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An insider’s information to the very best issues to see and do in Salcombe, on the south coast of Devon.
Welcome to Salcombe: a historic crusing city clustered onto a hillside on the mouth of the Kingsbridge Estuary, missed by rolling hills and fluffy pockets of woodland.
After discovering the city two years in the past, it’s shortly grow to be one among my favorite spots in Devon. There’s a little bit of a bougie, yachtie scene (Salcombe was just lately topped the UK’s costliest seaside city) – however the unbelievable nature right here is one thing everybody can get pleasure from.
Each side of the estuary are dotted with idyllic sandy seashores, whereas additional alongside the coast are dramatic cliffs, gorgeous coast walks, and hidden rocky coves. In brief: vacation heaven!
On the lookout for the right self-catering lodging on your journey? I extremely advocate trying out 4 The Attain, which is presumably the most effective vacation residences on the town. I’ll share extra pictures and a particular provide close to the tip of this web page – however first, let me present you the very best issues to do in your subsequent journey to Salcombe…
Greatest Issues to do in Salcombe
Attempt your hand at crusing and watersports, go wildlife recognizing alongside the estuary, or just spend a sunny day enjoyable on a seaside beside crystal clear turquoise water. On the town, discover boutique galleries, artisan studios, and unbiased outlets alongside the historic excessive avenue – and dive into the epic native food and drinks scene.
In a rush? There’s a map and a brief model of the checklist on the backside of this web page! Use the contents menu above to skip forward if you might want to. In any other case, learn on for among the greatest issues to do in Salcombe…
1. Get pleasure from Salcombe’s Lovely Seashores
One of many predominant causes individuals go to Salcombe is for the city’s gorgeous coastal location and the numerous stunning seashores dotted round it. The closest are North Sands and South Sands, simply south of the city centre – hop on the favored South Sands Ferry to save lots of your self a hilly stroll.
You may also take a ferry throughout the estuary to East Portlemouth, the place you’ll discover a string of fairly white sand seashores – the additional south you stroll, the quieter these seashores get! Take a look at my information to the very best seashores in Salcombe for more information.
2. Impartial Purchasing on Fore St and Island St
Fore Avenue is Salcombe’s excessive avenue, operating parallel to the river and lined with historic fishing cottages and conventional pubs. Look out for the intense pink facade of Cranch’s Candy Store – established in 1869, it’s Devon’s oldest sweetshop. I additionally advocate popping into Bert & Buoy, Salcombe Candle Co, and Nika – to call only a few.
The indie buying scene continues on Island Avenue – the place you’ll discover distilleries, artist studios, and a few nice boutiques tucked between boatyards and crusing suppliers. Don’t miss Salcombe Gin and Salcombe Dairy (extra on each of these later), the Devon Rum Firm, and Will Bees Bespoke.
3. Take a Ferry Experience to Kingsbridge
Fed by many tiny streams, with creeks capturing off right here and there, the Kingsbridge Estuary is a real wildlife haven. Seals and dolphins can generally be noticed within the estuary, and birds corresponding to herons, egrets, and curlews are widespread sightings – particularly when low tide exposes the muddy banks.
The Kingsbridge-Salcombe Ferry is a leisurely, 40-minute cruise upriver aboard the red-and-white Girl Mary – the right likelihood to take in the tranquil landscapes and spot wildlife. Spend an hour or two exploring Kingsbridge earlier than returning on the ferry (or by bus).
4. Rent a Boat in Salcombe
One other – and maybe extra romantic – strategy to discover the Kingsbridge Estuary is from your personal boat. At Whitestrand Boat Rent, you may hire a small motor boat by the hour or by the day. You don’t want a licence or any expertise – and the employees may give you all the data you want.
Get out and discover the estuary and its many creeks – retaining an eye fixed out for birds and wildlife as you sail alongside. You can head up Southpool Creek – stopping off at Millbrook Inn for lunch – or, with a full day, you may make all of it the way in which as much as Kingsbridge. The favored Crabshell Inn has mooring areas so you may pop in for a drink by the waters edge.
Simply remember to test tide instances, and communicate to the employees at Whitestrand, earlier than setting out. At low tide, some components of the river dry up fully, and also you’ll typically see uninformed amateurs caught within the mud!
