.
Maceley Cove – a “secret” hidden gem of a seashore close to the southern tip of Prawle Level headland. Can solely be reached by strolling the Coast Path – the closest automobile park is at East Prawle.
Bantham Seaside and Bigbury Seaside – two pretty, sandy seashores on both facet of the Avon estuary, with views of the well-known Burgh Island. This can be a nice space for watersports – together with newbie browsing classes. Lifeguarded.
Map of the Greatest Seashores in Salcombe
Extra on Salcombe
I hope you discovered this information to the perfect seashores in Salcombe (and close by) useful. Let me know which one is your favorite within the feedback under!
Issues to do in Salcombe
Locations to Go to in South Devon
Issues to do in Plymouth