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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 best stretches of coast in South Devon, Salcombe is blessed with some severely stunning seashores.
From in style household hangouts inside strolling distance of city, to hidden sandy coves you need to 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 occasions – and written an precise guidebook to Devon – I’ve gotten to know Devon’s south coast fairly properly. 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 reasonably than open sea, so the swimming circumstances are typically secure, however the estuary is tidal so be sure you examine tide occasions earlier than planning. Learn the following tips from the RNLI for more information.
1. North Sands Seashore – Salcombe’s Closest Seashore
Neglected 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 phenomenal sandy seashore missed by leafy hills, it’s simple 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 commonly voted probably the most dog-friendly seashores in Devon. Nevertheless it’s additionally nice for households because of 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’ll be able to spot.
Services: There’s a small public bathroom behind the seashore. You possibly can eat in or purchase takeaway meals at The Winking Prawn – one among Salcombe’s hottest eating places. Not lifeguarded.
Getting There: you’ll be able to 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 automobiles – 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 – probably the most stunning seashores in all of South Devon.
This one is my private favorite! Sheltered by hills on both facet, the seashore is often wind-free and appears 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’ll be able to enter the water straight from the seashore steps. I watched a number of locals bathing on a drizzly March morning on my final journey (however didn’t fancy becoming a member of them!!).
Services: There are public bathrooms near the seashore, and two resorts 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 seashore from Whitestrand in Salcombe (instructions right here). It prices £4.75 (£3.75 for youngsters) 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 proscribed.
3. East Portlemouth Seashore (Fisherman’s Cove & Small’s Cove)
A brief ferry experience 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, dwelling to hidden coves and a wild stretch of coast path.
Closest to the jetty are Fisherman’s Cove and Small’s Cove, typically collectively referred to as East Portlemouth Seashore. Right here, you’ll be able to get pleasure from clean golden sand, beautiful views of the estuary, and clear, secure bathing waters.
The jap financial institution of the estuary additionally stays sunnier for longer, so you’ll be able to 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 bathrooms 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 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 approach (£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 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 circumstances within the space, with very clear, secure water, and several other amenities readily available – so it’s an enormous hit with households.
Services: There are bathrooms and a Nationwide Belief automotive park at Mill Bay. It’s also possible to 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 Seashore
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 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!
Services: 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 Seashore (aka Seacombe Sands)
Maintain following the coast path east and also you’ll ultimately come to Gara Rock – a distant clifftop lodge with a preferred, award-winning restaurant. Under that is a picturesque sandy seashore tucked right into a rocky cove: Gara Rock Seashore – 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 amenities or parking make it a fairly secluded and unspoilt selection. When you get fortunate, you might even have the place to your self!
Services: None – apart from the lodge and restaurant half a mile uphill. Not lifeguarded.
Getting There: Take the ferry to East Portlemouth and observe the South West Coast Path – it’s about an hour’s stroll to Gara Rock Seashore. When 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 automotive ferry, so you’ll must 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 Seashore Home restaurant right here.
- Blackpool Sands – a large, sandy seashore on a sheltered bay close to Dartmouth. Lifeguarded.
- Slapton Sands – a protracted, slender 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 automotive 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 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 perfect seashores in Salcombe (and close by) useful. Let me know which one is your favorite within the feedback under!