5. Go to Overbeck’s Backyard
Probably the greatest issues to do in Salcombe is to pay a go to to Overbeck’s Backyard. This can be a hidden paradise on a clifftop above Salcombe: a stunning backyard of unique vegetation from around the globe that by some means thrive within the South Devon local weather.
Owned and managed by the Nationwide Belief, the backyard is on the grounds of an Edwardian manor home, Sharpitor. Organized in layers on the cliffside – with unbelievable ocean views – there are a number of gardens in a single, together with an olive grove, banana backyard, and terraces full of succulents and palms.
6. Gin Tasting with Salcombe Gin
Gin lovers gained’t need to miss this one! Salcombe is house to its very personal gin distillery – house to the award-winning (and easily glorious) Salcombe Gin.
Head to their riverside distillery on Island St for a tour and a tasting. Additionally they run a implausible Gin College, the place you may create and distil your very personal bottle of bespoke gin. I haven’t completed this (but) however a very good buddy of mine visits Salcombe yearly and says it’s an excellent expertise.
7. Kayak or Paddleboard within the Estuary
I’ve already talked about the thrill of exploring the Kingsbridge Estuary from a ship – whether or not you hire your personal or hop on a ferry. However for a slower tempo, I extremely advocate renting a paddleboard or kayak to discover.
I like utilizing paddleboarding on rivers – it’s a lot simpler to stability than the ocean, and transferring at water degree and not using a motor provides you the very best likelihood of recognizing wildlife up shut earlier than you scare it off. Bigger marine life together with dolphins, seals and basking sharks can generally be noticed within the estuary, so maintain your eyes peeled as you paddle.
There are just a few rental corporations within the space – North Sands Watersports are extremely rated and have a wide range of gear to hire. Ask the employees for suggestions on the place to go – as this can rely on tide instances and climate.
8. Stroll the Coast Path
Probably the greatest issues to do in Salcombe is to take in the epic coastal surroundings and tranquil estuary valley from a mountain climbing path. The South West Coast Path supplies some attractive walks in each instructions, with routes to go well with all talents. Under are among the greatest coastal walks close to Salcombe:
- Bolberry Down, 1.7 mile round. Discover the wildlife-rich clifftop downs through a flat, easy-to-follow path.
- Kingswear to Brownstone Battery, 5 mile round. Begin from North Sands Automobile Park and observe the coast path west to Bolt Head, returning inland by way of Tor Woods.
- Salcombe to Gara Rock, 4 miles every means. Take the East Portlemouth Path and observe the coast path round to Gara Rock for epic views and hidden seashores. The restaurant at Gara Rock Resort is a superb stop-off for lunch.
- Snapes Level, 2.5 mile round. A simple, accessible stroll from Snapes Level Nationwide Belief Automobile Park, offering glorious views of Kingsbridge Estuary.
9. Snorkelling within the Kingsbridge Estuary
Though it’s fed by many small rivers and creeks, the Kingsbridge Estuary has little or no freshwater enter – as a substitute, it’s principally a marine system. There are some uncommon and distinctive marine habitats right here, which is why the estuary has been labelled as a Website of Particular Scientific Curiosity (SSSI).
The decrease shores are lined with wealthy seagrass meadows, house to marine life corresponding to seahorses, fan mussels, and stalked jellyfish (not like different jellyfish these are completely connected to the seagrass). Head out with a snorkel when the tides in to discover this underwater world – taking care to not disturb these uncommon and guarded habitats.
10. Eat Seafood
Seafood followers will enjoyment of Salcombe’s unbelievable meals scene. From cosy harbourside pubs and informal cafes to high-end eating places, the seafood scene is powerful on this coastal city. Under are among the greatest locations to eat on the town (credit score goes to my buddy Ruth, who’s been holidaying in Salcombe for years and despatched me the BEST checklist of locations to take a look at).
- Crab Shed – fashionable however chilled restaurant proper on the quayside with waterside views, serving up contemporary crab and different native seafood.
- Winking Prawn – some of the well-liked spots in Salcombe, a cute little cafe in North Sands with a large terrace. Don’t miss their “Po Boy” shrimp sandwiches.
- Oyster Shack in Bigbury – seafood price driving for! A vibrant, rustic restaurant on the Avon Estuary with plenty of outside eating specialising in contemporary native oysters and shellfish.
- Beachhouse in South Milton Sands – one other one price driving to – gorge on epic seafood together with your ft within the sand at this attractive restaurant.
- Victoria Inn – in all probability the very best pub in Salcombe, with nice meals.
