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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 among the finest stretches of coast in South Devon, Salcombe is blessed with some significantly lovely seashores.
From fashionable household hangouts inside strolling distance of city, to hidden sandy coves you must hike to get to, there’s a seaside to swimsuit all tastes on this wonderful 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 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 slightly than open sea, so the swimming circumstances are usually secure, however the estuary is tidal so you’ll want to verify tide occasions earlier than planning. Learn the following pointers 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 seaside. A small, completely shaped cove with a ravishing sandy seaside 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 12 months spherical and North Sands is repeatedly voted probably the most dog-friendly seashores in Devon. However it’s additionally nice for households because of the sheltered bay and secure, 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 may spot.
Amenities: There’s a small public bathroom behind the seaside. You possibly can 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 vehicles – 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 – probably the most lovely seashores in all of South Devon.
This one is my private favorite! Sheltered by hills on both facet, the seaside is normally wind-free and seems like a little bit of a solar entice.
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 may 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 inns with excellent eating places. The terrace at South Sands Resort is a stunning 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 proscribed.
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, house to hidden coves and a wild stretch of coast path.
Closest to the jetty are Fisherman’s Cove and Small’s Cove, generally collectively generally known as East Portlemouth Seaside. Right here, you may get pleasure from clean golden sand, beautiful 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 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 automobile park. FYI, there was a department of Venus Cafe at East Portlemouth Seaside however it’s 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 manner (£1.70 for youngsters).
4. Mill Bay Seaside
Barely additional south from the 2 seashores talked about above, Mill Bay Seaside is a sheltered, family-friendly cove with effective golden sand and turquoise waters.
The seaside is privately owned, partially by the Nationwide Belief, however guests are welcome. This seaside has a number of the greatest swimming circumstances within the space, with very clear, secure water, and several other amenities readily available – so it’s a giant hit with households.
Amenities: 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 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 could 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!
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 couple of 20-minute stroll alongside the coast path.
6. Gara Rock Seaside (aka Seacombe Sands)
Hold following the coast path east and also you’ll finally come to Gara Rock – a distant clifftop resort with a preferred, award-winning restaurant. Beneath it is a picturesque sandy seaside tucked right into a rocky cove: Gara Rock Seaside – often known as 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 reasonably secluded and unspoilt selection. When you get fortunate, you might 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 Seaside. When you favor to drive, there’s restricted parking out there at Gara Rock Resort and Restaurant, half a mile from the seaside (the trail is pretty steep). Nevertheless, 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 – a protracted 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 seaside on a sheltered bay close to Dartmouth. Lifeguarded.
Slapton Sands – a protracted, slender 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 automobile 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 automobile park is at East Prawle.
Bantham Seaside and Bigbury Seaside – two beautiful, 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