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An insider’s information to the perfect 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, neglected by rolling hills and fluffy pockets of woodland.
After discovering the city two years in the past, it’s rapidly turn out 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, beautiful coast walks, and hidden rocky coves. Briefly: vacation heaven!
In search of the proper self-catering lodging in your journey? I extremely advocate trying out 4 The Attain, which is probably probably the greatest vacation flats on the town. I’ll share extra images and a particular provide close to the top of this web page – however first, let me present you the perfect 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 seashore beside crystal clear turquoise water. On the town, discover boutique galleries, artisan studios, and unbiased retailers alongside the historic excessive avenue – and dive into the epic native foods 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 it is advisable. In any other case, learn on for a few of the greatest issues to do in Salcombe…
1. Get pleasure from Salcombe’s Stunning Seashores
One of many fundamental causes folks go to Salcombe is for the city’s beautiful 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 can even 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 perfect seashores in Salcombe for more information.
2. Unbiased Buying 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 Trip to Kingsbridge
Fed by many tiny streams, with creeks taking pictures 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 frequent 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 proper likelihood to absorb 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 – technique to discover the Kingsbridge Estuary is from your individual boat. At Whitestrand Boat Rent, you possibly can lease a small motor boat by the hour or by the day. You don’t want a licence or any expertise – and the employees can provide you all the data you want.
Get out and discover the estuary and its many creeks – protecting an eye fixed out for birds and wildlife as you sail alongside. You would head up Southpool Creek – stopping off at Millbrook Inn for lunch – or, with a full day, you possibly can make all of it the best way as much as Kingsbridge. The favored Crabshell Inn has mooring areas so you possibly can pop in for a drink by the waters edge.
Simply make sure to test tide instances, and converse 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
Top-of-the-line 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 shocking backyard of unique crops from world wide that one way or the other 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 received’t wish to miss this one! Salcombe is dwelling to its very personal gin distillery – dwelling 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 incredible Gin College, the place you possibly can create and distil your very personal bottle of bespoke gin. I haven’t performed 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 fun of exploring the Kingsbridge Estuary from a ship – whether or not you lease your individual or hop on a ferry. However for a slower tempo, I extremely advocate renting a paddleboard or kayak to discover.
I really like utilizing paddleboarding on rivers – it’s a lot simpler to stability than the ocean, and transferring at water degree with out a motor provides you the perfect 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 hold your eyes peeled as you paddle.
There are a number of rental firms within the space – North Sands Watersports are extremely rated and have a wide range of gear to lease. Ask the employees for suggestions on the place to go – as this may rely upon tide instances and climate.
8. Stroll the Coast Path
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Salcombe is to absorb the epic coastal surroundings and tranquil estuary valley from a mountaineering path. The South West Coast Path offers some attractive walks in each instructions, with routes to go well with all skills. Under are a few of the greatest coastal walks close to Salcombe:
- Bolberry Down, 1.7 mile round. Discover the wildlife-rich clifftop downs by way of a flat, easy-to-follow path.
- Kingswear to Brownstone Battery, 5 mile round. Begin from North Sands Automotive Park and observe the coast path west to Bolt Head, returning inland by means of Tor Woods.
- Salcombe to Gara Rock, 4 miles every approach. 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 Automotive 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 largely 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, dwelling to marine life corresponding to seahorses, fan mussels, and stalked jellyfish (in contrast to 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 a few of 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 – one of the in style 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 along with your ft within the sand at this attractive restaurant.
- Victoria Inn – in all probability the perfect pub in Salcombe, with nice meals.
- King’s Arms – one other nice pub in Salcombe. The terrace is beautiful on sunny days.
- South Sands Resort Restaurant – relaxed luxurious overlooking South Sands Seashore with a stunning terrace in summer time.
- The Jetty at Harbour Resort – high-end eating overlooking the estuary with a deal with contemporary native seafood.
- Rockfish – a brand new department of my favorite seafood chain is opening up in Salcombe very quickly, so watch this house!
11. Study to Sail with Salcombe Dinghy Crusing
Because of its place on the sheltered Kingsbridge Estuary, Salcombe is a superb place to study to sail. Salcombe Dinghy Crusing provide a number of programs – together with some for each absolute inexperienced persons.