- King’s Arms – one other nice pub in Salcombe. The terrace is gorgeous on sunny days.
- South Sands Resort Restaurant – relaxed luxurious overlooking South Sands Seaside with a stunning terrace in summer season.
- The Jetty at Harbour Resort – high-end eating overlooking the estuary with a concentrate on contemporary native seafood.
- Rockfish – a brand new department of my favorite seafood chain is opening up in Salcombe very quickly, so watch this area!
11. Study to Sail with Salcombe Dinghy Crusing
Because of its place on the sheltered Kingsbridge Estuary, Salcombe is a superb place to be taught to sail. Salcombe Dinghy Crusing provide a number of programs – together with some for each absolute novices.
Their Stage 1 “Begin Crusing” course takes two full days or 4 half days – a good intro if you wish to get into crusing. I’ve not tried this one myself, however the crusing centre comes extremely really helpful and Salcombe is a GREAT place to be taught.
12. Uncover the City’s Historical past on the Maritime Museum
When you want a break from Salcombe’s seashores and coastal trails (or an exercise for a wet afternoon) head to the Maritime Museum.
This pleasant, volunteer-run museum tucked into the Previous Council Corridor is the right place to delve into Salcombe’s lengthy seafaring historical past – together with boatbuilding, wartime naval exercise, and treasures from native shipwrecks.
13. Study Extra on the Lifeboat Museum
For much more perception into Salcombe’s maritime historical past, there’s additionally the Salcombe Lifeboat Museum.
Housed inside the Lifeboat Station on Union Avenue, this small museum charts the story of over 140 years of lifesaving historical past in Salcombe. Admission is free – however choose up a memento within the RNLI store on-site to assist assist the important lifeboat trade in south Devon.
14. Soak Up Native Artwork at Salcombe Artwork Membership
Salcombe is filled with so many artwork galleries it appears like its bordering on too many! Probably the greatest on your checklist is the Salcombe Artwork Membership.
Tucked away inside a disused sail loft close to the lifeboat quay, Salcombe Artwork Membership is a neighborhood studio for native artists. From Could to September, the studio is reworked into an artwork gallery for the Summer time Exhibition. Admission is free, so pop in and browse works by native artists – you may even end up a singular memento to take house.
The Artwork Membership additionally host common artwork lessons and workshops for members – so when you’re an enthusiastic artist and an everyday customer to Salcombe it might be price making use of to hitch. Under are some extra nice native galleries you shouldn’t miss:
15. Unwind on the Harbour Seaside Membership Spa
On my most up-to-date journey to Salcombe, the Nice British Climate fully rained off my afternoon plans, so I discovered myself in want of an indoor exercise. Fortunately, my attractive vacation condo 4 The Attain (extra on that beneath) was riiiiight subsequent door to the fabulous Harbour Seaside Membership Resort which is house to a divine spa.
The Seaside Membership Spa is small however good: there’s a 12m pool, sauna, steam room, and a hydrotherapy pool beneath a glass roof. The most effective half is the big floor-to-ceiling home windows alongside the pool which look out onto the plush inexperienced countryside round South Sands. The right place to unwind in any case that point exploring the coast!
Prime tip: friends at 4 The Attain can get discounted spa entry (or a free go when you drop my identify whenever you e-book a keep of seven days or extra).
16. Don’t Miss Salcombe Dairy Ice Cream and Chocolate Manufacturing unit
In case you have a candy tooth like me, you might want to head to Salcombe Dairy. This family-owned ice cream firm is a Devon establishment, and also you’ll see it being offered everywhere in the Southwest.
At their manufacturing facility store on Island St, you may watch the ice cream being freshly made earlier than shopping for a scoop (or three) to strive. There’s additionally a small cafe terrace the place you may sit with an ice cream or sizzling drink and watch the world go by.
Throughout the street in Hannaford’s Touchdown, you may as well go to Salcombe Dairy’s new Chocolate Manufacturing unit. Watch the total chocolate-making course of from bean to bar by way of the glass dividing partitions that separate the store from the manufacturing facility. You’ll want to strive the interactive tasting machines. And, in fact, choose up just a few chocolatey treats when you’re there.
The place to Keep in Salcombe
On my most up-to-date journey, I stayed at 4 The Attain, a fantastic luxurious condo overlooking South Sands Seaside (the keep was gifted, I paid for every thing else).
