Salcombe
Salcombe is famous for its coastal views and the surrounding countryside, as well as for being a haven for sailors. Salcombe is a great place for anyone wanting to spend their time playing in the water, whether it is just for the day or for a few days.
Salcombe is a beautiful coastal town sitting on the banks of the Salcombe Estuary. It is within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is one of the prettiest towns in the south of the region.
Watersports in Salcombe
Whether you want to try sailing, kayaking, surfing, paddle boarding or something else entirely, everyone loves the waters and local beaches. There are beautiful golden sands and several beaches to choose from. South and North Sands are ideal family beaches and just across the estuary, you will find East Portlemouth, which can be accessed via a ferry. To the west of the town, you’ll find Bigbury on Sea and Burgh Island, which is accessed at high tide by a historic sea tractor and is the home of one of the oldest pubs in the country.
Explore the South West Coast Path from Salcombe
For anyone who enjoys being out and about, you can join the South West Coast Path. The path will take you alongside the spectacular coastline at your own leisure.
If you fancy exercising your card rather than your body, Salcombe town is full of pretty boutique shops, where you’ll find high street brands and independent producers, as well as art galleries and gift shops. You can spend hours browsing through the town and markets. Salcombe is known for hosting some of the best restaurants and bars in Devon, where you’ll find locally caught seafood and locally farmed produce. As well as regionally-made ice cream and award-winning gin. For anyone looking for a holiday destination, Salcombe has a whole host of luxury accommodation, from spa hotels, holiday cottages and quaint B&Bs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Salcombe have a sandy beach?
There are several beaches around Salcombe, including Salcombe North Sands, South Sands, Sunny Cove, Mill Bay, East Portlemouth, Salcombe Outer beach, Small's Cove, Moor Sand Cliffs and Gara Rock Beach, all of which are sandy.
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Can you swim at the beach in Salcombe?
Yes, swimming is a popular activity in Salcombe, especially at North Sands beach, which is home to several Wild Swimming groups. There are life guards at many of the local beaches during the summer months, and red and yellow flags on display, to help you stay within safe zones.
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What is the closest airport to Salcombe?
The nearest airport to Salcombe is Exeter International Airport, which is around 37 miles away. The airport caters for both domestic and international journeys and has excellent transport links to help you on your onward journey.
Exeter International Airport
What is the nearest train station to Salcombe?
There isn't a train station in Salcombe, the nearest station is in Totnes, where you can catch a bus or a taxi to connect you to Salcombe. A taxi rank is available adjacent to platform 1. You can find information about onward bus services and other transport links via the website below.
Find out more about travelling to Salcombe via train
Does Salcombe have a ferry?
Yes, there are several ferry services that run from Salcombe, including The Salcombe Ferry which provides a daily service every half an hour until 5pm; The South Sands Ferry which runs between Whitestrand, in the centre of Salcombe, and the picturesque beach of South Sands; and the Kingsbridge to Salcombe Ferry which offers panoramic views of the harbour.
Find out more about ferries in Salcombe
Are dogs allowed on Salcombe beach?
There are a number of dog friendly beaches in Devon, many beaches allow dogs all year round, many have dog restricted sections and a few where a dog ban is in operation. Some of the beaches around Salcombe are open to dogs, North Sands Beach is welome to dogs all year round.
Please check local signage for the most up to date information on Devon’s beaches as this information could change at any time and a number of beaches make changes during peak seasons.
Find out about dog friendly beaches here