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Golden sand, rolling hills, and a tranquil estuary… these are the very best seashores in Salcombe, Devon…
Perched on the nook of the Kingsbridge Estuary on among the finest stretches of coast in South Devon, Salcombe is blessed with some critically stunning seashores.
From in style household hangouts inside strolling distance of city, to hidden sandy coves it’s a must to hike to get to, there’s a seaside to go well with all tastes on this superb a part of Southwest England.
Having visited quite a few occasions – 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 very finest seashores in Salcombe, that can assist you plan your excellent seaside vacation…
6 Finest Seashores in Salcombe
Fast tip earlier than we start: not one of the seashores in Salcombe are lifeguarded. They’re all on an estuary somewhat than open sea, so the swimming circumstances are usually protected, however the estuary is tidal so make sure you verify tide occasions earlier than planning. Learn the following pointers from the RNLI for more information.
1. North Sands Seashore – Salcombe’s Closest Seashore
Ignored by the Sixteenth-century ruins of Fort Charles (aka Salcombe Fortress), North Sands is Salcombe’s nearest seaside. A small, completely shaped cove with a good looking sandy seaside ignored by leafy hills, it’s simple to see why North Sands is without doubt one of the hottest seashores on the town.
Canines are welcome all 12 months spherical and North Sands is commonly voted one of the crucial dog-friendly seashores in Devon. However it’s additionally nice for households because of the sheltered bay and protected, shallow water.
The seaside 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 possibly can spot.
Amenities: There’s a small public rest room behind the seaside. You’ll be able to eat in or purchase takeaway meals at The Winking Prawn – certainly one of Salcombe’s hottest eating places. Not lifeguarded.
Getting There: you possibly can stroll from Salcombe’s city centre in about 20 minutes, however it’s hilly. There’s a small pay & show automotive park (instructions right here) with house for round 90 vehicles – this will get very busy on sunny days. Alternatively, take the South Sands ferry and stroll over (particulars under).
2. South Sands Seashore
The subsequent bay over from North Sands is South Sands – one of the crucial stunning seashores in all of South Devon.
This one is my private favorite! Sheltered by hills on both facet, the seaside is often wind-free and seems like a little bit of a solar lure.
Identical to North Sands, the seaside is totally submerged when the tide is available in. However excessive tide is a superb time for swimmers, as you possibly can enter the water straight from the seaside 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!!).
Amenities: There are public bogs near the seaside, and two resorts with superb eating places. The terrace at South Sands Lodge 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 seaside from Whitestrand in Salcombe (instructions right here). It prices £4.75 (£3.75 for youngsters) and you may 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 Seashore (Fisherman’s Cove & Small’s Cove)
A brief ferry journey 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 Seashore. Right here, you possibly can get pleasure from easy golden sand, beautiful views of the estuary, and clear, protected bathing waters.
The japanese financial institution of the estuary additionally stays sunnier for longer, so you possibly can get pleasure from a full day on the seaside – and watch the sundown over Salcombe on the finish of the day.
Amenities: There are public bogs on the Nationwide-Belief-managed Mill Bay automotive park. FYI, there was once a department of Venus Cafe at East Portlemouth Seashore however it’s now not working. Choose 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 method (£1.70 for youngsters).
4. Mill Bay Seashore
Barely additional south from the 2 seashores talked about above, Mill Bay Seashore is a sheltered, family-friendly cove with tremendous golden sand and turquoise waters.
The seaside is privately owned, partially by the Nationwide Belief, however guests are welcome. This seaside has among the finest swimming circumstances within the space, with very clear, protected water, and a number of other amenities readily available – so it’s a giant hit with households.
Amenities: There are bogs and a Nationwide Belief automotive park at Mill Bay. You may also 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 few 10-minute stroll south alongside the coast path.
5. Sunny Cove Seashore
Additional south once more alongside the East Portlemouth facet of the estuary lies the evocatively named Sunny Cove – a large stretch of sandy seaside that feels deliciously secluded.
That is the final seaside on the estuary earlier than the coast path peels away to the east. As a result of it may possibly solely be reached on foot or by boat, Sunny Cove is usually a lot much less crowded than the opposite seashores in Salcombe – excellent if you wish to get away from all of it!
Amenities: None – apart 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 few 20-minute stroll alongside the coast path.
6. Gara Rock Seashore (aka Seacombe Sands)
Preserve following the coast path east and also you’ll ultimately come to Gara Rock – a distant clifftop resort with a well-liked, award-winning restaurant. Under that is a picturesque sandy seaside tucked right into a rocky cove: Gara Rock Seashore – also called Seacombe Sands.
This one is a little bit of a hidden gem: the lengthy trek to get there and lack of amenities or parking make it a fairly secluded and unspoilt alternative. In case you get fortunate, chances are you’ll even have the place to your self!
Amenities: None – apart from the resort 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 Seashore. In case you favor to drive, there’s restricted parking out there at Gara Rock Lodge and Restaurant, half a mile from the seaside (the trail is pretty steep). Nonetheless, there’s no automotive ferry, so you’ll must drive across the estuary by way of 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 Seashore Home restaurant right here.
- Blackpool Sands – a large, sandy seaside on a sheltered bay close to Dartmouth. Lifeguarded.
- Slapton Sands – an extended, slim pebble seaside 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 automotive park is Begin Level Automobile Park.
- Maceley Cove – a “secret” hidden gem of a seaside close to the southern tip of Prawle Level headland. Can solely be reached by strolling the Coast Path – the closest automotive park is at East Prawle.
- Bantham Seashore and Bigbury Seashore – two beautiful, sandy seashores on both facet of the Avon estuary, with views of the well-known Burgh Island. It is a nice space for watersports – together with newbie browsing classes. Lifeguarded.
Map of the Finest Seashores in Salcombe
Extra on Salcombe
I hope you discovered this information to the very best seashores in Salcombe (and close by) useful. Let me know which one is your favorite within the feedback under!