Get the Tour: Click on right here to observe the video I made exhibiting a full tour of the property!
This can be a gorgeous two-bedroom condo subsequent door to the Harbour Seaside Membership in South Sands – about an 8-minute drive from the centre of Salcombe. It’s model new and has been embellished to absolute perfection: a easy, minimalist fashion with plenty of gentle browns and nautical blues. There are many nods to Salcombe’s maritime scene all through, together with a number of murals by native artist Paul Barclay.
There’s a big, coated balcony (with wonderful views of the seaside). The huge open-plan dwelling space has every thing you want for a calming keep, but additionally plenty of cute little further touches: just like the chess set between two reclining chairs for lazy afternoons, and the file participant within the nook when you fancy a celebration.
I significantly cherished the large, high-spec TV and sound system – ideally suited for a night in after a protracted day exploring. You possibly can cook dinner up a storm within the spectacular kitchen, pour your self a glass of Salcombe Gin, and cosy up on the gentle leather-based couch for a film evening. Goals.
All the pieces is fine quality and splendid: high-end furnishings, Le Creuset dinnerware, Bang & Olufsen TVs, Ralph Lauren bathrobes, and a fabulously extravagant Dolce & Gabbana kettle and toaster set!
The 2 bedrooms had luxurious lodge room vibes, with plush bedding and generously sized TVs. Each bedrooms even have roomy ensuite loos; stylishly embellished with rainfall showers and double sinks.
I completely cherished my keep at 4 The Attain – the right place for a seaside vacation in Salcombe.
4 The Attain Vacation Condominium Particular Provide
The property’s proprietor can also be giving my followers a implausible particular provide. Point out my identify (Emily Luxton) whenever you e-book a keep at 4 The Attain and also you’ll obtain a dinner voucher price £150 for brief stays – and free spa entry for stays of per week or extra. This may solely work whenever you e-book by way of the Taylor Made Salcombe web site: click on right here.
Greatest Day Journeys Close to Salcombe
Dartmouth – one other South Devon crusing city, with a big marina, plenty of historic buildings, and an incredible seafood scene. Take a cruise on the river Dart, go to Dartmouth Fortress, or discover Agatha Christie’s former vacation house at close by Greenway.
Totnes – a historic market city with a singular twist: because the UK’s first Transition City, Totnes is tremendous moral and eco-friendly. It’s filled with unbiased companies, sustainable eating places, and a few top-notch vegan and veggie eateries. Rent a kayak from Totnes Kayaks to discover the River Dart – look out for otters and seals.
Burgh Island – this dramatic, windswept little island is linked to the mainland by a sandbar. At low tide, you may stroll to the island from Bigbury-on-Sea. At excessive tide, hop aboard the bizarre-looking Sea Tractor to make it throughout the now-underwater seaside. The one buildings on the island are the historic Pilchard Inn pub (which dates again to 1336) and the well-known, artwork deco Burgh Island Resort.
Begin Bay and Begin Level – in between Salcombe and Dartmouth, the large stretch of Begin Bay is lined with a few of south Devon’s greatest seashores. It’s additionally house to Slapton Ley, a lagoon minimize off from the ocean by a skinny strip of seaside. Close by, the windswept headland Begin Level is nice for coast walks and hidden coves – don’t miss Begin Level Lighthouse for superb sea views.
Issues to do in Salcombe: Quicklist and Map
- Get pleasure from Salcombe’s Lovely Seashores
- Impartial Purchasing on Fore St and Island St
- Take a Ferry Experience to Kingsbridge
- Rent a Boat in Salcombe
- Go to Overbeck’s Backyard
- Gin Tasting with Salcombe Gin
- Kayak or Paddleboard within the Estuary
- Stroll the Coast Path
- Snorkelling within the Kingsbridge Estuary
- Eat Seafood
- Study to Sail with Salcombe Dinghy Crusing
- Uncover the City’s Historical past on the Maritime Museum
- Study Extra on the Lifeboat Museum
- Soak Up Native Artwork at Salcombe Artwork Membership
- Unwind on the Harbour Seaside Membership Spa
- Don’t Miss Salcombe Dairy Ice Cream and Chocolate Manufacturing unit
Learn Extra
Greatest Locations to Go to in Devon
Distinctive Locations to Keep in Devon
Are you aware any extra nice issues to do in or close to Salcombe? Scroll right down to share your suggestions within the feedback!