Their Degree 1 “Begin Crusing” course takes two full days or 4 half days – a excellent intro if you wish to get into crusing. I’ve not tried this one myself, however the crusing centre comes extremely beneficial and Salcombe is a GREAT place to study.
12. Uncover the City’s Historical past on the Maritime Museum
For those who 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 Outdated Council Corridor is the proper 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 business in south Devon.
14. Soak Up Native Artwork at Salcombe Artwork Membership
Salcombe is full of so many artwork galleries it looks like its bordering on too many! Top-of-the-line in 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 remodeled into an artwork gallery for the Summer time Exhibition. Admission is free, so pop in and browse works by native artists – you would possibly even end up a singular memento to take dwelling.
The Artwork Membership additionally host common artwork courses and workshops for members – so in the event 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 Seashore 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 condominium 4 The Attain (extra on that under) was riiiiight subsequent door to the fabulous Harbour Seashore Membership Resort which is dwelling to a divine spa.
The Seashore Membership Spa is small however excellent: there’s a 12m pool, sauna, steam room, and a hydrotherapy pool beneath a glass roof. The very best half is the large floor-to-ceiling home windows alongside the pool which look out onto the luxurious inexperienced countryside round South Sands. The proper place to unwind in spite of everything that point exploring the coast!
High tip: friends at 4 The Attain can get discounted spa entry (or a free go in the event you drop my identify while you guide 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, it is advisable head to Salcombe Dairy. This family-owned ice cream firm is a Devon establishment, and also you’ll see it being offered all around the Southwest.
At their manufacturing facility store on Island St, you possibly can 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 possibly can sit with an ice cream or sizzling drink and watch the world go by.
Throughout the street in Hannaford’s Touchdown, it’s also possible to go to Salcombe Dairy’s new Chocolate Manufacturing unit. Watch the complete chocolate-making course of from bean to bar by means of the glass dividing partitions that separate the store from the manufacturing facility. Make sure to strive the interactive tasting machines. And, in fact, choose up a number of chocolatey treats whilst you’re there.
The place to Keep in Salcombe
On my most up-to-date journey, I stayed at 4 The Attain, a stupendous luxurious condominium overlooking South Sands Seashore (the keep was gifted, I paid for every thing else).
Get the Tour: Click on right here to look at the video I made displaying a full tour of the property!
This can be a beautiful two-bedroom condominium subsequent door to the Harbour Seashore Membership in South Sands – about an 8-minute drive from the centre of Salcombe. It’s model new and has been adorned to absolute perfection: a easy, minimalist fashion with plenty of mild 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 superb views of the seashore). The huge open-plan residing space has every thing you want for a calming keep, but in addition plenty of cute little further touches: just like the chess set between two reclining chairs for lazy afternoons, and the document participant within the nook in the event you fancy a celebration.
I significantly liked the large, high-spec TV and sound system – ideally suited for a night in after a protracted day exploring. You’ll be able to prepare 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 night time. Goals.
All the things is top of the range 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 resort room vibes, with plush bedding and generously sized TVs. Each bedrooms even have roomy ensuite loos; stylishly adorned with rainfall showers and double sinks.
I completely liked my keep at 4 The Attain – the proper place for a seashore vacation in Salcombe.
4 The Attain Vacation House Particular Supply
The property’s proprietor can also be giving my followers a incredible particular provide. Point out my identify (Emily Luxton) while you guide 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 can solely work while you guide by means 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 Fort, or discover Agatha Christie’s former vacation dwelling 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 full of 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 related to the mainland by a sandbar. At low tide, you possibly can 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 seashore. 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 dwelling to Slapton Ley, a lagoon reduce off from the ocean by a skinny strip of seashore. Close by, the windswept headland Begin Level is nice for coast walks and hidden coves – don’t miss Begin Level Lighthouse for wonderful sea views.
Issues to do in Salcombe: Quicklist and Map
- Get pleasure from Salcombe’s Stunning Seashores
- Unbiased Buying on Fore St and Island St
- Take a Ferry Trip 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 Seashore 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
Have you learnt any extra nice issues to do in or close to Salcombe? Scroll all the way down to share your suggestions within the feedback!
